Endocannabinoids: the lipid effectors of metabolic regulation in health and disease

Abstract Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous lipid mediators that activate the cannabinoid-1 and -2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R, respectively), which mediate the effects of marijuana. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), consisting of eCBs, their receptors and the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, is present in the central nervous system as well as in various peripheral tissues. The present chapter discusses accumulating evidence indicating that the ECS is involved in modulating energy homeostasis, adipose tissue metabolism, glucose and insulin balance as well as hepatic lipogenesis in health and metabolic diseases.