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Dysregulation of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Correlates with Increased Obesity

May 13, 2020 ,

The influence of the fatty acid amide hydrolase 385C_A single nucleotide polymorphisms on obesity susceptibility

In summary

A recent study has revealed the positive correlation of fatty acid amine hydrolase (FAAH) polymorphisms with increased obesity rates in Iranian women. FAAH is a regulatory enzyme in the endocannabinoid system that is important for the inactivation of endogenous cannabinoids and has previously been associated with the obese phenotype. It was specifically found that two different genotypes of the 385 C/A polymorphism of FAAH increased the probability of obesity risk almost two times. Further research should focus on the possible screening of polymorphisms of the FAAH enzyme in order to advise those at an increased risk of developing obesity, and perhaps developing a weight management medication that targets FAAH and the endocannabinoid system. 

The “munchies” is a well-known side effect of cannabis consumption popularized by derogatory or humorous characterizations of chronic cannabis users, such as stoner/surfer Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Cannabinoids and terpenes have been shown to have various effects on weight management and appetite stimulation, including appetite suppression. Cannabis-based medication to aid in the recovery of anorexia nervosa are currently being researched due to the anxiolytic effects and appetite stimulation, but some terpenes like humulene have recently been featured for their appetite suppressant capabilities. Further research should be conducted to fully develope the various weight management medications that cannabis has the ability to produce. 

The study is available for review or download here

The-infuence-of-the-fatty-acid-amide-hydrolase-385CA-single-nucleotide-polymorphisms-on-obesity-susceptibilityDownload

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Benjamin Caplan, MDDysregulation of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Correlates with Increased Obesity
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Cannabinoids Further Demonstrate Therapeutic Potential in Interactions with Adrenaline and Serotonin Systems

November 7, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Regulation of noradrenergic and serotonergic systems by cannabinoids: relevance to cannabinoid-induced effects

In Summary:

Among many system-wide interactive effects, the noradrenergic and serotonergic hormone/signaling systems are responsible for pain, mood, arousal, wakefulness, learning, anxiety, and feelings of reward. A recent review dives deeper into the interactions between cannabinoids and these two systems: cannabinoids play roles in exciting, inhibiting, and regulating the nerve activity and feedback of both the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. This data further underscores the therapeutic potential of cannabis for conditions such as depression, chronic pain, and insomnia, all of which are mediated, at least in part, by these systems. Further research may uncover more specific therapies targeted toward the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems and their interactions with cannabinoids.

Dr. Caplan and the #MDTake:

It would be shocking to imagine that, in addition to the usual fruits and vegetables on display at supermarkets, all of a sudden, there was a new category of healthy food. Similarly, the recognition that cannabinoids play a central role in animal physiology is embarrassingly recent. Surveying a sea of illnesses that have become increasingly common, over the last hundred years, before which cannabis was a common household product, also begs the question about a relationship between the circumstances. Might some of the common maladies of modern medicine be attributable to a cannabinoid deficiency syndrome?

A Schematic overview for regulation of NA/LC and 5-HT/DRN cells by the CB1 receptor
Neurochemical Evidence for cannabinoid-induced effects
Electrophysiological evidence for acute effects of cannabinoids on neuronal activity
Neurochemical evidence for cannabinoid-induced effects in the locus coeruleus
Functional evidence fo cannabinoid-induced effects
Electrophysiological evidence for acute effects of cannabinoids

View this review (yellow link) or download:

Regulation of noradrenergic and serotonergic systems by cannabinoids: relevance to cannabinoid-induced effectsDownload

This paper is also stored here:      http://bit.ly/2pS3mMn    inside the CED Foundation Archive

To explore related information, click the keywords below:

Benjamin Caplan, MDCannabinoids Further Demonstrate Therapeutic Potential in Interactions with Adrenaline and Serotonin Systems
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Genes in the Endocannabinoid and Opioid Systems may Provide Biomarkers of Obesity

July 16, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence for a Distinct Regulation of Mu Opioid and Type 1 Cannabinoid Receptor Genes Expression in Obesity

Researchers have recently found that alterations of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) and mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1)  contribute to the development of obesity. This phenomenon was shown in rat models who were given a high-fat diet and humans currently dealing with obesity. Due to the possibility of the up-regulation of CNR1 and OPRM1 providing a mechanism for developing the obesity phenotype, those two genes could serve as biomarkers for obesity. Fortunately, the up-regulation of CNR1 and OPRM1 is reversible and may also provide a target for combatting obesity and encouraging weight loss in obese individuals. 

Highlighted here are the interactions of the endocannabinoid and opioid systems. Contradictory evidence concerning the interaction of the two systems has come out in recent years making it difficult to come to any conclusions. The endocannabinoid system has been thought to provide a safe and effective method for combatting the opioid crisis. Opioids are highly addictive and dangerous, but they are an efficient way to minimize pain which has kept them in mainstream medicine. Opioids have led to countless overdoses in recent decades causing researchers to search for a more ethical option for pain relief. Cannabis has a much better safety profile, poses no risk of overdose, and offers a welcome change of pace to traditional choices. Conclusive research is still needed to confirm, and reconfirm the details.

View this review (yellow link) or download:

This paper is also stored here:    http://bit.ly/2xOhoPE     inside the CED Foundation Archive

Benjamin Caplan, MDGenes in the Endocannabinoid and Opioid Systems may Provide Biomarkers of Obesity
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New Extraction Methods for “Polyphenols” Benefits Future Research

June 14, 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Citrus peels waste as a source of value-added compounds- extraction and quantification of bioactive polyphenols

A recent study has exposed a more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable extraction method for polyphenols (specific active chemical compounds) from citrus peels. One such polyphenol is Naringin, a flavonoid present in lemon peels, which has been hypothesized to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as, potentially, to help treat obesity. This new extraction method will allow researchers to discover more definite therapeutic effects of polyphenols in citrus peels.

View this review (yellow link) or download:

Citrus peels waste as a source of value-added compounds- extraction and quantification of bioactive polyphenolsDownload

This paper is also stored here:    http://bit.ly/2F7XrXY    inside the CED Foundation Archive

To explore related information, click keywords below:

Benjamin Caplan, MDNew Extraction Methods for “Polyphenols” Benefits Future Research
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Obesity, Cannabis, and Gender Differences

May 31, 2019 , ,

The endocannabinoid system regulates energy homeostasis and is linked to obesity development, but the exact dynamic and brain regulation, during obesity progression, is incompletely understood. This study is the first of its kind to look at the time course of responses in two normal, inborn endocannabinoids, 2-AG and Anandamide, in male and female mice during diet-induced obesity. They also explore changes in brown adipose tissue, which help to control body heat and weight. They look at changes in blood levels associated with high-fat diets and over-feeding. Interestingly, they found that changes are sexually dimorphic: hypothalamic cannabinoid levels were higher in female mice, who became obese at later time points than males. This study contributes to the understanding of hypothalamic regulation of obesity, which currently affects nearly 1/3 of the world’s population. http://bit.ly/2QCrA4M

Benjamin Caplan, MDObesity, Cannabis, and Gender Differences
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