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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
07:36
Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
Cannabinoid receptors in atherosclerosis
Sabine Steffens1, Francois Mach
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Foundation for Medical Research, 64 Avenue Roseraie, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
Current Opinion in Lipidology
|September 9, 2006
Summary
Cannabinoids show potential for treating atherosclerosis by modulating immune responses. Targeting cannabinoid receptor CB2 may offer new therapeutic strategies for this inflammatory condition.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cannabinoid receptors are implicated in various biological processes.
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
- To explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in atherosclerosis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on cannabinoids and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of the effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in apolipoprotein E knockout mice.
- Investigation of cannabinoid receptor CB2's role in disease modulation.
Main Results:
- Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol demonstrated anti-atherosclerotic effects via immunomodulation.
- Cannabinoid receptor CB2 blockade negated the protective effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
- The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids possess immunomodulatory properties beneficial for atherosclerosis.
- Targeting cannabinoid receptor CB2 or modulating the endocannabinoid system presents novel therapeutic avenues.
- Development of non-psychotropic cannabinoid ligands could mitigate side effects.
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