In a mouse model of viral-induced ARDS, CBD reversed respiratory distress symptoms and significantly increased expression of apelin, a regulatory peptide, in blood and lung tissue.
Pulmonary researchers, COVID-19/ARDS investigators, and cannabinoid pharmacologists.
First evidence of CBD-apelin connection in ARDS
What the researchers found
Using intranasal Poly(I:C) to mimic viral ARDS in mice, researchers found that ARDS significantly decreased apelin expression in blood and lung tissue. CBD treatment reversed ARDS symptoms toward normal levels and significantly increased apelin expression. This is the first demonstration of a CBD-apelin connection, suggesting the apelinergic system may mediate some of CBD anti-inflammatory effects.
Why it matters
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ARDS was a leading cause of death. This study identifies apelin as a potential mechanism for CBD effects on respiratory inflammation, opening a new therapeutic pathway.
The numbers in context
Poly(I:C) mimicked viral ARDS symptoms; ARDS decreased apelin in blood and lungs; CBD reversed symptoms and increased apelin expression significantly.
How the study worked
Mouse model of ARDS induced by intranasal Poly(I:C) (synthetic viral dsRNA). CBD treatment administered to ARDS mice. Apelin expression measured in blood and lung tissue by comparison with controls.
What this study cannot tell us
Mouse model with synthetic viral mimic (not actual virus); small study; mechanism not fully elucidated; cannot determine if apelin increase causes or merely accompanies symptom improvement; no dose-response data.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: novel finding in a mouse model; mechanism is plausible but needs extensive validation.
When this study was published
Published 2020.
The bigger picture
The apelin system regulates immunity, cardiovascular function, and metabolism. Finding that CBD modulates apelin in the lungs connects cannabinoid pharmacology to a broader regulatory network and may explain CBD anti-inflammatory effects beyond traditional cannabinoid receptors.
Questions still open
- Would apelin supplementation alone replicate CBD effects on ARDS? Does this mechanism apply to ARDS from other causes, not just viral?
Common questions
Could CBD help with ARDS?
What is apelin?
Read the original research
Cannabidiol (CBD) modulation of apelin in acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Journal of cellular and molecular medicine, 24(21), 12869-12872
Citation
Salles, Évila Lopes; Khodadadi, Hesam; Jarrahi, Abbas; Ahluwalia, Meenakshi; Paffaro, Valdemar Antonio; Costigliola, Vincenzo; Yu, Jack C; Hess, David C; Dhandapani, Krishnan M; Baban, Babak. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) modulation of apelin in acute respiratory distress syndrome.. Journal of cellular and molecular medicine, 24(21), 12869-12872. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.15883
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