Abstract
Endogenous cannabinoids are ubiquitous lipid-signaling molecules able to partially mimic the actions produced by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound responsible for most of the psychological effects of marijuana. Endocannabinoids are derived from arachidonic acid and are involved in many physiological effects. This family of substances includes anandamide (arachidonylethanolamide), 2-arachydonylglycerol, noladin ether and virodhamine. The interaction of these substances with CB1 and CB2 receptors results in most of their biological effects. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular dysfunction occurring in advanced liver disease and also plays a role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis. Moreover, this system is also altered in other processes associated with hepatic dysfunction, including encephalopathy, obesity and steatosis. These findings indicate that the endocannabinoid system may open new avenues for the therapeutic regulation of fibrosis and portal hypertension in advanced liver disease.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology
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Animals
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Apoptosis / physiology
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Ascites / physiopathology
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Blood Pressure / drug effects
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Blood Pressure / physiology
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / antagonists & inhibitors
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / pharmacology
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / physiology*
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / therapeutic use*
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Energy Metabolism / drug effects
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Energy Metabolism / physiology
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Fatty Acids / metabolism
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Hepatic Stellate Cells / drug effects
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Hepatic Stellate Cells / pathology
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Humans
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Inflammation / drug therapy
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Inflammation / physiopathology
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Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / drug therapy
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Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / physiopathology
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Liver Diseases / drug therapy
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Liver Diseases / metabolism
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Liver Diseases / physiopathology
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Mice
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Monocytes / metabolism
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Myocardial Contraction / drug effects
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Myocardial Contraction / physiology
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Obesity / drug therapy
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Obesity / metabolism
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Obesity / physiopathology
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Rats
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Receptors, Cannabinoid / drug effects
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Receptors, Cannabinoid / physiology
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Splanchnic Circulation / drug effects
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Splanchnic Circulation / physiology
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Vascular Resistance / drug effects
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Vascular Resistance / physiology
Substances
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Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
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Fatty Acids
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Receptors, Cannabinoid
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AMP-Activated Protein Kinases