Cannabis Use Moderates Methamphetamine- and HIV-Related Inflammation: Evidence from Human Plasma Markers.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is common in people with HIV (PWH), increasing risks for cardiovascular and neurological damage via inflammation.
• Cannabinoids show potential for reducing inflammation in preclinical models, but human data in chronic inflammatory conditions are scarce.
• This study investigated the interplay between MUD, cannabis use, and HIV status on immune and inflammatory markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations of lifetime MUD, recent cannabis use, and HIV status with specific plasma immune and inflammatory markers.
• To determine if cannabis use modifies the relationship between MUD/HIV and these markers.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study comparing people with HIV (PWH, n=86) and without HIV (PWoH, n=148).
• Assessed lifetime MUD, past-month cannabis use, and measured plasma levels of CXCL10/IP-10, CCL2/MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1.
• Utilized generalized linear models to analyze main and conditional effects.

Main Results:

• PWH had higher CXCL10/IP-10 levels than PWoH.
• Past-month cannabis use was linked to lower CXCL10/IP-10 overall.
• Cannabis use was associated with lower CCL2/MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in individuals with MUD, and lower VCAM-1 in those without HIV.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest cannabis use is associated with reduced immune and inflammatory markers in individuals with MUD or HIV.
• Cannabinoid pathways represent a promising therapeutic target for managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
• Further clinical investigation is warranted to explore these associations.