Targeting the endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor system for treating obesity in Prader-Willi syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Extreme obesity is a core phenotypic feature of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Among numerous metabolic regulators, the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is critically involved in controlling feeding, body weight, and energy metabolism, and a globally acting cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB₁R) blockade reverses obesity both in animals and humans. The first-in-class CB₁R antagonist rimonabant proved effective in inducing weight loss in adults with PWS. However, it is no longer available for clinical use because of its centrally mediated, neuropsychiatric, adverse effects.

Methods

We studied eCB 'tone' in individuals with PWS and in the Magel2-null mouse model that recapitulates the major metabolic phenotypes of PWS and determined the efficacy of a pe

SUBMITTER: Knani I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5123200 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature