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Possible hepatotoxicity of chronic marijuana usage
Paulo Borini1, Romeu Cardoso Guimarães, Sabrina Bicalho Borini
1Hospital Espírita de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil. fborini@unimedmarilia.com.br
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista Paulista De Medicina
|September 28, 2004
Summary
Chronic marijuana use, alone or with other drugs, is linked to liver damage. This study found significant hepatic alterations in marijuana users, suggesting cannabinoids may be hepatotoxic.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatotoxicity is a known complication of illicit drug use, but data on marijuana's effects are limited.
- Understanding drug metabolism and liver injury is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hepatic alterations in chronic marijuana users.
- To assess the impact of marijuana used alone versus in combination with other substances.
Main Methods:
- A transversal study involving 123 patients at Hospital Espírita de Marília.
- Clinical examinations and serum biochemical tests (liver function tests, bilirubin, proteins) were performed.
- Patients were categorized into groups based on marijuana, crack, and alcohol consumption.
Main Results:
- Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were prevalent in marijuana users.
- Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, AP) were observed across all groups, particularly in those using marijuana with alcohol.
- The marijuana and alcohol group exhibited the highest prevalence of alterations and enzyme levels.
Conclusions:
- Chronic marijuana use, independently or combined with other drugs, is associated with significant hepatic morphologic and enzymatic changes.
- These findings suggest that cannabinoids may possess hepatotoxic properties.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of marijuana-induced liver injury.