The Endocannabinoid System and Sex Steroid Hormone-Dependent Cancers

The “endocannabinoid system (ECS)” comprises the endocannabinoids, the enzymes that regulate their synthesis and degradation, the prototypical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), some noncannabinoid receptors, and an, as yet, uncharacterised transport system. Recent evidence suggests that both cann...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Journal of Endocrinology 2013-01, Vol.2013 (2013), p.345-358-041
Main Authors: Willets, Jonathon M., Taylor, Anthony H., Marczylo, Timothy H., Konje, Justin C., Ayakannu, Thangesweran
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Binding sites
Brain research
Cancer
Cancer therapies
Cell cycle
Cell division
Cell growth
Dopamine
Endocannabinoids
Endocrinology
Enzymes
Fatty acids
Hormones, Sex
Ligands
Physiological aspects
Prognosis
Prostate
Proteins
Review
Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC
Thyroid gland
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Summary:The “endocannabinoid system (ECS)” comprises the endocannabinoids, the enzymes that regulate their synthesis and degradation, the prototypical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), some noncannabinoid receptors, and an, as yet, uncharacterised transport system. Recent evidence suggests that both cannabinoid receptors are present in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancer tissues and potentially play an important role in those malignancies. Sex steroid hormones regulate the endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids prevent tumour development through putative protective mechanisms that prevent cell growth and migration, suggesting an important role for endocannabinoids in the regulation of sex hormone-dependent tumours and metastasis. Here, the role of the endocannabinoid system in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancers is described and the potential for novel therapies assessed.
ISSN:1687-8337
1687-8345
DOI:10.1155/2013/259676