Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
With anti-inflammatory properties, cannabinoids may be a potential strategy to reduce immune activation in people living with HIV (PLWH) but more information on their safety and tolerability is needed.Methods
We conducted an open-label interventional pilot study at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada. PLWH were randomized to oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): cannabidiol (CBD) combination (THC 2.5 mg/CBD 2.5 mg) or CBD-only capsules (CBD 200 mg). Individuals titrated doses as tolerated to a maximum daily dose THC 15 mg/CBD 15 mg or 800 mg CBD, respectively, for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the percentage of participants without any significant toxicity based on the WHO toxicity scale (Grades 0-2 scores).Results
Out of ten individuals, eight completed the study. Two from the CBD-only arm were withdrawn for safety concerns: phlebotomy aggravating pre-existing anemia and severe hepatitis on 800 mg CBD with newly discovered pancreatic adenocarcinoma, respectively. Seven did not have any significant toxicity. Cannabinoids did not alter hematology/biochemistry profiles. CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and HIV suppression remained stable. Most adverse effects were mild-moderate.Conclusions
In PLWH, cannabinoids seem generally safe and well-tolerated, though larger studies are needed. Screening for occult liver pathology should be performed and hepatic enzymes monitored, especially with high CBD doses.
SUBMITTER: Mboumba Bouassa RS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9775551 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Mboumba Bouassa Ralph-Sydney RS Needham Judy J Nohynek Dana D Singer Joel J Lee Terry T Bobeuf Florian F Samarani Suzanne S Del Balso Lina L Paisible Natalie N Vertzagias Claude C Sebastiani Giada G Margolese Shari S Mandarino Enrico E Klein Marina M Lebouché Bertrand B Cox Joseph J Brouillette Marie-Josée MJ Routy Jean-Pierre JP Szabo Jason J Thomas Réjean R Huchet Emmanuel E Vigano Antonio A Jenabian Mohammad-Ali MA Costiniuk Cecilia T CT
Biomedicines 20221207 12
<h4>Background</h4>With anti-inflammatory properties, cannabinoids may be a potential strategy to reduce immune activation in people living with HIV (PLWH) but more information on their safety and tolerability is needed.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted an open-label interventional pilot study at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada. PLWH were randomized to oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): cannabidiol (CBD) combination (THC 2.5 mg/CBD 2.5 mg) or CBD-only capsules (CBD 200 mg). I ...[more]