Basic Research Different Expression and Function of the Endocannabinoid System in Human Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Relation to Heart Disease

Background: The endocannabinoid system reportedly plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. This system is expressed also in adipose tissue, which could thus be involved in cardiac disorders through modulation of metabolically triggered inflammation. The current study aims to determine the relevance of the endocannabinoid system in epicardial adipose tissue in heart disease. Methods: Expression of the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme, fatty acid amidohydrolase, and activation of protein kinase A (PKA), phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible (i)NOS, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) (a member of the reperfusion-injury salvage kinase