Cannabinoids in the Inflamed Synovium Can Be a Target for the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 29;25(17):9356. doi: 10.3390/ijms25179356.

ABSTRACT

The management of rheumatic diseases has noticeably changed in recent years with the development of targeted therapeutic agents, namely, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Identifying essential signaling pathways and factors crucial for the development and progression of these diseases remains a significant challenge. Therapy could be used to delay the onset or reduce harm. The endocannabinoid system’s presence within the synovium can be identified as a suggested target for therapeutic interventions due to its role in modulating pain, inflammation, and joint metabolism. This review brings together the most pertinent information concerning the actions of the endocannabinoid system present in inflamed synovial tissue and its interaction with phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids, which can be used from a therapeutic perspective to minimize the inflammatory and pain processes typical of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID:39273304 | DOI:10.3390/ijms25179356