Combined immunomodulating properties of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cannabis in humans
Roberta Pacifici, Piergiorgio Zuccaro, Magı́ Farré, Sandra Poudevida, Sergio Abanades, Simona Pichini, Klaus Langohr, Jordi Segura, Rafael de la Torre
Addiction May 22, 2007 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.01805.x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople who use both MDMA (ecstasy) and cannabis show long-term changes in immune function, including lower levels of interleukin-2 and higher levels of anti-inflammatory transforming growth factor beta-1, along with fewer total lymphocytes, CD4 cells, and natural killer cells. These immune alterations persisted over one year. Regular users of both drugs had a higher rate of mild infections compared to occasional users and those who used only cannabis or neither drug. Cannabis-only users showed intermediate immune changes. The findings suggest that sustained disruption of immune balance may lead to poorer general health and greater susceptibility to infections.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Longitudinal prospective study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 94 |
| Population | Polydrug consumers of MDMA and cannabis, cannabis-only users, and non-users |
| Duration | 1 year follow-up |
| Topics | Cannabis MDMA |
| Keywords | Immune system Interleukin |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key finding | Long-term alterations in immunological homeostasis, including decreased IL-2 and increased TGF-β1, were observed in MDMA–cannabis users and were associated with a higher rate of mild infections. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Aims Cell‐mediated immune function and the occurrence of mild infectious diseases was investigated. Participants Polydrug consumers of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cannabis ( n = 37) compared to cannabis users only ( n = 23) and control group ( n = 34). Design A longitudinal prospective study with three cross‐sectional evaluations at time 0 and at 6 months and 1 year was performed. Findings At baseline, a significant decrease in interleukin (IL)‐2 and an increase in anti‐inflammatory transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, together with a decrease in the number of total lymphocytes, CD4 and natural killer (NK) cells were observed in the MDMA–cannabis group, with intermediate alterations in the cannabis group. Immune alterations observed at baseline were sustained over time. No differences were found between regular and occasional MDMA users. A significantly higher rate of mild infections in regular MDMA–cannabis users compared with occasional MDMA–cannabis users and the remaining groups was observed. Conclusions The present data confirm that long‐term alterations in immunological homeostasis may result in general health status impairment and subsequent increased susceptibility to infection and immune‐related disorders.