Cannabis Use Similarly Affected Immune Markers in MS Patients and Healthy Controls
Chronic cannabis use reduced inflammatory markers CCL2 and IL-17 in both MS patients and healthy controls, while anandamide levels were elevated in MS patients regardless of cannabis use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Monocyte migration (a measure of immune cell movement) was similarly inhibited by phytocannabinoids in samples from both MS patients and healthy controls, suggesting cannabis affects this immune parameter equally regardless of MS status.
Plasma levels of two inflammatory markers, CCL2 and IL-17, were reduced in chronic cannabis users compared to non-users across both groups. Since IL-17 is particularly important in MS pathology, this reduction could have therapeutic implications.
Anandamide (AEA) levels were significantly elevated in MS patients compared to controls, regardless of cannabis use. No significant differences were found in other endocannabinoids or signaling lipids. This elevation of anandamide may represent a compensatory response to the inflammatory disease process.
Key Numbers
CCL2 and IL-17 reduced in cannabis users in both groups. AEA elevated in MS patients vs. controls regardless of cannabis use. Monocyte migration similarly inhibited by phytocannabinoids in both groups.
How They Did This
Subjects with MS and healthy controls were enrolled and matched for age and BMI. Each provided a single blood draw. Researchers measured monocyte migration, plasma endocannabinoid levels, and cytokine levels. Cannabis use status was self-reported. Monocytes were tested for response to a set ratio of phytocannabinoids in vitro.
Why This Research Matters
MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the nervous system. If cannabis affects immune parameters similarly in MS patients and healthy people, this simplifies the interpretation of cannabis effects in MS. The reduction in IL-17, a key driver of MS pathology, is particularly noteworthy.
The Bigger Picture
Many MS patients use cannabis for symptom relief, but whether this use also modulates their underlying disease process through immune effects has been unclear. This study suggests cannabis has consistent immunomodulatory effects regardless of MS status, potentially offering disease-modifying benefits alongside symptom relief.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
This was a cross-sectional study with a single blood draw, so it cannot assess whether the immune changes are clinically meaningful or sustained. The sample sizes were small. Cannabis use was self-reported and not standardized. The study measured a limited set of immune parameters and cannot characterize the full immunological impact.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does the reduction in IL-17 from cannabis use translate to clinical benefit in MS?
- ?Is the elevated anandamide in MS patients protective or pathological?
- ?Would a controlled trial of cannabis in MS show measurable changes in disease progression through immune modulation?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cannabis use reduced IL-17, a key inflammatory marker in MS, in both patients and controls
- Evidence Grade:
- This is a small cross-sectional study with a single measurement point. It provides preliminary immunological data.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2014. Research on cannabis and MS immunology has continued with interest in disease-modifying potential.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis use by individuals with multiple sclerosis: effects on specific immune parameters.
- Published In:
- Inflammopharmacology, 22(5), 295-303 (2014)
- Authors:
- Sexton, Michelle(8), Cudaback, Eiron(2), Abdullah, Rehab A(9), Finnell, John, Mischley, Laurie K, Rozga, Mary, Lichtman, Aron H, Stella, Nephi
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00864
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why is IL-17 important in MS?
IL-17 is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in autoimmune conditions including MS. It promotes inflammation in the central nervous system and contributes to the damage characteristic of MS. Reducing IL-17 levels could theoretically help control the disease.
What does elevated anandamide in MS patients mean?
Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Its elevation in MS patients may represent the body's attempt to counteract the chronic inflammation of the disease, a compensatory protective response.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00864APA
Sexton, Michelle; Cudaback, Eiron; Abdullah, Rehab A; Finnell, John; Mischley, Laurie K; Rozga, Mary; Lichtman, Aron H; Stella, Nephi. (2014). Cannabis use by individuals with multiple sclerosis: effects on specific immune parameters.. Inflammopharmacology, 22(5), 295-303. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-014-0214-z
MLA
Sexton, Michelle, et al. "Cannabis use by individuals with multiple sclerosis: effects on specific immune parameters.." Inflammopharmacology, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-014-0214-z
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis use by individuals with multiple sclerosis: effects..." RTHC-00864. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/sexton-2014-cannabis-use-by-individuals
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.