humulene and Bacterial-Infections

The development of multidrug-resistant bacteria has revealed the need for new antimicrobial compounds. Cannabis sativa preparations have a long history of medical applications, including the treatment of infectious diseases. This review collects the information about the activity of C. sativa extracts and its main components (cannabinoids and terpenes) against pathogenic bacteria and fungus, to assess its potential using as antimicrobial agents.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Infections; Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Cell Membrane; Cell Membrane Permeability; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Drug Synergism; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts; Terpenes

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined histopathologically by the presence of macrovesicular steatosis, cellular ballooning, and inflammation. NASH represents a complex multifactorial disease that typically occurs within the context of the metabolic syndrome. NASH lacks homogeneity, and other forms of NASH can present atypically. Less than 50% of patients with NASH respond to pharmacologic treatment, which speaks to this heterogeneity. The authors discuss drugs, disease entities, and nutritional states that can cause or exacerbate underlying NASH indirectly through worsening insulin resistance or directly by interfering with lipid metabolism, promoting oxidative injury, or activating inflammatory pathways.

Topics: Amiodarone; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Bacterial Infections; Cannabis; Diet; Fatty Liver; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Insulin Resistance; Intestinal Diseases; Lipid Metabolism; Metabolic Syndrome; Methotrexate; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Occupational Diseases; Perhexiline

The influence of marijuana cannabinoids on immune function has been examined extensively over the last 25 yr. Various experimental models have been used employing drug-abusing human subjects, experimental animals exposed to marijuana smoke or injected with cannabinoids, and in vitro models employing immune cell cultures treated with various cannabinoids. For the most part, these studies suggest that cannabinoids modulate the function of T and B lymphocytes as well as NK cells and macrophages. In addition to studies examining cannabinoid effects on immune cell function, other reports have documented that these substances modulate host resistance to various infectious agents. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus and murine retrovirus have been studied as well as bacterial agents such as members of the genera Staphylococcus, Listeria, Treponema, and Legionella. These studies suggest that cannabinoids modulate host resistance, especially the secondary immune response. Finally, a third major area of host immunity and cannabinoids is that involving drug effects on the cytokine network. Employing in vivo and in vitro models, it has been determined that cannabinoids modulate the production and function of acute phase and immune cytokines as well as modulate the activity of network cells such as macrophages and T helper cells, Th1 and Th2. These results are intriguing and demonstrate that under certain conditions, cannabinoids can be immunomodulatory and enhance the disease process. However, more studies are needed to determine both the health risk of marijuana abuse and the role of the cannabinoid receptor/ligand system in immune regulation and homeostasis.

Topics: Animals; Bacterial Infections; Cannabis; Humans; Immune System; Substance-Related Disorders

To compare the rate of growth of four microbial strains that cause disease in the horse, on four commonly used types of bedding. The moisture-holding capacity of each bedding type was also tested.. Microbial strains included Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Dichelobacter nodosus and Dermatophilus congolensis. The bedding types tested were Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine shavings), Pinus nigra (Corsican pine shavings), Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce shavings), Cannabis sativa (hemp) and chopped wheat straw. A suspension of each microbial strain was spread in triplicate on agar media and incubated in its optimal growth conditions. The viable count (colony-forming unit per ml) was determined for each bacterial strain for the five different bedding types. Pinus sylvestris bedding resulted in significantly less (P = 0·001) bacterial growth of all strains tested.. Factors resulting in the inhibition of bacterial growth include the antibacterial effects reported in the Pinacea family and the physical properties of the bedding substrate. Research is currently focussed on the diagnosis and management of disease. Prevention of disease is also important for matters of biosecurity. Strategies should include the provision of a hygienic environment and the use of specific types of bedding.. Bedding choice has implications for global equine health and disease prevention as well as potential benefits in other animal species.

Topics: Actinobacteria; Animals; Bacterial Infections; Cannabis; Environmental Microbiology; Fusobacterium; Horse Diseases; Horses; Housing, Animal; Hygiene; Pinus; Streptococcus; Streptococcus equi; Triticum

Drug-addicts frequently suffer from pulmonary diseases, particularly those who practice self-injection of the drugs intravenously. Emphasis is at present laid on the various excipients which are thought to induce acute alveolitis with subsequent acute pulmonary oedema in heroin-addicts. It has also been suggested that the deep ventilatory depression that precedes pulmonary oedema may play a part and this is interesting since the depression can now be prevented with naloxone. Infectious lesions, such as septic pulmonary embolism or endocarditis, are easier to explain. The ever increasing use of tablets crushed for injection is responsible for peri-arteriolar granulomas of the lung with possibly severe sequelae. Finally, the almost generalized consumption of marihuana in the United-States has led to the discovery of new properties of this drug, including ventilatory stimulation and broncho-dilatation. However, this is mostly of theoretical interest. The psychotropic effects of marihuana and its irritant effect on the bronchi when inhaled make it unlikely that it will be ever be used for therapeutic purposes.

Topics: Bacterial Infections; Cannabis; Heroin Dependence; Humans; Lung Diseases; Pulmonary Edema; Pulmonary Embolism; Respiration

Topics: Bacterial Infections; Cannabis; Drug Contamination; Humans; Neoplasms; Respiratory Tract Infections; Risk; Sterilization

Illnesses related to both the pharmacologic properties of abused substances and their methods of administration often bring the teenager to medical attention and may provide sufficient motivation for the adolescent to seek help beyond the acute problem. Successful treatment of an overdose reaction, an abstinence syndrome, or any other medical complication of drug abuse may give the physician a unique opportunity to begine further evalution for future care.

Topics: Adolescent; Aerosols; Alcohol Drinking; Amphetamines; Bacterial Infections; Cannabis; Embolism; Female; Hallucinogens; Hepatitis A; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Malaria; Male; Opium; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Poisoning; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; Substance-Related Disorders