Chronic Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Inhalation Following Osteoporosis Results in Bone Deficits

Area of Science:

• Bone Biology and Pharmacology
• Endocannabinoid System Research
• Osteoporosis Therapeutics

Background:

• Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone disease with limited treatment options, primarily antiresorptive drugs.
• The endocannabinoid system, influenced by cannabinoids, may play a role in bone remodeling.
• Increasing cannabis research highlights its potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of inhaled delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on osteoporosis in a rodent model.
• To investigate potential therapeutic effects or adverse outcomes of THC on bone health.

Main Methods:

• Ovariectomy (OVX) was performed on Sprague-Dawley rats to induce osteoporosis.
• Rats received either inhaled THC or air for 8 weeks, with a sham surgery control group.
• Hindlimb bone microarchitecture and biomechanical properties were analyzed using microCT and other methods.

Main Results:

• OVX induced significant bone loss compared to sham controls.
• THC inhalation increased endosteal volume but decreased bone mineral density and thickness.
• Key aspects of trabecular bone microarchitecture were worsened by chronic THC exposure.

Conclusions:

• Chronic inhaled THC negatively impacted bone microarchitecture in an OVX rodent model.
• Results do not support the use of inhaled THC as an osteoporosis treatment.
• THC may adversely affect bone quality in estrogen-deficient conditions, warranting further research on dosage and specific cannabinoid effects.