Soybean compound protects blood vessels from THC damage, research finds

01 Aug 2019 --- Exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, can induce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to affect the inner linings of blood vessels and are associated with the development of heart disease, according to research by the American Heart Association. The study also found that in laboratory tests, a compound found in soybeans blocked damage to the lining of blood vessels in the heart and circulatory system. The researchers point to these findings as an avenue to prevent the cardiovascular side effects of recreational and medical marijuana use.

In the study, the researchers examined endothelial cells (such as those that line blood vessels) derived from the stem cells of five healthy people. They additionally used a laboratory technique called wire myography to examine the response of mouse arteries to THC. Exposing these cells to THC, they found that:

• THC exposure induced inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to affect the inner linings of blood vessels and are associated with the development of heart disease;
• There can also be cardiovascular side effects, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure, when people take FDA-approved medications containing a synthetic version of THC;
• Lab techniques that block access to the CB1 receptors by THC eliminated the effects of THC exposure on endothelial cells;
• Treatment with JW-1, an antioxidant compound found in soybeans, eliminated the effects of THC exposure.

Cannabis is gaining traction on the market through its legalization in various territories around the world, and has notably risen in popularity over the last year. Industry has seen THC proliferate in novel product applications, such as THC-infused wine, which is said to provide relief from pain and inflammation, and improved muscle function, among other benefits.

A compound found in soybeans blocked damage to the lining of blood vessels in the heart and circulatory system.“These medications are prescribed to reduce the nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy and to increase appetite in certain people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome,” says Tzu-Tan “Thomas” Wei, Ph.D., the American Heart Association study's lead author and Assistant Professor of Pharmacology in the College of Medicine at National Taiwan University in Taipei City. 

“The goal of our studies is to investigate the mechanisms of marijuana-induced damage and discover new drugs to prevent those side effects,” he notes. “Discovering a new way to protect blood vessels without psychiatric side effects would be clinically important with the rapid growth of cannabis use worldwide.”

The effects of THC occur after it binds to one of two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are found throughout the brain and body and are also acted on by naturally occurring cannabinoids.

An earlier attempt to gain health benefits from blocking CB1 receptors proved problematic.

“Previously, a drug that blocked CB1 was approved in Europe for the treatment of obesity, but it had to be withdrawn because of severe psychiatric side effects,” says Wei. “In contrast, as an antioxidant, JW-1 may have neuroprotective effects.”

“Meanwhile, if you have heart disease, talk to your doctor before you use marijuana or one of the synthetic THC-containing medications,” Wei urges. “Marijuana may cause more severe effects on the cardiovascular system in those with pre-existing heart disease.”

The researchers are currently extending their research by testing cells derived from regular marijuana users and those who smoke both cigarettes and marijuana. In addition, they are looking at the impact of THC along with the other main component of marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD).

In similar news, the cannabis plant has been found to create potent pain-relieving molecules that are up to 30 times more powerful at reducing inflammation than Aspirin, according to a study by the University of Guelph, Canada. The recent discovery unlocks the potential for a naturally derived pain treatment that would offer potent relief without the risk of addiction as is common among other painkillers, as noted by its researchers.

By Benjamin Ferrer