Endocannabinoid receptor blockade increases hepatocyte growth factor and reduces insulin levels in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

There is evidence from animal and in-vitro studies that activation of the endocannabinoid system (EC) through cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB-1) is associated with liver injury, inflammation and hepatocellular carcinoma.1 Data suggests endogenous cannabinoids (EC) are related to fatty liver metabolism with a role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through modulating lipid metabolism that may be ameliorated by CB1 receptor antagonism with rimonabant.2 This is of particular importance as NAFLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease with liver dysfunction leading liver cirrhosis. The diagnosis of NAFLD can only be confirmed by a liver biopsy, as liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) used, as a serum marker may not be elevated.