Oral CBD treatment is associated with an anti-inflammatory gene expression signature in myeloid cells of people living with HIV

Abstract

HIV-related comorbidities appear to be related to chronic inflammation, a condition characterizing people living with HIV (PLWH). Prior work indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) might reduce inflammation; however, the genetics underpinning this effect are not well investigated. Our main objective is to detect gene expression alterations in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from PLWH after at least one month of CBD treatment. We collected PBMCs from three HIV-positive subjects at baseline and after CBD treatment (at least 27 days) and measured gene expression via single-cell RNA sequencing. We obtained a coherent signature, characterized by an anti-inflammatory activity, of differentially expressed genes in myeloid cells. Our study shows how CBD is associated with alterations of gene expression in myeloid cells after CBD treatment.

Effects of Oral Cannabidiol on Health and Fitness in Healthy Adults: An 8-Week Randomized Trial

“…One RCT observed that 12 weeks of 400–800 mg/day of CBD reduced concentrations of IL-6 in adults diagnosed with cocaine use disorder [ 28 ]. Additionally, another study observed that 3 weeks of 67 mg/day of CBD oil was associated with decreased expression of proinflammatory genes and reductions in C -reactive protein (CRP) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive participants [ 29 ]. Conversely, another RCT observed no effect on IL-6 and CRP after 13 weeks of 200 mg/day of CBD in adults with type 2 diabetes [ 30 ].…”