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Review
. 2022 Mar 14;11(3):440.
doi: 10.3390/biology11030440.

Endocannabinoid Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: In Pursuit of Certainty

Alexandru Vasincu  1 , Răzvan-Nicolae Rusu  1 , Daniela-Carmen Ababei  1 , Mădălina Larion  2   3 , Walther Bild  4   5 , Gabriela Dumitrița Stanciu  6 , Carmen Solcan  7 , Veronica Bild  1   5   6
Affiliations
Review

Endocannabinoid Modulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: In Pursuit of Certainty

Alexandru Vasincu et al. Biology (Basel). .

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are an increasing cause of global morbidity and mortality. They occur in the central nervous system (CNS) and lead to functional and mental impairment due to loss of neurons. Recent evidence highlights the link between neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases of the CNS. These are typically associated with several neurological disorders. These diseases have fundamental differences regarding their underlying physiology and clinical manifestations, although there are aspects that overlap. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is comprised of receptors (type-1 (CB1R) and type-2 (CB2R) cannabinoid-receptors, as well as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)), endogenous ligands and enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids (ECBs). Recent studies revealed the involvement of the ECS in different pathological aspects of these neurodegenerative disorders. The present review will explore the roles of cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) and pharmacological agents that modulate CBRs or ECS activity with reference to Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Huntington's Disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Keywords: Alzheimer’s; Huntington’s; Parkinson’s; endocannabinoid system; multiple sclerosis; neurodegenerative; phytocannabinoids.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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