Cannabinoid Receptor Function is Altered by Nutrionally Deficient Diet
04/21/2011 - Cannabinoid researchers at Temple University gathered for their bimonthly meeting discussion on the endocannabinoid system. This discussion is part of the curriculum for the first accredited course in the United States for undergraduates, graduates, and medical students, which is focused solely on discussing new cannabinoid research. The class meeting focused on a recently published article on nutrition and endocannabinoids. The discussion was led by an undergraduate in Temple's Neuroscience program, Megan Trznadel, she is currently studying the cannabinoid type 1 receptor in the laboratory of Dr. Mary Abood.
The presentation showed new data that suggests our diet can affect the response to cannabinoids. The authors demonstrate, in rats, that an omega-3 deficient diet leads to a less functional endocannabinoid system, specifically by reducing the functionality of the Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). The reduction of CB1Rs was associated with impaired emotional behavior by the authors. Additionally, this article discusses the lack of essential nutrients in western diets.
In the United State inexpensive, high calorie, high fat, nutritionally deficient diets are common. These bad diets are correlated to obesity and brain disease. For example, an imbalance in Omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to nueropsychiatric diseases, like depression. However the mechanism of neuroprotection from Omega-3 fatty acids remains unknown.
The endocannabinoid system may require a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. Fish, nuts,etc). Our diet can influence our response to cannabinoids and Cannabis. Could the negative effects of cannabinoids be related to nutrionally-deficient diets, which are also associated with mental diseases, such as depression? This study raises a number of radical ideas that warrant further studies.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
Orginal artilce: https://web.archive.org/web/20121114220109/http://www.examiner.com/article/cannabinoid-receptor-function-is-altered-by-nutrionally-deficient-diet
Updated: 02/05/2024
