Endocannabinoids as Biomarkers of Human Diseases

Joseph Tam, Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (reutl@bioforum.co.il)

Accumulating evidence from preclinical studies demonstrates that the endocannabinoid signaling system is involved in almost all diseases affecting humans. Whereas hyperactivity of the endocannabinoid system contributes to excessive intake and storage of high-calorie foods and lipogenesis, endocannabinoid hypoactivity is a risk factor for the development of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic disorders.

Assessment of circulating endocannabinoids has been an important approach to the assessment of endocannabinoid signaling in humans. The endocannabinoids are present in the human circulation and their concentrations are dynamics. They come from multiple organs and tissues, including brain, muscle, liver, adipose tissue, and circulating cells, and due to their lipophilic nature they enter into the circulation and may serve as indirect biomarkers of tissue endocannabinoid tone.

The data to be presented in this presentation will shed light on several important questions regarding circulating endocannabinoids, including: What are the endocannabinoids? How to measure them in the circulation? What are their physiological and pathological roles? May relative concentrations of circulating endocannabinoids serve as useful biomarkers?