El sistema endocannabinoide como diana para reducir el riesgo cardiometabólico y la obesidad

Overweight and obesity have reached pandemic dimensions, and are associated with other cardiometabolic risk factors,such as; atherogenic dyslipemia, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and dysglycemia, as well as a pro-inflammatory and thrombotic states. The aim of this review is to show the recent discovery of a novel endogenic system, called endocannabinoid system, involved in obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Recently, fat tissue has been recognized as a humoral organ expressing and secreting some adipokines, such as: leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and many cytokines including alfa-tumoral necrosis factor, and interleukin 6. As consequence of this grouping of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, the lifeexpectancy of overweight and obese patients is decreased compared to individuals of normal weight. The authors present the findings of some preclinical and clinical studies showing effects dependent of its blockade on control of energyhomeostasis and metabolic parameters. The need of a new approach to controlling overweight and its related risk factors is emphasised, based in its pathogenesis, including blocking of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in regulation of food ingestion, and in the emergence of pro-atherogenic factors.