Researchers at Kyung Hee University in Korea studied the GPR119 receptor's interaction with several endocannabinoid-like lipids to understand its role in the secretion of incretin hormones, which regulate nutrient consumption and metabolism. They identified the endocannabinoid Oleoylethanolamine (OEA) as a very potent activator of GPR119. A GPR, or G Protein-Coupled Receptor, is a protein found on the surface of cells. It's comparable to a loud doorbell on a house. When specific molecules (like hormones or neurotransmitters) hit the button on your Amazon Blink by attaching to this particular GPR, it sends a message to the cell, allowing it to respond accordingly. This "ringing" can influence various processes in our body, from how we feel pain to our mood and heartbeats.
OEA, in many studies, appears to love that 119 and seems to be the primary endogenous GPR119 activator triggered by nutrient intake. Our food is our medicine, and our Endocannabinoid System runs off much more than Cannabis you smoke, ingest, dab, or take in various oils. Our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Balance is controlled by how we eat, what we do, and both climate and atmosphere we're in matters.
Don't go searching on Google to buy Endocannabinoids:
Many endocannabinoids are sold over the counter; I highly suggest avoiding them as it's dangerous to throw this delicate bodily system off into a spin trying something new - as our ECS regulates just about everything else. I've warned many people to cease taking them in the past after they learned about Anandamide, as unusual increases in it without any medical supervision can be catastrophic. It's great to have balance, but don't think that imbalance means 'low on endocannabinoids' - it can mean the opposite, which isn't good; an overactive ECS leads to severe consequences.
Let's move on:
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The complex way that the Endocannabinoid works with the GPR119 is crucial to know about, learn about, and teach others as acceptance of Medicinal Cannabis grows when people understand more about the system that cannabinoids are made in naturally and what they do. I'm going through some stomach issues, and knowing about this endocannabinoid made my need to 'stay in balance' even more necessary. Sharing this knowledge is just as important, so let's move on.
It's interesting to learn that our gut hormones, such as GIP, GLP-1, and PYY are vital for regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Their secretion is influenced by nutrient availability in the intestine and is closely linked with receptors like GPR119. Due to this fascinating knowledge bestowed upon us, we have the science to show that the GPR119 plays a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis and hormone secretion by activating cellular cAMP levels.
Given GPR119's regulatory role, its agonist could offer alternative treatments for type 2 diabetes by providing superior glycemic control compared to existing therapies. The fabulous and seemingly never-ending Endocannabinoid system is far more than a place to rest the contents of the preroll sitting on my desk, is the message I send.
GPR119, while not traditionally classified as an endocannabinoid receptor because it's not like CB1 and CB2, is responsive to specific lipid-based signaling molecules like OEA and a few others; some can be considered part of the broader endocannabinoid system. Here's a more detailed look at the relationship between GPR119, OEA, and the physiological processes we've peered into:
Stimulation of Insulin Secretion: One of the notable effects of GPR119 activation is the stimulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. This mechanism works glucose-dependent, meaning GPR119 agonists like OEA primarily stimulate insulin secretion when glucose levels are elevated. This finding alone has been consistent in research, making it a target for type 2 diabetes therapies since it could enhance insulin secretion without risking hypoglycemia, which is a beautiful combination.
Inhibition of Glucagon Secretion: The ongoing research on GPR119 and glucagon secretion suggests that GPR119 activation might help suppress glucagon secretion. Findings like this are beyond relevant for diabetes management since excessive glucagon can raise blood levels. Glucagon is a hormone produced by alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Its primary role is to increase blood glucose levels, acting opposite to insulin.
When blood glucose is low, glucagon promotes the conversion of stored glycogen in the liver into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. When the action of glucagon is disrupted, for instance, by inhibiting its receptor, the body's normal response to low blood glucose is affected. For the Diabetic, this would mean their blood sugar naturally goes down, but for someone who is not using the endocannabinoid as a supplement isn't very smart; quickly, we see what can happen when we use supplements and don't know what effect they'll have on our body, and being unable to measure how much is being stored.
Gastrointestinal Effects: GPR119 agonists have shown potential in slowing gastric emptying and inhibiting gastrointestinal motility. This can translate to reduced post-meal spikes in blood glucose since slower gastric emptying can lead to a more gradual absorption of nutrients, including sugars.
It's essential to understand what we're discussing:
Gastrointestinal (GI) motility or the movement of the muscles in the digestive system, which moves food and waste through our body; as much as we don't like to discuss these things - everyone has to use the bathroom. GI Motility is a coordinated bodily process ensuring efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
Peristalsis: This is the primary movement in the GI tract. Think of it as a wave-like contraction of muscles that pushes food (called chyme when it's been partially digested) through the various parts of the digestive system: from the esophagus to the stomach and then through the intestines.
Segmentation: This movement mainly occurs in the small intestine. It involves rhythmic contractions that help mix chyme with digestive enzymes, aiding nutrient absorption.
Tonic Contractions: These are sustained contractions that last for minutes to hours. They play a role in preventing the backflow of chyme, such as the contractions at the lower end of the stomach containing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Rate: Different parts of the GI tract have different motility rates. For example, the stomach needs time to break down food using acid and enzymes, so its motility rate is slower than that of the small intestine, which is more involved in nutrient absorption.
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With this information alone, we are now armed with more knowledge about what the system does that processes the cannabinoids we smoke and use in other ways, whether it's oils or topicals, they affect cannabinoid receptors all over our bodies and in our organs - our skin being the biggest.
ECS Balance Control is both a concept and a brand to come sometime in the future; we're learning more about the Endocannabinoid system and its marvels.
Remember the warnings given within this article about buying supplemental endocannabinoids - I do not use them or advise people to; as you can tell, I'm a fan of our body making endocannabinoids like it should, performing like it should, and enjoying Cannabis like it should - naturally!
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-Mike Robinson, Researcher and Expert in Endocannabinoid (ECS) Balance Control