Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science) ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (12): 1694-1700.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2025.12.016

• Review • Previous Articles    

Advances in effects of cannabinoid receptor type 1 on drug-induced cardiotoxicity

BO Yiming, CUI Qinghuan, LI Liliang()   

  1. School of Forensic Medicine and Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
  • Received:2025-07-29 Accepted:2025-10-13 Online:2025-12-28 Published:2025-12-28
  • Contact: LI Liliang E-mail:liliang_li@fudan.edu.cn

Abstract:

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity, as a major global public health challenge, has led to substantial consumption of medical resources and significant economic losses. Recent studies have revealed that the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) plays an important role in various types of drug-induced cardiac injury. This article systematically reviews the molecular characteristics of CB1R and its dual roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, with a focus on its molecular mechanisms in cardiotoxicity induced by antipsychotics, anticancer drugs, cannabis, and synthetic cannabinoids. As a key component of the endocannabinoid system, CB1R is widely distributed in cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Under normal physiological conditions, it contributes to the homeostatic regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiovascular contractile activity. It participates in pathological processes, including cardiac electrophysiological disturbances, inflammatory responses, and myocardial fibrosis, through modulation of ion channel activity, release of inflammatory factors, and oxidative/nitrative stress. It is also involved in the mechanisms underlying drug-induced cardiotoxicity. CB1R represents a common pathway in the cardiotoxicity of multiple drugs and may become an important target for the prevention and treatment of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Future research needs to further elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of CB1R under different pathological conditions and explore precise interventions targeting CB1R to balance therapeutic benefits of drugs against cardiovascular risks.

Key words: cardiotoxicity, cannabinoid receptor, antipsychotic, anti-cancer drug, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoid

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