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Cannabis Extract Effects on Metabolic Parameters and Gut Microbiota Composition in a Mice Model of NAFLD and Obesity
Gil Zandani1, Sarit Anavi-Cohen2, Tal Assa-Glazer1
1The Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
Abstract:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver abnormalities and has been linked with metabolic syndrome hallmarks. Unfortunately, current treatments are limited. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of three cannabis extracts on metabolic alteration and gut microbiota composition in a mouse model of NAFLD and obesity. Male mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Following the establishment of obesity, the HFD-fed group was subdivided into HFD or HFD that was supplemented with one of three cannabis extracts (CN1, CN2, and CN6) for additional 8 weeks. Metabolic parameters together with intestinal microbiota composition were evaluated. Except for several minor changes in gene expression, no profound metabolic effect was found due to cannabis extracts addition. Nevertheless, marked changes were observed in gut microbiota diversity and composition, with CN1 and CN6 exhibiting microbial abundance patterns that are associated with more beneficial outcomes. Taken together, specific cannabis extracts' addition to an HFD results in more favorable modifications in gut microbiota. Although no marked metabolic effect was disclosed, longer treatments duration and/or higher extracts concentrations may be needed. More research is required to ascertain this conjecture and to establish the influence of various cannabis extracts on host health in general and NAFLD in particular.
Insights
Cannabis extracts altered gut bacteria in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While metabolic changes were minimal, specific extracts (CN1, CN6) promoted beneficial gut microbial shifts, suggesting potential for NAFLD management.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver condition associated with metabolic syndrome.
- Current therapeutic options for NAFLD are limited, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in metabolic health and liver disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of three distinct cannabis extracts (CN1, CN2, CN6) on metabolic alterations.
- To assess the effects of these cannabis extracts on gut microbiota composition in a mouse model of NAFLD and obesity.
Main Methods:
- A high-fat diet (HFD) was used to induce obesity and NAFLD in male mice over 12 weeks.
- Mice were subsequently treated with HFD supplemented with one of three cannabis extracts (CN1, CN2, CN6) or HFD alone for 8 weeks.
- Metabolic parameters and intestinal microbiota composition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Cannabis extracts did not induce significant profound metabolic changes, aside from minor gene expression alterations.
- Significant modifications in gut microbiota diversity and composition were observed.
- Extracts CN1 and CN6 demonstrated microbial abundance patterns linked to more favorable health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Supplementation with specific cannabis extracts (CN1, CN6) favorably modified gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice.
- No marked metabolic improvements were observed, suggesting potential need for longer treatment durations or higher concentrations.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis extracts for NAFLD.
