: Pharmacological treatment of metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis remains challenging due to its complex pathophysiology. The endocannabinoidome (eCB) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target given its central role in energy homeostasis and its pharmacological tractability. Western-style diets high in fat and sugar exacerbate metabolic liver disease, highlighting the need for effective interventions. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid combinations targeting the eCB-liver axis in a Western diet-induced model of metabolic dysfunction. Two weeks of treatment reduced body weight, improved glycaemic control, and ameliorated liver pathology. These effects were accompanied by decreased liver weight, improved liver enzyme profiles, and reduced histological features of steatosis and injury. Overall, these findings suggest that modulation of the eCB system can induce acute improvements in metabolic and hepatic parameters under conditions of diet-induced metabolic stress. These results support further investigation into the eCB system as a therapeutic target, particularly to elucidate underlying mechanisms and longer-term effects.
Acute Effects of Cannabinoid Combination Therapies in a Western Diet-Induced Murine Model of Metabolic Liver Disease / Lian, J., Patil, M., Lareu, R.R., Falasca, M.. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES. - ISSN 1422-0067. - 27:11(2026). [10.3390/ijms27114872]
Acute Effects of Cannabinoid Combination Therapies in a Western Diet-Induced Murine Model of Metabolic Liver Disease
Falasca M.
Supervision
2026-01-01
Abstract
: Pharmacological treatment of metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis remains challenging due to its complex pathophysiology. The endocannabinoidome (eCB) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target given its central role in energy homeostasis and its pharmacological tractability. Western-style diets high in fat and sugar exacerbate metabolic liver disease, highlighting the need for effective interventions. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid combinations targeting the eCB-liver axis in a Western diet-induced model of metabolic dysfunction. Two weeks of treatment reduced body weight, improved glycaemic control, and ameliorated liver pathology. These effects were accompanied by decreased liver weight, improved liver enzyme profiles, and reduced histological features of steatosis and injury. Overall, these findings suggest that modulation of the eCB system can induce acute improvements in metabolic and hepatic parameters under conditions of diet-induced metabolic stress. These results support further investigation into the eCB system as a therapeutic target, particularly to elucidate underlying mechanisms and longer-term effects.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.


