Suppression of human macrophage interleukin-6 by a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid acid.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine which contributes to inflammation and tissue injury in several diseases. Thus, inhibition of IL-6 production may be a useful strategy for treatment of patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A synthetic nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, ajulemic acid (AjA), prevents joint damage in experimental arthritis. Results of experiments presented here indicate that addition of AjA (3-30 microM) to human monocyte derived macrophages in vitro reduces steady state levels of IL-6 mRNA and the subsequent secretion of IL-6 from LPS stimulated cells. Although AjA binds to and activates PPARgamma, its anti IL-6 effects are PPARgamma independent. These studies provide evidence to support the view that AjA may prove to be an effective, safe antiinflammatory agent.
Parker
Jennifer
J
Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
Atez
Francisco
F
Rossetti
Ronald G
RG
Skulas
Ann
A
Patel
Rakesh
R
Zurier
Robert B
RB
D000813:Anilides / Q000494:pharmacology; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000502:physiology; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors
D000813:Anilides; D013759:Dronabinol; D015850:Interleukin-6; D047495:PPAR gamma; D000093242:Interleukin-6 Inhibitors; C457499:2-chloro-5-nitrobenzanilide; C471849:lenabasum