*EMBARGOED All research presented at the 2020 ACG Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course is strictly embargoed until Monday, October 26, 2020, at 8:00 am EDT.

Ikechukwu Achebe, MD
Ikechukwu Achebe, MD

P2088 Effect of Cannabis Use on Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Patients: A Propensity-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study

Author Insight from Ikechukwu Achebe, MD, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

What’s new here and important for clinicians?

  • Anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) specifically, likely reduces hepatic myofibroblast and stellate cell injury occurring in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and slows disease progression.
  • Results from our study suggest that cannabis use is associated with reduced prevalence of steatohepatitis in obese patients.

    What do patients need to know?

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition of pathologic fat accumulation in liver cells when no other cause is identified.
  • NAFLD is more common in obese patients.
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis is anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective.
  • Cannabis use possibly reduces liver cell injury and inflammation that occurs as a consequence of NAFLD in obese patients.

    Read the Abstract

    Author Contact
    Ikechukwu Achebe, MD, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
    ikechukwu.achebe [at] cookcountyhhs [dot] org

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