Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Diseases, Inflammation
Conditions
Brief summary
Cannabis is commonly used globally. It is associated with psychiatric problems, but the effects on the cardiovascular system are unclear. In this project, the investigators plan to study the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system. This will be done by using a non-invasive test to measure blood vessel function and by using blood samples to measure inflammation. As a control for this project, the investigators would like to test the blood vessel function and inflammation levels of participants who do not use cannabis. This study will provide important information on the long term cardiovascular effects of cannabis.
Detailed description
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world, but the investigators do not know the long-term effects on the cardiovascular system in humans. The investigators have data from cell culture and small animal studies that cannabis is toxic to the cardiovascular system. Recently legalized in Canada, the long-term effects of cannabis use on the cardiovascular system may not be apparent for several decades. The purpose of this study is to test the effect of cannabis use on the vascular system. Using a non-invasive test of vascular function, the investigators would like to assess the effects of cannabis on chronic cannabis users. The investigators would also like to test if cannabis use by smoking and/or vaping causes adverse cardiovascular effects acutely. Lastly, the investigators would like to test blood from chronic cannabis users for inflammatory cytokines, which could further support our hypothesis that cannabis damages the cardiovascular system via inflammation.
Interventions
OTHERChronic Cannabis use
The investigators will test levels of inflammation and vascular dysfunction in participants who chronically use cannabis.
Sponsors
Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
Stanford University
Greenstone Biosciences
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
19 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* age: 19 to 80 * males and females * all ethnicities * cannabis use at least 3-4 times per week or more in the past 6 months (50 volunteers, experimental group) * patients who do not use cannabis (50 volunteers, control group) * no history of cardiovascular disease
Exclusion criteria
* that ingest cannabis containing cannabidiol (CBD) * that are unable to provide a receipt for the cannabis product(s) they ingest * that are unwilling to stop consuming soy products and/or genistein 48 hours prior to appointments.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | Baseline measurement. | The investigators will measure the concentration of inflammatory cytokines using an Olink for chronic cannabis users and the control group. |
| Endothelial function | Baseline measurement. | The investigators will measure the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) using an EndPAT device for both groups. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol Level | Baseline measurement. | The investigators will measure lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ratio) for both groups. |
| BMI | Baseline measurement. | The investigators will measure body-mass index or both groups. |
| Blood pressure | Baseline measurement. | The investigators will measure baseline blood pressure for both groups. |
Countries
Canada
Contacts
Primary ContactMark Chandy, MD, PhD
Backup ContactKerry-Ann Nakreiko, PhD
Outcome results
None listed