Insights into the Molecular Role of Endocannabinoids in Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

In the past few years, the pathophysiological role of various factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus has been fully explored. Subsequently, this marked the progression in the development of a novel therapeutic agent. Such brain-derived neurotropic factors, including neurotrophic factor-2 and anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of diabetes, have emerged. However, the therapeutic potential of endocannabinoids in type 2 diabetes mellitus is still not fully understood. At present, cannabinoids are under research for their therapeutic and safety profile issues in numerous thrust areas. Its wide biological actions are implemented through cannabinoid receptor type 1(CB1) and CB2 receptors, which find major applications as anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and antidiabetic therapeutics with lesser side effects than any other traditional therapy. The current review aims to reveal detailed aspects of pathological and physiological pathways with endocannabinoids followed in disease progression. Different alterations induced by them in the pancreas, such as 2-arachidonylglycerol and anandamide during hyperglycemia, clearly verify their participation in the progression of type 2 diabetes. Activation of both cannabinoid receptors results in metabolic changes inside the body, and receptor antagonist rimonabant has been proven to be protective in controlling insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Therefore, endocannabinoids are a promising target in new drug developments and further in-depth analysis of their hidden aspects, which would help develop alternate beneficial targets in combating the progression of diabetes.