PRIMARY STUDY
The endogenous cannabinoid system in the gut of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Key Findings: This study found Anandamide (AEA) levels were much lower in the inflamed gut mucosa, and synthetic AEA analog MAEA exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. These results strongly link the endocannabinoid system and endogenous cannabinoids as a potential target in the treatment of inflammatory gut diseases like Crohn's Disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Type of Study: Clinical Trial
Study Sample Size: 108
Study Result: Positive
Research Location(s): Italy
Year of Pub: 2011
Cannabinoids Studied: Anandamide (AEA), Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol (2-AG), Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL), Other Related Compounds, Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phytocannabinoid Source: Not Applicable
Receptors Studied: CB1, CB2, GPCR
Ligands Studied: Pro-inflammatory cytokines
Citation: Di Sabatino A, et al. The endogenous cannabinoid system in the gut of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Mucosal Immunol. 2011; 4:574-83. doi: 10.1038/mi.2011.18
Authors: Di Sabatino A, Battista N, Biancheri P, Rapino C, Rovedatti L, Astarita G, Vanoli A, Dainese E, Guerci M, Piomelli D, Pender SL, MacDonald TT, Maccarrone M, Corazza GR
