Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Abstract
Title: Beneficial effects of cannabis on blood brain barrier and inflammation in HIV.
Authors: Ellis R, Iudicello J, Morgan E, Henry B, Schrier R, Cherner M, Hoenigl M, Letendre SL
Year: 2019
Publication: CROI
Volume: Issue: Pages:
Abstract:HIV infection is associated with increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which may permit increased entry of toxins with consequent CNS injury. Cannabis, which is commonly used among people living with HIV (PLWH); has anti-inflammatory effects; and stabilizes the BBB in animal models. One potential mechanism of increased BBB permeability is upregulation of the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), a matrix-degrading proteolytic enzyme, and its receptor, uPAR, disrupting the basal lamina around cerebral capillaries. This study sought to determine the effects of recent cannabis use on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of uPAR, CSF-to-serum albumin ratio (CSAR, an indicator of BBB permeability), and neuroinflammation among PLWH.

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