Research progress in the role of endo cannabinoid system in liver diseases

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of a variety of long-chain unsaturated fatty acid analogs, mainly anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoniyl glycerol (2-AG), along with their specific binding G protein-coupled receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R). It affects the life process and biological activity of almost all cells in the body by influencing cell material and energy metabolism. In the liver, the physiological expression of ECS is at a low level. The expression and secretion of ECS in the liver can be strongly stimulated by liver injury factors. ECS acts as a trigger in multiple liver diseases. It is known to be related to the process of hepatocyte steatosis and promote the formation and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). It is involved in the inflammatory processes of liver diseases and greatly affects the immune-inflammatory response in liver tissue. It is also involved in the formation of liver fibers and promotes the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Finally, the role and mechanisms of ECS in the occurrence and development of liver diseases are elaborated in detail by listing lipid metabolism-related liver diseases (NAFLD and ALD) and other liver diseases.