Fwd: Fw: marijuana

[Guest guest]

 

 

Pub date: Tuesday, 22 September 2004Subj: Cannabis may help combat cancer-causing herpes virusesURL: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-09/uosf-cmh092104.phpContact: Anne DeLotto Baier, abaier, 813-974-3300Web: University of South Florida Health Sciences CenterTampa, FL (Sept. 22, 2004) -- The compound in marijuana that produces a high,delta-9 tetrahydrocannbinol or THC, may block the spread of several forms ofcancer causing herpes viruses, University of South Florida College of Medicinescientists report. The findings, published Sept. 15 in the online journal BMC Medicine, could leadto the creation of antiviral drugs based on nonpsychoactive derivatives of THC.The gamma herpes viruses include Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpes virus,which is associated with an increased risk of cancer that is

particularlyprevalent in AIDS sufferers. Another is Epstein-Barr virus, which predisposesinfected individuals to cancers such as Burkitt's lymphoma and Hodgkin'sdisease. Once a person is infected, these viruses can remain dormant for long periodswithin white blood cells before they burst out and begin replicating. Thisreactivation of the virus boosts the number of cells infected therebyincreasing the chances that the cells will become cancerous. The USF team, led by virologist Peter Medveczky, MD, found that this suddenreactivation was prevented if infected cells were grown in the presence of THC.While cells infected with a mouse gamma herpes virus normally died when thevirus was reactivated, these same cells survived when cultured in thelaboratory along with the cannabinoid compound - further evidence that THCprevents viral reactivation. Furthermore, the researchers showed that THC acts specifically on gamma herpesviruses.

The chemical had no effect on another related virus, herpes simplex-1,which causes cold sores and genital herpes. Small concentrations of THC were more potent and selective against gamma herpesviruses than the commonly used antiviral drugs acyclovir, gancicyclovir andfoscamet, said Dr. Medveczky, a professor in the Department of MedicalMicrobiology and Immunology. The USF researchers suggest that THC selectively inhibits the spread of gammaherpes viruses by targeting a gene these viruses all share called ORF50. Dr. Medveczky emphasized that more studies are needed. "We have not evaluatedthe effect of THC in an animal model yet so we do not recommend people startusing pot to prevent or treat cancers." In fact, Dr. Meveczky said, THC has also been shown to suppress the immunesystem so smoking marijuana could "do more harm than good" to patients whoseimmune systems are often already weakened. Grant me the serenity to accept

the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one Ican, and the wisdom to know its me - anon---------------To , place the following in the "TO" field:jovo- No subject or message body is necessary.