Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine which contributes to inXammation 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 M) 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
PPAR, its anti IL-6 eVects are PPAR independent. These
studies provide evidence to support the view that AjA may
prove to be an eVective, safe antiinXammatory agent.
