The Endocannabinoid System and Sex Steroid Hormone-dependent Cancers

Overview

Journal Int J Endocrinol

Publisher Wiley

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2013 Dec 27

PMID 24369462

Citations 13

Authors

Thangesweran Ayakannu

Anthony H Taylor

Timothy H Marczylo

Jonathon M Willets

Justin C Konje

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The "endocannabinoid system (ECS)" comprises the endocannabinoids, the enzymes that regulate their synthesis and degradation, the prototypical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), some noncannabinoid receptors, and an, as yet, uncharacterised transport system. Recent evidence suggests that both cannabinoid receptors are present in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancer tissues and potentially play an important role in those malignancies. Sex steroid hormones regulate the endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids prevent tumour development through putative protective mechanisms that prevent cell growth and migration, suggesting an important role for endocannabinoids in the regulation of sex hormone-dependent tumours and metastasis. Here, the role of the endocannabinoid system in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancers is described and the potential for novel therapies assessed.

Citing Articles

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