Jacob Bell
New Member
Emerging role of cannabinoids in gastrointestinal and liver diseases: basic and clinical aspects
A A Izzo1,
M Camilleri2
- Author Affiliations
1
Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II and Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy
2
Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
Professor A A Izzo, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, via D Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy; aaizzo@unina.it
Revised 18 March 2008
Accepted 20 March 2008
Published Online First 8 April 2008
Abstract
A multitude of physiological effects and putative pathophysiological roles have been proposed for the endogenous cannabinoid system in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. These range from effects on epithelial growth and regeneration, immune function, motor function, appetite control, fibrogenesis and secretion. Cannabinoids have the potential for therapeutic application in gut and liver diseases. Two exciting therapeutic applications in the area of reversing hepatic fibrosis as well as antineoplastic effects may have a significant impact in these diseases. This review critically appraises the experimental and clinical evidence supporting the clinical application of cannabinoid receptor-based drugs in gastrointestinal, liver and pancreatic diseases. Application of modern pharmacological principles will most probably expand the selective modulation of the cannabinoid system peripherally in humans. We anticipate that, in addition to the approval in several countries of the CB1 antagonist, rimonabant, for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions, other cannabinoid modulators are likely to have an impact on human disease in the future, including hepatic fibrosis and neoplasia.
Source: Emerging role of cannabinoids in gastrointestinal and liver diseases: basic and clinical aspects
A A Izzo1,
M Camilleri2
- Author Affiliations
1
Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II and Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy
2
Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (CENTER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
Professor A A Izzo, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, via D Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy; aaizzo@unina.it
Revised 18 March 2008
Accepted 20 March 2008
Published Online First 8 April 2008
Abstract
A multitude of physiological effects and putative pathophysiological roles have been proposed for the endogenous cannabinoid system in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. These range from effects on epithelial growth and regeneration, immune function, motor function, appetite control, fibrogenesis and secretion. Cannabinoids have the potential for therapeutic application in gut and liver diseases. Two exciting therapeutic applications in the area of reversing hepatic fibrosis as well as antineoplastic effects may have a significant impact in these diseases. This review critically appraises the experimental and clinical evidence supporting the clinical application of cannabinoid receptor-based drugs in gastrointestinal, liver and pancreatic diseases. Application of modern pharmacological principles will most probably expand the selective modulation of the cannabinoid system peripherally in humans. We anticipate that, in addition to the approval in several countries of the CB1 antagonist, rimonabant, for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions, other cannabinoid modulators are likely to have an impact on human disease in the future, including hepatic fibrosis and neoplasia.
Source: Emerging role of cannabinoids in gastrointestinal and liver diseases: basic and clinical aspects
