University of Leicester
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(Endo)Cannabinoids and Gynaecological Cancers

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-10-05, 08:58 authored by Anthony H Taylor, Daniel Tortolani, Thangesweran Ayakannu, Justin C Konje, Mauro Maccarrone
Gynaecological cancers can be primary neoplasms, originating either from the reproductive tract or the products of conception, or secondary neoplasms, representative of metastatic disease. For some of these cancers, the exact causes are unknown; however, it is recognised that the precise aetiopathogeneses for most are multifactorial and include exogenous (such as diet) and endogenous factors (such as genetic predisposition), which mutually interact in a complex manner. One factor that has been recognised to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of gynaecological cancers is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of endocannabinoids (bioactive lipids), their receptors, and metabolic enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. In this review, the impact of plant-derived (Cannabis species) cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on gynaecological cancers will be discussed within the context of the complexity of the proteins that bind, transport, and metabolise these compounds in reproductive and other tissues. In particular, the potential of endocannabinoids, their receptors, and metabolic enzymes as biomarkers of specific cancers, such as those of the endometrium, will be addressed. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of targeting selected elements of the ECS as new action points for the development of innovative drugs will be presented.

History

Citation

Cancers 2021, 13, 37

Author affiliation

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Published in

Cancers

Volume

13

Issue

1

Publisher

MDPI

issn

2072-6694

eissn

2072-6694

Acceptance date

2020-12-22

Copyright date

2020

Available date

2023-10-05

Spatial coverage

Switzerland

Language

English