Endocannabinoid System in Health and Disease: Current Situation and Future Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprising cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and synthetic and metabolizing enzymes triggered a large number of studies in cell lines, animal models, and humans. ECS modulates many physiological and pathological processes, both in the peripheral and central nervous systems and in peripheral organs. This signaling system has a recognized activity on nervous system development, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, neuroinflammation, pain and neurodegeneration, stress responsivity, mood and behavior, food intake and metabolism, reproduction, fertility and pregnancy, immune response, cardiac functions, cancer progression, and so much more. As a consequence, the modulation of ECS signaling has potential therapeutic applications for a broad range of diseases, including neurodegenerative, reproductive, cardiovascular, and inflammatory disorders, metabolic syndrome and obesity, and cancer, among many others. However, despite experimental evidence, molecular and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of ECS activity remain to be fully elucidated, hence the need to fill this gap in order to devise clinically successful treatment strategies.

This Special issue aims at expanding the current knowledge on ECS in both physiological and pathological conditions and on its possible therapeutic exploitation. Experimental studies in in vitro and in vivo models, review articles, and clinical studies as well are all welcome for consideration.

Dr. Rosaria Meccariello
Guest Editor

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