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The Endocannabinoid System in Pediatric Inflammatory and Immune Diseases.

Authors:

Maura Argenziano, Chiara Tortora, Giulia Bellini, Alessandra Di Paola, Francesca Punzo, Francesca Rossi


Published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences

23 November 2019

 

Abstract

Endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors, their endogenous ligands, and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. CB2, to a great extent, and CB1, to a lesser extent, are involved in regulating the immune response. They also regulate the inflammatory processes by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator release and immune cell proliferation. This review provides an overview on the role of the endocannabinoid system with a major focus on cannabinoid receptors in the pathogenesis and onset of inflammatory and autoimmune pediatric diseases, such as immune thrombocytopenia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, obesity, neuroinflammatory diseases, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. These disorders have a high social impact and represent a burden for the healthcare system, hence the importance of individuating more innovative and effective treatments. The endocannabinoid system could address this need, representing a possible new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.

 

DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235875

Free PMC Article

Citation:

Argenziano M, Tortora C, Bellini G, Di Paola A, Punzo F, Rossi F. The endocannabinoid system in pediatric inflammatory and immune diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(23). doi:10.3390/ijms20235875