Anti-inflammatory potential of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in hyperinsulinemia an experimental study.
Hyperinsulinemia (HI) means that the amount of insulin in the blood is higher than normal and is often associated with type 2 diabetes. It is known that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) obtained from a medicinal plant, Cannabis sativa, has therapeutic effects on many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of THC on inflammatory and oxidant status in rat pancreas with HI. Rats were divided into groups Control, HI, THC and HI THC. Each group consists of 8 animals. HI and HI THC groups were given 10% fructose in the drinking water for 12 weeks. In the last four weeks of the experiment, 1.5 mg kg Levels of IL-6, NF-κβ, and TNF-α mRNA expression were higher in the pancreas with HI than in the control (p < 0.001 for all). THC treatment reduced the expression of IL-6, NF-κβ, and TNF-α mRNAs in the HI THC group compared to the HI group (p < 0.001 for all). TOC increased in the HI group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). However, THC treatment reduced TOC levels in the HI THC group compared to the HI group (p < 0.001). According to the results, the THC treatment may regulate inflammation and TOC in rats with hyperinsulinemia. Thus, we can say that THC may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential in metabolic disorders.