The Therapeutic Aspects of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) for Cancer and their Development: From Nature to Laboratory

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a group of neuromodulatory lipids and their receptors, which are widely distributed in mammalian tissues. ECS regulates various cardiovascular, nervous, and immune system functions inside cells. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence for the use of synthetic and natural cannabinoids as potential anticancer agents. For instance, the CB1 and CB2 receptors are assumed to play an important role inside the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are abundantly expressed in the brain and fatty tissue of the human body. Despite recent developments in molecular biology, there is still a lack of knowledge about the distribution of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human kidney and their role in kidney cancer. To address this gap, we explore and demonstrate the role of the endocannabinoid system in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In this brief overview, we elucidate the therapeutic aspects of the endocannabinoid system for various cancers and explain how this system can be used for treating kidney cancer. Overall, this review provides new insights into cannabinoids’ mechanisms of action in both in vivo and in vitro models, and focuses on recent discoveries in the field.

The Endocannabinoid System: A Target for Cancer Treatment

“…It plays an important role in the organism's physiology. Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system, owing to variation in the expression and function of cannabinoid receptors or enzymes or the concentration of endocannabinoids, has been associated with several diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, inflammation, epilepsy, schizophrenia, glaucoma, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancer [3,4]. In recent years, further components have expanded this original definition of the endocannabinoid system.…”

Effects of cell-cell crosstalk on gene expression patterns in a cell model of renal cell carcinoma lung metastasis

“…In fact our study supports the hypothesis that metastatic RCC could potentially become the disease of interest for metabolic oncology research ( 27 ). Terpenoids currently used in humans constitute 6 major drug classes: steroids, tocopherols, taxanes, artemisinins, ingenanes and cannabinoids, all of which are of potential interest in oncology ( 28 ). As terpenoids are useful in the prevention and therapy of several diseases, including cancer, and also have anti-spasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-allergenic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, the deregulation of their transport into the cells may significantly impact RCC treatment, but may also represent a novel therapeutic target.…”

Cannabinoids/Endocannabinoids As Possible Antineoplastic Therapy In Comparisson To Cancer Pharmacological Treatments Used Today. Narrative Review

“…The synergistic action of both mentioned compounds has been studied principally in glioblastoma. [59,60] On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that endocannabinoid signalling is enhanced in some human cells malignancies compared with corresponding healthy tissues [61,62] , and in neoplastic cells with high invasiveness. [63] ECS has an emerging modulating activity on nuclear factors and proteins that regulate cell differentiation, survival and proliferation.…”