Inhibitors of diacylglycerol lipases in neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an endocannabinoid that activates the cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2. It also serves as an important lipid precursor for the eicosanoid signaling pathway. Consequently, 2-AG is involved in many physiological functions, including anxiety, food intake, inflammation, memory, pain sensation and neurotransmission. Diacylglycerol lipases (DAGLs) are the main biosynthetic enzymes for 2-AG and their role in several pathophysiological conditions is currently under investigation. In this Digest we review all DAGL inhibitors reported to date and their effects in preclinical models of neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders.