2014 Aug 27. pii: S0149-7634(14)00206-1. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.08.008. [Epub ahead of print]

Endocannabinoid signaling and food addiction.

D’Addario C1, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV2, Pucci M3, Romano A4, Gaetani S4, Ciccocioppo R2, Cifani C2, Maccarrone M5.

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Abstract

Overeating, frequently linked to an increasing incidence of overweight and obesity, has become epidemic and one of the leading global health problems. To explain the development of this eating behavior, new hypotheses involve the concept that many people might be addicted to food by losing control over their ability to regulate food intake. Among the different neurotransmitter networks that partake in the reward circuitry within the brain, a large body of evidence supports the involvement of the endocannabinoid system. Indeed, its dysfunctions might contribute to food addiction, by regulating appetite and food preference through central and peripheral mechanisms. Here, we review and discuss the role of endocannabinoid signaling in the reward circuitry, and the possible therapeutic exploitation of strategies based on its fine regulation.
Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.