Liver Functions , Crohns Disease, and Marijuana use

[dmunny]

I have Crohns disease, and for about a year am having some abnormal liver tests. The Dr. is changing my medications a bunch, and I have abstained from alcohol, but my liver counts have not decreased significantly. I am wondering if my Marijuana smoking could be causing the elevated liver functions. I am trying to do research, and am finding mixed (poor) results. Anyone have any input for me?

[reenie315]

re marijuana effects on liver functioning. I just had a blood test for hemochromatosis, an elevated iron storage problem that could effect liver functioning. I am wondering the same, as you are, if smoking pot has a deleterious effect on liver and other organs. No info in Zimmer and Morgan's book. Does anyone have any info on this?reenie315

[mikesimon]

See:  http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/06/the_pros_and_co.html

June 20, 2007

Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana with Hepatitis C

                                                    Cons

"Ever since the results of the 2006 California study were published, experts have been expressing concern about the health implications of Hepatitis C patients using marijuana. A French study of untreated individuals with Hepatitis C (those not taking interferon therapies) showed that, compared with occasional or non-users of the drug, people who used marijuana daily were:

· more likely to have severe liver fibrosis
· at a higher risk for rapid fibrosis progression.

At the 2007 42nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver in Barcelona, Spain, the same French research team reported on a study linking marijuana use and liver steatosis. These researchers noted that marijuana binds to two receptors, CB1 and CB2. Recent experimental data suggests that activation of CB1 receptors increases steatogenesis (liver fat accumulation). Stimulation of the CB1 receptor is assumed to be the reason daily marijuana smoking is associated with the development of significant hepatic fibrosis.

In addition to the discovery that smoking marijuana accelerates liver fibrosis, concerns remain about its impact on the immune system. Experts explain that the use of marijuana may suppress immune function. Cannabinoid receptors are confirmed to be present on the surface of immune cells, and when the cannabinoid molecules from marijuana bind to these receptors, the person’s resistance to disease is compromised. Therefore, various studies have concluded that using marijuana can enhance the disease process......"