Lupus, Oral Cavity, and Medicinal Cannabis
By Cynthia de Carlo
Did you know that several pathologies and systemic diseases have their initial signs and manifestations in the mouth?
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin, whose symptoms can appear in various organs slowly and progressively or not, and vary with phases of activity and remission. The patient starts to produce harmful substances for the body and antibodies, which should be a defense mechanism, start to act as a mechanism of self-aggression, against the body's tissues.
There are three types of Lupus Erythematosus: Systemic, Discoid (cutaneous-mucous), and Drug-Induced.
In the oral cavity, lupus erythematosus presents oral lesions formed by erythematous areas, erosive or white plaques symmetrically distributed on the palate or buccal mucosa, and resemble lichen planus.
Other common symptoms are xerostomia (absence and reduction of saliva), oral burning, TMJ problems (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), diseases of the salivary glands, desquamative gingivitis and periodontal disease, in addition to an increased incidence of cavities.
From 7.5% to 30% of patients with Lupus Erythematosus present the above-described symptoms related to secondary Sjogren's Syndrome (dry mouth and eyes).
In addition to oral symptoms, the most common Lupus symptoms are: fever, fatigue, joint pain, muscle stiffness, swelling, redness on the face, skin lesions after sun exposure, chest pain with difficulty breathing, headache, hair loss, mental confusion, memory loss, enlarged lymph nodes, mouth sores, anxiety, and general malaise.
Cannabis as a treatment for lupus
Due to its few side effects, medicinal cannabis has gained prominence and been a major bet for autoimmune diseases, for its anti-inflammatory action that helps with stiffness and joint pain caused by systemic lupus.
Cannabidiol (CBD), for example, is capable of suppressing the functions of cytokines, chemokines, and T cells, which are responsible for identifying and destroying infected cells, modulating cellular response, and regulating inflammation.
When our immune system is functioning correctly, it fights against possible threats and diseases.
A study conducted in 2009 showed that CBD inhibits the inflammatory protein while stimulating the increase of anti-inflammatory proteins simultaneously.
Advantages of cannabidiol
In addition to being anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, cannabidiol does not produce dependence, as the compound that can cause the effect is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, controlled use of the substance also does not lead to addiction.
Therefore, medicinal cannabis can also help in pain reduction, including untreatable and partially treatable pains, as it promotes analgesic results in addition to being anti-inflammatory.
We are increasingly aware of the importance of the multidisciplinary work of healthcare professionals always aiming at the patient's well-being.
Just a tip!!
The opinions expressed in this article are personal and the responsibility of their authors.
About the author: Cynthia De Carlo is a dentist graduated 31 years ago from UNITAU, post-graduated in Periodontics, Implantology, and Pediatrics. Additionally, she is a member of SBEC (Brazilian Society of Cannabis Studies).
