Modelling the molecular effects of cannabis extracts on human airway epithelial tissue

Abstract

Introduction: The toxic and therapeutic effects of cannabis (C. sativa) on human airway epithelial tissue are not well described despite its widespread use. Vaping and oral uses are claimed to be safer than smoking, but vaping-related epithelial injury markers are poorly described despite epidemic clinical vaping-associated lung injury. In contrast, cannabidiols (CBDs) are marketed as having yet unconfirmed anti-inflammatory properties. Pre-clinical efficacy and safety testing may improve clinical outcome and reduce clinical harm.

Aim: To assess the effects of high CBD-containing cannabis extracts on tumour necrosis factor (TNFα) - interferon (IFN) - associated inflammation.

Methods: High CBD-containing cannabis extracts (Pathway Research and Swysh, Lethbridge (AB), Canada) were applied to the media of WI-38 human lung fibroblast cultures and three-dimensional human lung epithelial cell models (EpiAirway and EpiAirwayFT, MakTek Corporation, Ashland (MA), USA). Western blot analyses of TNFα, interleukin 6, and interleukin 1β levels were performed.

Results: The lung tissue model can use different donors to adjust for biological sex, age, and comorbidity. High CBD containing cannabis extracts, also containing non-CBD cannabis constituents, substantially decreased pro-inflammatory TNFα, interleukin-6, and interleukin 1β. The non-CBD constituents in the cannabis extracts did not compromise overall anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusions: High CBD containing cannabis extracts showed substantial overall anti-inflammatory effects when applied to human fibroblast culture and human airway epithelium models. The models would serve as useful pre-clinical efficacy and safety tools.