The cannabinoid system comprises the chemically diverse, plant-derived phytocannabinoids, the body’s endogenous cannabinoids (the endocannabinoids), and the cannabinoid receptors conveying the biological effects thereof. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are fundamental regulators of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, however, beyond this classical neuromodulatory role, cannabinoids have vital functions outside the nervous system.
Over the last two decades, endocannabinoids as well as phytocannabinoids emerged as modulators of cellular processes in practically all peripheral organs. Prominently, the pleiotropic actions of cannabinoids in metabolic and endocrine tissues typically promote energy conservation and predispose the body to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and their associated complications. These conditions are among the global health threats of the 21st century and the modulation of cannabinoid receptors holds a great promise in their treatment. Additionally, the recreational and/or medical use of cannabinoids are gaining momentum and legitimacy in many countries. Therefore, understanding the metabolic and endocrine actions of cannabinoids as well as the exact molecular mechanism behind their effects is of vital importance.
In an outstanding previous Frontiers research topic on Cannabinoid Therapeutics, a comprehensive picture of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in a wide range of disorders was presented. Here we welcome articles exploring i) the diverse molecular mechanism of cannabinoid action ii) the (patho)physiological role of cannabinoids in energy metabolism iii) cannabinoid effects in endocrine tissues iv) the cannabinoid-mediated perturbation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism v) the potential use of cannabinoids for the treatment of metabolic-related disorders.
With our selection, we hope to give the reader a general idea, a sort of snapshot regarding the most relevant questions of cannabinoid actions within the metabolic/endocrine system.
The cannabinoid system comprises the chemically diverse, plant-derived phytocannabinoids, the body’s endogenous cannabinoids (the endocannabinoids), and the cannabinoid receptors conveying the biological effects thereof. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are fundamental regulators of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, however, beyond this classical neuromodulatory role, cannabinoids have vital functions outside the nervous system.
Over the last two decades, endocannabinoids as well as phytocannabinoids emerged as modulators of cellular processes in practically all peripheral organs. Prominently, the pleiotropic actions of cannabinoids in metabolic and endocrine tissues typically promote energy conservation and predispose the body to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and their associated complications. These conditions are among the global health threats of the 21st century and the modulation of cannabinoid receptors holds a great promise in their treatment. Additionally, the recreational and/or medical use of cannabinoids are gaining momentum and legitimacy in many countries. Therefore, understanding the metabolic and endocrine actions of cannabinoids as well as the exact molecular mechanism behind their effects is of vital importance.
In an outstanding previous Frontiers research topic on Cannabinoid Therapeutics, a comprehensive picture of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in a wide range of disorders was presented. Here we welcome articles exploring i) the diverse molecular mechanism of cannabinoid action ii) the (patho)physiological role of cannabinoids in energy metabolism iii) cannabinoid effects in endocrine tissues iv) the cannabinoid-mediated perturbation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism v) the potential use of cannabinoids for the treatment of metabolic-related disorders.
With our selection, we hope to give the reader a general idea, a sort of snapshot regarding the most relevant questions of cannabinoid actions within the metabolic/endocrine system.