Effects of ∆-9 tetrahydrocannabinol on the small intestine altered by high fructose diet: A Histopathological study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fructose diet on the jejunum of rats and assess whether THC could reverse these effects.
Results Summary
Fructose consumption triggered inflammation, disrupted cell proliferation balance, and increased mucus secretion in the jejunum, while THC treatment suppressed inflammation and improved cell proliferation balance. Ultrastructural damage from fructose was partially reversed by THC.
Population
Sprague-Dawley rats
Effective Dosage
10% fructose solution in drinking water (HFD group), 1.5 mg/kg/day THC (THC groups)
Duration
12 weeks (HFD), last 4 weeks (THC)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
high-fructose diet (HFD) | no change | weight gain | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | did not cause | #1 |
high-fructose diet (HFD) | increase | inflammation in the jejunum | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | triggered | #2 |
high-fructose diet (HFD) | decrease | the cell proliferation balance | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | disrupted | #3 |
high-fructose diet (HFD) | increase | mucus secretion | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | increased | #4 |
high-fructose diet (HFD) | decrease | the zonula occludens structures | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | deteriorated | #5 |
high-fructose diet (HFD) | decrease | desmosome shrinkage | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | caused | #6 |
THC treatment | decrease | inflammation caused by HFD | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | displayed suppressed | #7 |
THC treatment | increase | cell proliferation balance caused by HFD | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | improved | #8 |
THC application following HFD | increase | Mitochondria | Sprague-Dawley rats | - | were found to be increased | #9 |
The consumption of fructose is increasing day by day. Understanding the impact of increasing fructose consumption on the small intestine is crucial since the small intestine processes fructose into glucose. ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a key cannabinoid, interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially mitigating inflammation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the high-fructose diet (HFD) on the jejunum of rats and the role of THC consumption in reversing these effects. Experiments were conducted on Sprague-Dawley rats, with the experimental groups as follows: control (C), HFD, THC, and HFD + THC. The HFD group received a 10% fructose solution in drinking water for 12 weeks. THC groups were administered 1.5 mg/kg/day of THC intraperitoneally for the last four weeks. Following sacrification, the jejunum was evaluated for mucus secretion capacity. IL-6, JNK, CB2 and PCNA expressions were assessed through immunohistochemical analysis and the ultrastructural alterations via transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that fructose consumption did not cause weight gain but triggered inflammation in the jejunum, disrupted the cell proliferation balance, and increased mucus secretion in rats. Conversely, THC treatment displayed suppressed inflammation and improved cell proliferation balance caused by HFD. Ultrastructural examinations showed that the zonula occludens structures deteriorated in the HFD group, along with desmosome shrinkage. Mitochondria were found to be increased due to THC application following HFD. In conclusion, the findings of this research reveal the therapeutic potential of THC in reversing HFD-related alterations and provide valuable insights for clinical application.