The fundamental role of the endocannabinoid system in endometrium and placenta: implications in pathophysiological aspects of uterine and pregnancy disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the main endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and their metabolic enzymes N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D, fatty acid amide hydrolase, diacylglycerol lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase. This system is involved in the modulation of essential physiological processes. Its role in the reproductive system has become significantly important in recent years, given its major role in events such as gametogenesis, decidualisation, implantation and placentation.

Objective and rationale

In this paper, we review the literature and summarize the role of the ECS elements in reproduction and their potential as early markers for diagnosis of re

SUBMITTER: Maia J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7317288 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature