비만과 Endocannabinoid System

Obesity and Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabionid system (EC system) has recently emerged as an important regulator of appetite and peripheral fat metabolism. Two cannabinoid receptors, named CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor were discovered. CB1 receptor is mainly expressed in the brain, especially in the hypothalamus, whereas CB2 receptor is expressed in immune cells. EC system modulates rewarding properties of food by acting at specific mesolimbic areas in the brain. EC system was recently shown to control metabolic functions by acting on adipocytes, hepatocytes, and the gastrointestinal tract through animal models. The antagonist of CB1 receptor, rimonabant has shown to be effective on weight reduction and improvement of cardiometabolic factors in four large phase III clinical trials, and then may be as promising candidates for the treatment of obesity and related cardiometabolic status.