HIGHLIGHTS
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Emphasize the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and go beyond understanding direct pharmacological action.
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Comment regarding the interactions between the endocannabinoid system and other receptor families such as TRPs and PPARs.
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Point out potential promising targets for future research.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Pharmaceutical preparations of cannabis have been used by mankind since long time ago, and recently they have been the pharmaceutical industry’s focus. However, for proper therapeutic application, in-depth knowledge of the endocannabinoid system, which is made mainly by lipid signaling, is needed. The purpose of this study was to explore the current understanding of the players in this system, paying special attention to the molecular machinery required to process it.
CONTENTS:
This is a narrative review of the current literature regarding major components of the endocannabinoid system, in particular: the receptors, main endogenous ligands, and the enzymes responsible for its components processing. The pharmacological and preclinical aspects were emphasized.
CONCLUSION:
The better comprehension of the molecular structure of receptors and enzymes will be crucial to developing new pharmacological strategies. A detailed description of the machinery responsible for endocannabinoid lipid metabolization will pave the way for the discovery of new drugs that act on the endogenous system and that can be applied effectively in clinical practice.
Keywords
Cannabinoids; Membrane lipids; Pharmacology