What Role Does the Endocannabinoid System Play in the Pathogenesis of Obesity?

Schulz, Piotr; Hryhorowicz, Szymon; Rychter, Anna Maria; Zawada, Agnieszka; Słomski, Ryszard; Dobrowolska, Agnieszka; Krela-Kaźmierczak, Iwona

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous signaling system formed by specific receptors (cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 (CB(1) and CB(2))), their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation. The ECS, centrally and peripherally, is involved in various physiological processes, including regulation of energy balance, promotion of metabolic process, food intake, weight gain, promotion of fat accumulation in adipocytes, and regulation of body homeostasis; thus, its overactivity may be related to obesity. In this review, we try to explain the role of the ECS and the impact of genetic factors on endocannabinoid system modulation in the pathogenesis of obesity, which is a global and civilizational problem affecting the entire world population regardless of age. We also emphasize that the search for potential new targets for health assessment, treatment, and the development of possible therapies in obesity is of great importance.