tetrahydrocannabinol ( tetrahydrocannabinol ) can suppress rodent ' immune systems , according to a study at the University of South Carolina . If replicated in humans this could improve the panorama of using medical marihuana against autoimmune diseases such as arthritis , type1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis .
Despite the ceaseless advert promising that something will “ boost your immune system ” as an undisputed goal , the strength of the resistant response is a measured balancing enactment . Too weak and you are prey to a boniface of disease . However , the resistant system can also change state on the soundbox itself , guide to a string of serious and sometimes disastrous term . discover room to dial back the response in these case , without open up the head gate to every infective disease is one of the keen challenges of innovative medicine .
In theJournal of biologic Chemistrya team lead by Dr Mitzi Nagarkatti reveal studies on 609 microRNAs in mice given THC . Of these , 13 showed square revision . MicroRNAs regulate the expression of genes , and those affected in this case change the activation of genes associate with the immune arrangement .
“ tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its activity through cannabinoid receptor ( CB1 and CB2 ) ” the writer say . “ While CB1 is highly expressed in the brain , and to a lower extent in peripheral tissue , CB2 is predominant in resistant cells . Therefore , besides it psychoactive effects , THC can conquer fervor through energizing of cannabinoid receptor on immune cells , using multiple pathways . ”
The squad ’s findings allow a muckle of enquiry unreciprocated . Besides the question of applicability to homo , the timeframe of the effects is ill-defined – some are probably impermanent , while others may be more permanent . However , the authors argue , “ The current study opens Modern boulevard to investigate the epigenetic footpath through which tetrahydrocannabinol regulates immune reply . ” If the exact mechanisms through which THC dissemble resistant response can be identified it may become possible to establish which autoimmune disease are most likely to benefit from its use .
While some less than credible websites are incisive to promote marijuana as auniversal panacea , its most widely discern medicative use are in treatingnausea induced by chemotherapy and weightiness personnel casualty from AIDS . It is more wide recommended for pain and muscle spasm , but the estimate of using it to treatmultiple sclerosis is not new .
The researchers also have plenty of concerns about marijuana , take down “ antenatal exposure to THC causes T cell disfunction in the offspring . ” They also found disturb signs that the BRCA2 gene may be suppress by THC . BRCA2 is famous for its association with early onset breast Crab , but this is because the BRCA2 protein ordinarily oppress neoplasm increase , and mutate versions break down to allow this protective cover , allowing tumors to flourish . Consequently , it is possible that suppressing BRCA2 could increase the risk of breast cancer , in direct contrast to inquiry suggesting another combat-ready component in marijuana may havebenefits for breast cancer .
Again , further inquiry may help measure this risk of infection , and aid in working out when the increased dangers from marijuana use overbalance the benefit .
For those wonder , the THC was come in into the mice , rather than being supplied in the form of joints or hash cookies .
