Low-dose THC mitigates harmful side effects and inflammation caused by HIV treatment – News-Medical

Report on the Therapeutic Potential of Low-Dose THC in HIV Management and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Advancing SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being

A preclinical study conducted by the Texas Biomedical Research Institute has identified significant health benefits associated with long-term, low-dose tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV. The findings represent a critical advancement in managing chronic disease, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. By mitigating the adverse side effects of long-term HIV and ART, this research addresses key targets within SDG 3, particularly those focused on combating communicable diseases and reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through effective treatment.

Key Research Findings and Contributions to Global Health Targets

Methodology

The study utilized a nonhuman primate model (rhesus macaques) with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Over a five-month period, two cohorts received ART; one group was supplemented with daily low-dose THC, while the control group received a placebo. The research focused on analyzing metabolic and physiological changes to assess the impact of THC on overall health during long-term treatment.

Physiological and Metabolic Improvements Supporting SDG 3

The administration of low-dose THC yielded multiple positive outcomes that enhance the quality of life for individuals with HIV, a core objective of SDG 3. These benefits reduce the risk of co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular and liver disease, which are significant challenges in long-term HIV management.

• Reduced Inflammation and Cholesterol: A marked decrease in systemic inflammation and cholesterol was observed.
• Lowered Harmful Bile Acids: Levels of toxic secondary bile acids, which can lead to severe liver conditions, were significantly reduced.
• Improved Cardiovascular Health Markers: The treatment helped normalize levels of plaque-causing fatty acids (long-chain acetylcholines) to pre-infection levels, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk.

Enhanced Gut-Brain Axis Communication and Mental Well-being

The study revealed profound benefits for the gut microbiome and neurological health, which are integral to the holistic health approach championed by the SDGs.

1. Increased Serotonin Production: The THC-treated group showed significantly higher levels of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter for mood, sleep, and digestion. This was linked to an increase in serotonin-producing cells and beneficial gut bacteria (L. plantarum).
2. Strengthened Gut-Brain Signaling: An upregulation of serotonin receptors was noted, improving communication between the gut and the brain. This finding has potential applications for conditions like depression and cognitive decline, further supporting the mental health component of SDG 3.
3. Healthier Gut Microbiome: The treatment fostered a more balanced gut microbiome, promoting bacteria that contribute to lower cholesterol and overall metabolic health.

Mitigation of ART-Associated Toxicity

A significant and unexpected finding was the impact of THC on ART drug metabolism, which has direct implications for reducing treatment-related harm and promoting sustainable, long-term health for people living with HIV.

• Reduced ART Drug Levels: The THC-treated group had lower concentrations of ART drugs in their blood plasma while maintaining full viral suppression.
• Potential for Reduced Liver Toxicity: This suggests that THC may enhance the metabolism of ART drugs, potentially protecting the liver from long-term toxicity associated with these life-saving medications. This aligns with SDG 3’s goal of ensuring access to safe, effective, and quality medicines.

Broader Implications for Sustainable Development

Addressing Inequalities (SDG 10)

By making long-term HIV treatment more tolerable and less damaging, this research can help reduce health disparities. HIV disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalized populations, and improving their long-term health outcomes is a crucial step toward achieving SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Future Research and Global Partnerships (SDG 17)

The study’s findings open new avenues for research into cannabinoids for other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. Future investigations will explore other nonpsychoactive cannabinoids like CBD. This scientific advancement, published in Science Advances, exemplifies the importance of global partnerships in science and technology (SDG 17) to address pressing health challenges and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     The article is fundamentally centered on health and medical research. It discusses a study aimed at improving the quality of life and long-term health outcomes for individuals living with HIV. The research focuses on mitigating the harmful side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and addressing co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and neurological issues, which are all central to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   • Target 3.3: End the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases

     While the research does not aim to end the HIV epidemic, it directly addresses the management of HIV/AIDS. The article states, “Once a death sentence, HIV is now a manageable disease.” The study’s goal of mitigating the side effects of ART and the virus itself is a critical part of the global strategy to manage the AIDS epidemic, allowing people to live longer, healthier lives, which is integral to this target.

   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

     The article explicitly connects long-term HIV infection with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It notes that “People living with HIV experience chronic inflammation, which leads to many co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease, liver disease and some neurological diseases.” The research findings, such as reduced inflammation, lower cholesterol, and decreased plaque-causing fatty acids, directly relate to treating and preventing these NCDs. Furthermore, the discovery of increased serotonin levels addresses the promotion of mental well-being, as the article suggests this could help with “depression, memory loss, brain fog.”

   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases

     The entire article is a report on a “preclinical study” from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, published in Science Advances. This represents a direct contribution to the body of scientific knowledge aimed at developing new therapeutic approaches. The research explores the use of cannabinoids to manage both a communicable disease (HIV) and its associated non-communicable co-morbidities, perfectly aligning with the goal of supporting medical research.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   • Indicators for Target 3.3

     The article implies an indicator of improved health status of people living with HIV. This is measured in the study by maintaining viral suppression to “undetectable levels” while simultaneously observing “much lower levels of ART drugs circulating in the blood,” which suggests reduced long-term toxicity and a better quality of life for patients.

   • Indicators for Target 3.4

     The article mentions several specific, measurable indicators used in the study to assess progress against NCDs and for mental well-being:

     • Levels of chronic inflammation: The study found that inflammation was “reduced.”
     • Cholesterol levels: The research showed that cholesterol was “reduced.”
     • Levels of harmful secondary bile acids: The study identified “lower levels of secondary bile acids,” which are linked to liver disease.
     • Levels of plaque-causing fatty acids: The article notes that levels of “long-chain acetylcholines, had returned to pre-infection levels in the THC-treated group,” indicating improved cardiovascular health.
     • Serotonin levels: A key finding was that serotonin, a neurotransmitter regulating mood, was “much higher in the THC-treated group,” serving as a direct indicator for mental well-being.

   • Indicators for Target 3.b

     An indicator for this target is the output of scientific research and development. The article itself, by reporting on a preclinical study published in a peer-reviewed journal (Science Advances), serves as evidence of this activity. The mention of “Next steps” to investigate other cannabinoids further demonstrates ongoing research efforts.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.3: End the epidemics of AIDS…	Viral suppression levels in people on ART. Reduced levels of ART drug toxicity.
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases… and promote mental health and well-being.	Levels of chronic inflammation. Cholesterol levels. Levels of harmful secondary bile acids. Levels of plaque-causing fatty acids (long-chain acetylcholines). Serotonin production and levels.
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.b: Support the research and development of… medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases.	Publication of preclinical and clinical studies (e.g., the study in Science Advances). Initiation of further research projects (e.g., planned research on CBD and other cannabinoids).

Source: news-medical.net