The endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of energy balance and metabolism. Endocannabinoids have central effects with raising appetite and hunger. On the other hand, different components of the endocannabinoid system are also found in peripheral organs and tissues and they could impact the lipid and glucose metabolism. Obesity is associated with an overactivity of the endocannabinoid system with increased both plasmatic and visceral adipose tissue levels. The amount of the intra-abdominal fat mass is an indicator of the peripheral endocannabinoid system dysregulation. Endocannabinoids-like molecules with more pronounced peripheral effects on lipids and glucose metabolism could be a new target of obesity treatment.

PMID:

 23596738
[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]