THC against infections: study points to effect on the lungs

THC against infections - A study found that THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, altered inflammatory responses and was associated with the preservation of a lung tissue structural protein in mice infected with a parasitic worm. The results, however, do not demonstrate that the compound is capable of treating infections in humans.

The research, conducted by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, in the United States, investigated how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) influences immune cell activity during a parasitic infection. The work helps broaden the understanding of the relationship between cannabinoids, the immune system, and inflammatory processes.

THC against infections: how was the research conducted?

Published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, the study on THC against infections analyzed mice infected with the parasitic worm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a parasite that passes through the lungs before reaching the intestine.

The animals received THC at daily doses of 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for 14 days prior to infection. Following exposure to the parasite, treatment was resumed according to the experimental protocol.

The researchers evaluated immune cells, molecular signals associated with inflammation, and changes in lung tissue. The goal was to understand whether exposure to THC would alter the body's response to infection.

It is important to emphasize that results obtained in animals cannot be automatically translated to humans. The dosage, route of administration, and experimental conditions also differ from clinical use.

THC and lung inflammation: what changed?

The results of the study on THC against infections showed changes across different components of the immune system. Among them, there was a reduction in the infection-associated increase in circulating eosinophils and monocytes. These cells participate in defense responses and inflammatory processes.

The scientists also observed an increase in regulatory T cells, which are involved in controlling immune activity. In laboratory tests, cells from animals treated with THC produced lower levels of TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma, molecules related to inflammatory signaling.

Gene expression analysis of lung cells indicated changes in pathways related to inflammation, cellular metabolism, and tissue remodeling—which does not mean, however, that any reduction in inflammation is necessarily beneficial: the immune response is also crucial for combating infectious agents.

LEARN MORE: Protected lungs? Research shows cannabidiol reduces inflammation and lesions in an experimental model

Cannabis and lung tissue: the role of collagen VI

One of the findings regarding THC against infections that caught researchers' attention involved collagen VI, a protein that contributes to tissue structure and organization.

In infected animals that did not receive THC, the scientists observed a reduction in the signal of this protein in the lungs compared to uninfected animals. In contrast, in mice treated with the compound, this reduction was not statistically significant compared to their respective uninfected controls.

The observation suggests a possible link between the immune changes induced by THC and the preservation of structural components of lung tissue during infection.

Does THC eliminate parasites? The study provides an important caveat

Despite the changes in the immune response and lung tissue, THC did not significantly reduce the parasite burden, egg production, or infection-associated weight loss in the animals.

This result is central to interpreting the research: modulating inflammation is not the same as directly fighting the infectious agent.

Under certain circumstances, controlling an excessive inflammatory response can help limit tissue damage. However, an intervention that alters immune activity can also affect key mechanisms vital to the body's defenses.

LEARN MORE: Hope in the treatment of chronic inflammation may lie in medical cannabis

What do the results mean for medical cannabis?

The study provides new clues about how THC may influence immune cells and lung remodeling processes in an experimental model of parasitic infection.

Further research is still needed to understand these mechanisms, evaluate potential risks, and investigate whether the findings have clinical relevance in humans.

The study does not recommend using THC to prevent or treat infections. The compound has psychoactive effects and can cause adverse reactions and drug interactions. Therefore, any therapeutic use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Source: content originally published by The Marijuana Herald.