Atherosclerosis is characterized by progressive deposition of atherosclerotic plaques (immune cells laden with oxidized low-density lipoproteins/Ox-LDL) followed by the narrowing of blood vessels (arteries) and impaired blood supply to vital organs, such as the heart and brain. Subsequently, inflammation in the intimal regions of the arteries occurs as a result of uncontrolled immunological injury and formation of free radicals. Sedentary lifestyle and bad dietary habits can worsen the disease. The existing treatments are moderately effective, albeit with side effects.
Cannabis and Atherosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries or Arteriosclerosis occurs when vessels become rigid and thick. Arteries are damaged - through the aging process - or because of a metabolic disorder, where of the body fails to maintain integrity; substances such as calcium, proteins, lipids are deposited slowly throughout the circulatory system. Over time this disorder is often life threatening, however, the good news is that Atherosclerosis is preventable and treatableHow Can Marijuana Help in Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease?
Studies suggest that cannabis can counter the progression of atherosclerosis.Cannabinoid receptors throughout the cardiovascular system play a major role in the regulation of heart function and circulation. Both the body's own cannabinoids and Hemp Cannabinoids are now known to be major regulators of circulatory and immune-inflammation system functions.
Since inflammation is a large aspect of atherosclerosis, researchers have suggested that cannabinoids of Marijuana can counter the progression of this disease.
Recent findings suggest that cannabinoid receptors are potential targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Researchers at the Foundation for Medical Researches, University Hospital, in Geneva, Switzerland published an article about The role of the endocannabinoid system in atherosclerosis.
"Our current understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis suggests a prominent role for immune responses from its initiation through its complications. Given the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors worldwide, there is an urgent need to better understand the underlying mechanisms to improve current treatment protocols. A growing body of evidence suggests that endocannabinoid signalling plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherogenesis and its clinical manifestations. Blocking CB(1) receptors has been shown to mediate not only weight reduction, but also several cardiometabolic effects in rodents and humans, indicating a potential relevance for the process of atherosclerosis. Activation of CB(2) receptors with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been shown to inhibit atherosclerotic plaque progression in mice, mainly by inhibiting macrophage recruitment. Endocannabinoids released from endothelial cells, macrophages or platelets, reduce hypertension in rodents, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. In addition, anandamide inhibits inflammatory gene expression in endothelial cells, and consequently monocyte adhesion. Conversely, endocannabinoids might also mediate pro-atherosclerotic effects by inducing platelet activation. In conclusion, the precise role of the endocannabinoid system during atherosclerosis is not yet understood. Whether increased endocannabinoid signalling is associated with disease progression and increased risk of acute thrombotic events remains to be determined."
"The immunomodulatory capacity of cannabinoids is now well established and suggests a broad therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for a variety of conditions, including atherosclerosis. New strategies based on nonpsychotropic cannabinoid receptor ligands or compounds modulating endocannabinoid synthesis or stability might solve the problem of the unwanted side effects associated with cannabinoid administration."
Hungarian authors also posted an article about the potential use of cannabidiol in the therapy of metabolic syndrome.
"Cannabidiol, a cannabinoid and serotonin receptor antagonist, may alleviate hyperphagia without the side effects of rimonabant (for example depression and reduced insulin sensitivity). Similar to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists, it may also help the differentation of adipocytes. Cannabidiol has an immunomodulating effect, as well, that helps lessen the progression of atherosclerosis induced by high glucose level. It may also be effective in fighting ischaemic diseases, the most harmful complications of metabolic syndrome. However, it can only be administered as an adjuvant therapy because of its low binding potency, and its inhibiting effect of cytochrome P450 enzymes should also be considered. Nevertheless, it may be beneficially used in adjuvant therapy because of its few side effects."
Cannabinoid Receptors and THC vs CBD
Naturally, cannabinoids are immunomodulators with significant anti-inflammatory effects. As atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, cannabinoids could counter the progression of the disease as well as prevent the onset by blunting the inflammation.
Found not only in the brain, CB1 receptors are also present in immune cells — but at relatively lower levels. Endocannabinoids can regulate the immune system by inhibiting certain enzymes that are involved in the regulation of inflammatory reactions. Activation of endocannabinoids could treat immune-mediated injury of these vital organs. Studies have shown that THC has induced cell death of inflammatory T-cells and dendritic cells that resulted in immunosuppression. Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory responses by down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines production.
Based on these research studies, it is now confirmed that cannabinoids can be helpful in treating inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, by suppressing T-cells and other immune components.
Irrefutable evidence has shown that marijuana can be protective against inflammation associated with ischemic-reperfusion injury, a common problem that occurs after stroke or atherosclerosis. Another study has concluded that low dose oral THC has decreased inflammatory response in atherosclerotic plaques by attenuating lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage chemotaxis within atherosclerotic lesions, which are the crucial steps in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This study clearly demonstrates the presence of CB2-receptors in the inflammatory cells, atherosclerotic plaques and the target organs.
By considering low doses of THC, the psychoactive and other side effects could be avoided. Now we are able to see that THC could be helpful right from the early stages atherosclerosis. This benefit is particularly desirable for someone who wants to prevent atherosclerosis onset.
Here come the downside: THC (but not low-dose THC) is not for everyone.
Although a number of studies have warned about the increased risk of angina and coronary problems among cannabis users, most experts believe that cannabis side effects are attributed to whole cannabis smoking, but are not related to other routes of administration or with CBD use.
Smoking can expose you to a variety of cannabinoids, which may not be suitable for all heart patients. To achieve cardiovascular benefits, you can opt for CBD instead of THC. Reliable research studies have warned that THC-mediated CB1 receptor modulation can be adverse for cardiac patients.
Although both CB1 and CB2 receptors are widely distributed in the cardiovascular system, as well as in pathological plaques, activation of these receptors may also contribute to the worsening of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have concluded that the negative effects of cannabis are linked with CB1 receptor activation, and hence THC is not suitable as an atherosclerosis treatment.
Here’s why…
THC activates brain localized CB1 receptors that lead to increased blood pressure and pulse rate. These factors increase angina risk and pose as an independent risk factor for stroke and heart attack. Additionally, weed smoking may also impair blood oxygen supply to the heart and the brain by increasing carboxyhemoglobin formation.
This might be the reason that whole cannabis smoking causes chest pain and acute coronary syndromes, but the opposite effect has been observed after targeting CB2 receptors alone.
To stay on the safer side, if you’re a heart patient, it’s better to avoid THC rich strains or
whole cannabis smoking.
Instead, you can use CBD rich oils to treat and prevent atherosclerosis. The available evidence that supports CBD use for atherosclerosis is scanty. But the role of CB2 receptors in the pathogenesis has been proven. So, we have grounds to assume CB2 could be potentially used to treat or prevent atherosclerosis.
Yes, we are not wrong! This study has noted that modulation of the endocannaboid system, particularly CB2 receptors via non-inhalation routes, may have appreciable benefits on atherosclerosis treatment.
Naturally occurring phytocannabinoids contains several cannabinoids, and different cannabinoids exert different effects on atherosclerosis treatment. Instead of considering THC, CBD rich strains could be a comparatively more effective — and safer — option when it comes to atherosclerosis treatment.
If you are looking into cannabis treatment for atherosclerosis, please find a trusted Medical Marijuana Doctor who can help you get the right cannabis medicine. Oils or edibles in low doses are recommended and anything rich in CBD helps the most.
Resources:
https://www.projectcbd.org/condition/11/Atherosclerosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18426500
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16960500
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22430005
https://www.marijuanatimes.org/studies-suggest-cannabis-can-counter-the-progression-of-atherosclerosis/
