Sistema endocanabinoide y desarrollo de esteatosis hepática / A role for the endocannabinoid system in hepatic steatosis
Rev. méd. Chile
;
142(3): 353-360, mar. 2014. ilus, tab
Article
in Spanish
| LILACS
| ID: lil-714360
ABSTRACT
The endocannabinoid system (SEC) is an important modulator of several metabolic functions. This system is composed by cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 (RCB1 and RCB2), their endogenous ligands, known as endocannabinoids, and the enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation. A deregulated SEC originates metabolic alterations in several tissues, resulting in the typical manifestations of the metabolic syndrome. Liver steatosis of different origins constitutes a physiopathological condition where an altered hepatic SEC is observed. In this condition, there is an increased expression of RCB1 and/or higher endocannabinoid levels in different hepatic cells, which may exert an autocrine/paracrine hyperstimulation of RCB1/RCB2. Activation of RCB1 stimulate the expression of several hepatocyte lipogenic factors, thus leading to increased de novo fatty acids synthesis and consequently to an abnormal accumulation of triglycerides. The effect of RCB2 activity on hepatic function is still controversial because, on one side its stimulation has an interesting protective effect on alcoholic liver disease while, on the other, it may enhance the development of hepatic steatosis in experimental models of diet-induced obesity. In this review we discuss the proposed mechanisms by which SEC is involved in the etiology of hepatic steatosis, as well as the therapeutic possibilities involving peripheral RCB1/RCB2 antagonism/agonism, for the treatment of this condition.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
/
Endocannabinoids
/
Fatty Liver
/
Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
Spanish
Journal:
Rev. méd. Chile
Journal subject:
Medicine
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Chile
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidad de Valparaíso/CL
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