Adipocytes: Potential link between endocannabinoid system and atherosclerosis

Obesity is an increasing problem, with a growing number of people worldwide classed as overweight and at high risk for developing other serious conditions, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. The expansion of the size and number of adipocytes is the key characteristic of obesity. Rimonabant, a novel anti-obesity drug, not only exhibits its central effects such as reducing food intake but also influences lipid metabolism in adipocytes through blocking endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system has multiple biological effects, and it has become new target of cardiometabolic risk control. Recently, the connection of adiopocytes and atherosclerosis has been extensively explored. It is believed that adipocytes play critical roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Adipocyte is itself recognized as an important site of production of inflammation-related proteins (adipokines), which is influenced by energy and lipid metabolism in adipocytes. The endocannabinoid system may regulate lipogenesis and adipokines' production in adipocytes. We hypothesize that adipocytes will be a link between endocannabinoid system and atherosclerosis. Exploring the effect and mechanism of endocannabinoid system on adipocyte is thus likely to be very helpful for further understanding the critical role that adipocytes plays in the development and progress of obesity and atherosclerosis, and may provide potential therapeutic options for obesity and atherosclerosis.