The discovery of endogenous cannabinoid receptors CB and CB and their endogenous ligands has generated interest in the endocannabinoid system and has contributed to the understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system. Its role in the normal physiology of the body and its implication in pathological states such as cardiovascular diseases, neoplasm, depression and pain have been subjects of scientific interest. In this review the authors focus on the endogenous cannabinoids, and the critical role of cannabinoid receptor signaling in neurodegeneration and other inflammatory responses such as gut, joint and skin inflammation. This review also discusses the potential of endocannabinoid pathways as drug targets in the amelioration of some inflammatory conditions. Though the exact role of the endocannabinoid system is not fully understood, the evidence found much clearly points to a great potential in exploiting both its central and peripheral pathways in disease management. Cannabinoid therapy has proven promising in several preclinical and clinical trials.
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage, resulting in pain and reduced mobility. Turmeric ( L.) has been widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain inadequately explored.
Department of Neurobiology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is composed of endocannabinoids (eCBs), cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), and associated signaling molecules, has been identified within the brain. In neuropathic pain animal models and patients, long-lasting alterations in the ECS have been observed. These changes of neurons and glial cells in the ECS contribute to the modulation of neuropathic pain.
Laboratory of Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba-Brazil. Electronic address:
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a pivotal role in reproductive physiology, including gonadal development, though its influence on testis and ovary development has only recently gained attention. The ECS comprises lipid-derived ligands such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), along with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which are expressed in various gonadal cells. Emerging research indicates that ECS signaling is critical for testosterone synthesis and gonadal cell proliferation and differentiation.
The central endocannabinoid (eCB) system in brain shows a crucial role in the regulation of feeding behaviors, influencing both metabolic and non-metabolic mechanisms of appetite control, which has been paid much attention. Although there are already many review articles discussing eCB modulation of feeding behaviors, our paper attempts to summarize the recent advancements through synapses, circuits, and network in brain. Our focus is on the dual role of eCB signalling in regulating metabolic energy balance and hedonic reward-related feeding.
