Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science) ›› 2024, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (10): 1299-1306.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2024.10.012

• Review • Previous Articles    

Research progress in the role of endo cannabinoid system in liver diseases

BIAN Shu1(), YU Qian1, LIU Liangming1,2()   

  1. 1.Department of Infection, Shanghai Songjiang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 201600, China
    2.Department of Infection, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
  • Received:2024-04-22 Accepted:2024-06-04 Online:2024-10-28 Published:2024-10-28
  • Contact: LIU Liangming E-mail:stacybian@163.com;liuliangming@shsmu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(81770612);Science and Technology Research of Songjiang District Science and Technology Commission in Shanghai(2023SJKJGG027)

Abstract:

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of a variety of long-chain unsaturated fatty acid analogs, mainly anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoniyl glycerol (2-AG), along with their specific binding G protein-coupled receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R). It affects the life process and biological activity of almost all cells in the body by influencing cell material and energy metabolism. In the liver, the physiological expression of ECS is at a low level. The expression and secretion of ECS in the liver can be strongly stimulated by liver injury factors. ECS acts as a trigger in multiple liver diseases. It is known to be related to the process of hepatocyte steatosis and promote the formation and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). It is involved in the inflammatory processes of liver diseases and greatly affects the immune-inflammatory response in liver tissue. It is also involved in the formation of liver fibers and promotes the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Finally, the role and mechanisms of ECS in the occurrence and development of liver diseases are elaborated in detail by listing lipid metabolism-related liver diseases (NAFLD and ALD) and other liver diseases.

Key words: endocannabinoid system (ECS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), liver injury, hepatic fibrosis

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