Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) favors the intake and storage of energy by acting through both central and peripheral mechanisms. In particular, the ECS is present in the adipose tissue, where endocannabinoids affect adipocyte proliferation, differentiation, and secretion. Stimulation of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in white adipocytes increases glucose uptake and lipogenesis, while inhibiting lipolysis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adipocyte transdifferentiation. Similarly, in brown adipocytes, CB1 activation decreases mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenic capacity. Overall, ECS-driven processes in the adipocyte therefore lead to energy preservation and can contribute to obesity under conditions of energy surfeit. This review provides an up-to-date overview on the role of the ECS in adipocyte physiology and of its involvement in obesity and metabolic disease.
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