Understanding Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)

According to this source, the endocannabinoid system is a complex of CB1 and CB2 membrane receptors, ligands , andenzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of these molecules. On the one hand, it ensures the proper functioning of the various vital biological systems in our body. On the other hand, it helps restore the body's balance and maintain it in an optimal state. That said, many scientists argue that medical conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome have a latent cause in a defective endocannabinoid system. So, what exactly is a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency( CECD )?

The summary

• Understanding the endocannabinoid system
• Focus on clinical endocannabinoid deficiency

Understanding the endocannabinoid system

Let's not get ahead of ourselves! Indeed, it seems important to explain, first and foremost, what the endocannabinoid system. Namely, its composition and its role in the human body.

As mentioned earlier, the endocannabinoid system refers to a set of CB1 and CB2 membrane receptors, ligands , andenzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of these molecules. Following this, you're probably wondering what these famous CB1 and CB2 receptors are for. Generally speaking, their role is to serve as access points for cannabinoids (both internal and external) to interact with the endocannabinoid system. With this in mind, which side of the body is each of these receptors located on?

1. CB1 receptors : These are found primarily in the central nervous system, but also in the peripheral nervous system (in small quantities). In the central nervous system , they are mainly found in the hippocampus , association cortex , cerebellum , basal ganglia , and spinal cord. In the peripheral nervous system , they are found in the lungs, gastrointestinal system, uterus, and testes. It should be noted that CB1 receptors are less abundant in the hypothalamus, thalamus, and brainstem, where they are thought to play an important role. Furthermore, the euphoric and anticonvulsant effects of cannabis are believed to originate from these receptors.
2. CB2 receptors : These are found in various parts of the immune system, including the spleen . Indeed, these receptors are thought to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect, and possibly other therapeutic effects, of cannabis. They also appear to influence certain neurophysiological processes in the brain .

Now that we've focused on the endocannabinoid system, you've seen how important it is. But what if one of its components is faulty?

Focus on clinical endocannabinoid deficiency 

First and foremost, it's important to establish the basics. Indeed, under what circumstances do we speak of a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency ? On the one hand, when the human body indicates a lack of endocannabinoids. On the other hand, when receptors are missing or defective. In short, we speak of CECD when the body is unable to maintain the balance of its physiological systems. This, in turn, can lead to the development of certain diseases.

So what are these diseases? Indeed, Dr. Ethan Russo, a cannabinoid researcher, in this study* published in 2004, indicates that a lack of cannabinoids can cause the following.

1. Migraine : Dr. Russo explains that examples of AEA (anandamide) are involved in serotonin production and pain modulation. From this perspective, he suggests that high serotonin levels may contribute to migraines. Similarly, a deficiency in anandamide production could contribute to migraines due to impaired serotonin regulation.
2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) : It has been shown that people with IBS have higher levels of serotonin in their blood. As mentioned above, high serotonin levels are not beneficial to the body.
3. Fibromyalgia : Indeed, nociceptors are responsible for detecting pain and transmitting the signal to the brain. Dr. Russo believes that "the endocannabinoid system regulates nociceptive thresholds." Therefore, in the absence of this regulation, chronic pain can develop. The study highlights that "cannabinoids have demonstrated an ability to block the spinal, peripheral, and gastrointestinal mechanisms that promote pain."

Research on clinical endocannabinoid deficiency and its potential consequences is very limited. Nevertheless, since 2004, the theory** on the subject has been gradually expanding. Along these lines, in addition to migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia mentioned above, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are potentially linked to CECD.

We remain hopeful that a coordinated, rather than individual, study can be conducted by multiple researchers. This would allow for a clear definition and presentation of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency , as well as the diseases it causes. Ultimately, this would lead to the development of effective therapies to alleviate the suffering of patients.

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