Title:The Activated Endocannabinoid System in Atherosclerosis: Driving Force or Protective Mechanism?
Volume: 16
Issue: 4
Author(s): Sabine Steffens and Pal Pacher
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cannabinoid receptor CB1, CB2, diacylglycerol lipase, eicosanoid, fatty acid amide hydrolase, monoacylglycerol
lipase.
Abstract: Atherosclerosis and its major acute complications, myocardial infarction and stroke, are the
leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide. Despite major advances in cardiovascular intervention
and healthcare, improving preventive care and treatment remains a continuous mission for cardiovascular
research. Within the last 10 to 15 years, the endocannabinoid system has emerged as an important
lipid signaling system involved in many biological processes. Growing evidence suggests that
an overactive endocannabinoid-CB1 receptor signaling promotes the development of cardiovascular risk factors such as
obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. This prompted an increasing interest in studying the role of the endocannabinoid
system in atherosclerosis. As opposed to the detrimental actions of CB1 signaling, the endocannabinoid-CB2 receptor
axis exhibits an anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective role. We will review recent findings from experimental and clinical
studies aimed at understanding the complex actions of endocannabinoid signaling in cardiovascular disease. This is
followed by an outlook on emerging targets for possible therapeutic intervention.
