Hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and is often associated with neuroinflammation, contributing to the progression of vascular dysfunction. Recent studies have elucidated the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid receptor activation in mitigating hypertension-related neuroinflammation. Specifically, activation of the Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor (CB2R) in microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, has emerged as a promising strategy for alleviating neuroinflammatory responses. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of CB2R activation in microglia, focusing on the inhibition of aerobic glycolysis, a metabolic pathway implicated in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation. By targeting key enzymes and transporters involved in aerobic glycolysis, CB2R activation effectively suppresses the pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglia, thereby attenuating neuroinflammation and mitigating the progression of hypertension. Furthermore, the therapeutic implications of CB2R activation extend beyond neuroinflammation to encompass broader cardiovascular effects, including vasodilation and cardio protection. Future research efforts aimed at delineating the specific molecular targets and cellular interactions involved in CB2R-mediated neuroprotection hold promise for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.
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Journal of Hypertension: Open Access received 614 citations as per Google Scholar report
