Role of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system

• Main Authors: Piotr Karabowicz, Emilia Grzęda, Marta Baranowska-Kuczko, Barbara Malinowska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Index Copernicus International S.A. 2014-06-01
• Series: Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej
• Subjects: 2-arachidonoylglycerol; anandamide; Endocannabinoids; Cardiovascular System
• Online Access: http://phmd.pl/gicid/01.3001.0003.1255

Cannabinoids, the active ingredients of Cannabis sativa var. indica, have been used by humans as recreational and therapeutic agents for thousands of years. This group of substances also includes synthetic ligands and, synthesized in the body of humans and animals, endocannabinoids. The best known compound classified as an endogenous cannabinoid is anandamide. However, recent studies show that another compound of this group, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), also performs many important functions in the organism. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol plays an important role in the regulation of the circulatory system via direct and/or indirect, through their metabolites, effects on blood vessels and/or heart. Accumulating evidence reveals that 2-AG is involved in the pathogenesis of various shocks and atherosclerosis. Thus, it may be a novel attractive therapeutic target. However, because of rapid metabolism and opposite effects dependent on the experimental model, the function of 2-AG still remains to be established.