Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Links between the Endocannabinoid System and the Kynurenine Pathway in Depression

Substance use/abuse is one of the main causes depressive symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in particular gained significant popularity past years. There an increasing amount clinical data associating such compounds with inflammatory component depression, indicated by up-regulation pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also well-known to regulate enzymes kynurenine pathway (KP), which responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, a precursor serotonin synthesis. Enhanced cytokine levels may over-activate KP, leading tryptophan depletion reduced levels, can subsequently precipitate Therefore, mechanism might represent possible link between endocannabinoid system (ECS) KP via dysregulated serotonergic disorder. This review will summarize regarding those natural that increase Furthermore, on associated activation be further reviewed accordingly. The interaction ECS has been postulated demonstrated some studies previously. contribute this yet less explored connection propose missing cannabinoid-induced inflammation