Targeting The Endocannabinoid System: To Enhance Or Reduce?

[in vivo]

Vincenzo Di Marzo

Abstract | As our understanding of the endocannabinoids improves, so does the awareness

of their complexity. During pathological states, the levels of these mediators in tissues

change, and their effects vary from those of protective endogenous compounds to those of

dysregulated signals. These observations led to the discovery of compounds that either

prolong the lifespan of endocannabinoids or tone down their action for the potential future

treatment of pain, affective and neurodegenerative disorders, gastrointestinal inflammation,

obesity and metabolic dysfunctions, cardiovascular conditions and liver diseases. When

moving to the clinic, however, the pleiotropic nature of endocannabinoid functions will

require careful judgement in the choice of patients and stage of the disorder for treatment.

 

Targeting the endocannabinoid system: to enhance or reduce?

 

 

This is a type of cannabinoid treatment that I don't think is currently being taken full advantage of.

Edited September 20, 2013 by in vivo