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EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA SMOKING ON SOME CARDIAC ENZYMES IN ALBINO RATS

ABSTRACT

Marijuana is an illicit drug with proven anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-diarrhea activities. This present study is aimed at ascertaining the effects of marijuana smoking on some cardiac enzymes in albino rats. Twenty (20) male wistar albino rats ranging from180-200g were acclimated to laboratory conditions for 7days, following which they were randomly assigned into 4 groups i, ii, iii and iv of five animals each based on average body weight. Groups (ii-iv) were administered 0.5 ml aqueous extract of Marijuana via oral route corresponding to 1, 2 and 3mg/Kg/body weight, while group i (control) received 0.5ml of distilled water orally. Rats in all groups were sacrificed 24hours after the experimental periods of 30daysoforaladministration of the extract. The extract significantly (p<0.05) increased serum Albumin, Globuli n, Total protein, Conjugated bilirubin while Total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin concentration showed a significant (p<0.05) increase only in group ii and iv when compared with the control. Likewise group ii and iii showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in total cholesterol. The serum AST and ALT showed a significant (p<0.05) increase when compared with the control. The alterations by the results are manifestation of mild hepatorenal toxicity and anti-hypercholesterolemic effect.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The impact of marijuana smoking on cardiovascular health has been a topic of significant research interest, particularly due to the psychoactive and physiological effects of cannabinoids. Marijuana, derived from the Marijuana plant, contains compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) which affect various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular system (Gershkovich et al., 2022). Smoking marijuana has been associated with several acute cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, but its impact on specific cardiac enzymes remains less explored (Zhao et al., 2021).

Cardiac enzymes, including troponins, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), are critical indicators of myocardial injury and cardiac function. Elevated levels of these enzymes can signal myocardial infarction or other cardiac stress conditions (Chen et al., 2020). Understanding how marijuana affects these enzymes can provide insights into the cardiovascular risks associated with its use.

Recent studies have suggested that cannabinoids can influence cardiac function and enzyme levels by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating cardiovascular homeostasis (Zhu et al., 2023). For instance, THC has been shown to modulate heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to altered levels of cardiac enzymes (Liu et al., 2022). Despite these findings, the precise effects of marijuana smoking on cardiac enzyme levels, particularly in controlled experimental settings, remain inadequately documented.

Research involving animal models, such as albino rats, provides a valuable platform for studying the biochemical and physiological effects of substances like marijuana. Albino rats are commonly used in cardiovascular research due to their well-characterized physiology and the ability to control experimental variables effectively (Kumar et al., 2022). By examining the effects of marijuana smoking on cardiac enzymes in albino rats, researchers can gain a clearer understanding of how marijuana may influence heart health.

Studies focusing on the biochemical markers of myocardial injury in response to marijuana exposure are limited. Most existing research tends to focus on general cardiovascular effects or systemic responses, without isolating the impacts on specific cardiac enzymes (Smith & Jones, 2019). This gap in research underscores the need for detailed investigations into how marijuana smoking affects cardiac enzyme levels and overall cardiac function.

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