An overview of major depression disorder: The endocannabinoid system as a potential target for therapy

• Published in: Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology Vol. 135; no. 6; pp. 669 - 684
• Main Authors: Zarazúa‐Guzmán, Sergio, Vicente‐Martínez, Jorge Genaro, Pinos‐Rodríguez, Juan Manuel, Arevalo‐Villalobos, Jaime Iván
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Analgesics; Animal models; Animals; Antidepressive Agents - pharmacology; Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; cannabidiol; Cannabidiol - pharmacology; Cannabidiol - therapeutic use; Cannabinoids; Clinical trials; Depressive Disorder, Major - drug therapy; Endocannabinoid system; Endocannabinoids - metabolism; Humans; major depressive disorder; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Neuroprotection; Pharmacology; Quality of Life; Remission; cannabidiol; animal models; clinical trials; endocannabinoid system; major depressive disorder
• ISSN: 1742-7835; 1742-7843; 1742-7843
• DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.14089

Major depressive disorder is the psychiatric disease with the highest global prevalence, impacting social functioning and decreasing the quality of life. The partial pathophysiological knowledge of the disease, the economic burden and the low remission rates are sufficient justification to carry out an update on the subject in the search for new therapeutic approaches and targets. The endocannabinoid system has been linked to the development of depression, and its stimulation or antagonism is a promising approach in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its properties have been widely studied recently; its analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, antineoplastic and neuroprotective roles have even been reported in animal models and clinical trials, achieving its approved use for certain neurodegenerative pathologies. The use of CBD in depression biomodels and clinical trials has not been the exception, and here we contrast the current evidence of its administration and pharmacology against the pathological mechanisms of major depressive disorder. The limited access to treatments for MDD and the increase in the incidence of this disorder worldwide highlight the search for new therapeutic strategies. Endocannabinoid system stimulation has been proposed as a potential target. However, more studies are required to understand the mechanisms that lead to the improvement of neurological conditions.