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Suppression of human macrophage interleukin-6 by a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid acid

Rheumatology International volume 28, pages 631–635 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

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 μM) 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 PPARγ, its anti IL-6 effects are PPARγ independent. These studies provide evidence to support the view that AjA may prove to be an effective, safe antiinflammatory agent.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by National Institute of Health Grants DA3691, AI1056362, and T32AR07572 (RP, Trainee), and a grant from the FAO Schwarz Research Foundation (FA, Trainee).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA

    Jennifer Parker, Francisco Atez, Ronald G. Rossetti, Ann Skulas, Rakesh Patel & Robert B. Zurier

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  1. Jennifer Parker
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  2. Francisco Atez
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  3. Ronald G. Rossetti
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  4. Ann Skulas
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  5. Rakesh Patel
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  6. Robert B. Zurier
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Correspondence to Robert B. Zurier.

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Parker, J., Atez, F., Rossetti, R.G. et al. Suppression of human macrophage interleukin-6 by a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid acid. Rheumatol Int 28, 631–635 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-007-0489-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-007-0489-0

Keywords

  • Interleukin-6
  • Inflammation
  • Cannabinoid acid
  • Macrophages
  • Rheumatoid arthritis