Cannabinoids and PPARα signalling

Abstract

Cannabinoids have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which were proposed to occur mainly via activation of the G-protein-coupled receptor CB(1) (cannabinoid receptor 1). Recently, certain cannabinoids have been reported to be ligands for members of the nuclear receptor transcription factor superfamily known as PPARs (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors). This review summarizes the evidence for cannabinoid activation of PPARs and identifies a new intracellular target for cannabinoids as therapeutic agents for neuroprotective treatment.