Metabolism of endocannabinoids

Journal Title: Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine - Year 2016, Vol 70, Issue

Abstract

Endocannabinoids belong to a group of ester, ether and amide derivatives of fatty acids, which are endogenous ligands of receptors CB1, CB2, TRPV1 and GPR55 that are included in the endocannabinoid system of the animal organism. The best known endocannabinoids are: N-arachidonylethanolamide called anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). They occur in all organisms, and their highest level is observed in the brain. In this review the mechanisms of synthesis and degradation of both AEA and 2-AG are shown. Endocannabinoids are synthesized from phospholipids (mainly phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol) located in the cell membrane. As a result of arachidonic acid transfer from phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine, N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine is formed, which is hydrolyzed to AEA by phospholipase D, C and A2. However, 2-AG is formed during the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol catalyzed mainly by DAGL. The primary role of endocannabinoids is the activation of cannabinoid receptors. Both AEA and 2-AG are primarily agonists of the CB1 receptor and to a lower degree CB2 and TRPV1r eceptors, but 2-AG has stronger affinity for these receptors. Through activation of receptors, endocannabinoids affect cellular metabolism and participate in the metabolic processes by receptor-independent pathways. Endocannabinoids which are not bound to the receptors are degraded. The main enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of AEA and 2-AG are FAAH and MAGL, respectively. Apart from hydrolytic degradation, endocannabinoids may also be oxidized by cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450. It has been shown that the metabolites of both endocannabinoids also have biological significance.

Authors and Affiliations

Michał Biernacki, Elżbieta Skrzydlewska

Keywords

Related Articles

Selected aspects of Clostridium difficile infection

Clostridium difficile pathogen is a cause of the most frequent nosocomial infection, which is antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotic treatment causes disruption of the microbiome balance, which makes the gut a friend...

The influence of reactive oxygen species on the central nervous system

Oxidative stress can be defined as a rise of oxidative potential or decrease of antioxidant status. Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are produced by one-electron reduction of oxygen in...

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA), the products of gut bacteria metabolism and their role in the host

Gut bacterial consortium is essential for the homeostasis of the immune system in mammals. A significant role in maintaining this balance play short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bacterial metabolites resulting from fermenta...

Phospholipids and products of their hydrolysis as dietary preventive factors for civilization diseases

The results of numerous epidemiological studies indicate that phospholipids play an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases faced by contemporary society. Firstly, these compounds are responsible for the pro...

The formation, metabolism and the evolution of blood platelets

Platelets are the smallest, depleted of nucleus blood cells which contain a typical cellular organelles including the mitochondria, so that have active metabolism. Platelets possess the highly organized cytoskeleton, spe...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP220827
  • DOI -
  • Views 157
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Michał Biernacki, Elżbieta Skrzydlewska (2016). Metabolism of endocannabinoids. Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine, 70(), 830-843. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-220827