Fig. 1

Summary of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the context of endometriosis. Cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) are considered as classical receptors and orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels as nonclassical receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the predominant molecules of the ECS, while palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) are found in a lesser extent. Molecules of the ECS are biosynthesized by, but not limited to, N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) depending on the microenvironment. Degradation of the endocannabinoids (ECs) by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is rapid. Together, the ECS is involved in a variety of physiological processes such as nociception, inflammation, and immune modulation