Cannabinoids: Implications in Liver Disease

BRUSCO ALICIA; CALTANA L

Chronic Liver Disease: From Molecular Biology to Therapy

Nova Science Pub Inc

Año: 2017; p. 1 - 8

Cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands and the enzymes for synthesis and degradation are the components of the endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, there are both natural cannabinoids, such as phytocannabinoids including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol, and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is expressed in liver including hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells while Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is expressed in hepatocytes in patients with cirrhosis.Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and CB1R are up-regulated in experimental model liver disease, as hepatocarcinoma. Phytocannabinoids and eCBs have anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells, inhibiting proliferation and stimulating apoptosis in cancer cell lines.Experimental data remain controversial about cannabinoids and hepatic protection. For example, while CB1R is to related in the development of steatosis, CBR2 shows a protective effect on the damaged liver. Cannabinoid treatment of liver pathologies should also consider its implications in psychiatric disorders due to its psychotropic effects. In this context, Cannabidiol (CBD) is a promissory compound without this psychotropic impact.