Regulation of Adipose Tissue Metabolism by the Endocannabinoid System

Publication date: Available online 24 March 2018
Source:Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Author(s): Robin van Eenige, Mario van der Stelt, Patrick C.N. Rensen, Sander Kooijman
White adipose tissue (WAT) stores excess energy as triglycerides, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) is specialized in dissipating energy as heat. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in a broad range of physiological processes and is increasingly recognized as a key player in adipose tissue metabolism. High ECS tonus in the fed state is associated with a disadvantageous metabolic phenotype, and this has led to a search for pharmacological strategies to inhibit the ECS. In this review we present recent developments that cast light on the regulation of adipose tissue metabolism by the ECS, and we discuss novel treatment options including the modulation of endocannabinoid synthesis and breakdown enzymes.



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