Cannabinoids Drugs and Oral Health-From Recreational Side-Effects to Medicinal Purposes: A Systematic Review

Oral health status among recreational cannabis (marijuana and hashish) users in the USA: A NHANES-based cross-sectional study

Background

As of November 2023, twenty-four states, two territories, and DC have legalized marijuana for non-medical use, leading to concerns about its potential oral health effects. This study investigated the association between marijuana use and clinical dental outcomes among adults in the US.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015 to 2018 using a cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalized US civilians. Marijuana use was assessed among 18-59-year-old adults and categorized as never, former, or current frequent use. The dental outcomes included the prevalence of untreated coronal caries, root caries, and missing teeth. We employed logistic and negative binomial regressions to assess the crude and adjusted associations between marijuana use, dental caries, and tooth loss.

Results

Of the 6,424 participants, 13.85% of US adults aged 18-59 years were current frequent marijuana users (21.67 million), with the highest prevalence among 18-29-year-olds (21.31%), males (17.54%), and non-Hispanic Black individuals (21.31%). Frequent marijuana users showed the highest prevalence of untreated coronal caries (33.4%). Before adjusting for socioeconomic confounders, current frequent marijuana users had 1.76 times higher odds of having teeth with coronal caries, whereas former frequent users had 1.47 times higher odds. However, the associations between marijuana use and all dental outcomes were attenuated after adjusting for socioeconomic confounders, tobacco use, and access to dental care.

Conclusion

Although marijuana use was associated with worse dental health, socioeconomic factors, tobacco use, and access to dental care were more significant contributors to the prevalence of untreated dental caries and missing teeth than marijuana use alone.

Role of Cannabinoids in Oral Cancer

Cannabinoids have incited scientific interest in different conditions, including malignancy, due to increased exposure to cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. This review paper aims to clarify the recent findings on the relationship between cannabinoids and oral cancer, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that could link cannabinoids with oral cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of the current and future perspectives on the management of oral cancer patients using cannabinoid compounds. Epidemiological data on cannabis use and oral cancer development are conflicting. However, in vitro studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids on oral cancer cells have unveiled promising anti-cancer features, including apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Downregulation of various signaling pathways with anti-cancer effects has been identified in experimental models of oral cancer cells exposed to cannabinoids. Furthermore, in some countries, several synthetic or phytocannabinoids have been approved as medical adjuvants for the management of cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Cannabinoids may improve overall well-being by relieving anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea. In conclusion, the link between cannabinoid compounds and oral cancer is complex, and further research is necessary to elucidate the potential risks or their protective impact on oral cancer.

The function of the endocannabinoid system in the pancreatic islet and its implications on metabolic syndrome and diabetes

The following review focuses on the scientific studies related to the role of endocannabinoid system (ECS) in pancreatic islet physiology and dysfunction. Different natural or synthetic agonists and antagonists have been suggested as an alternative treatment for diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Therapeutic use of Cannabis led to the discovery and characterization of the ECS, a signaling complex involved in regulation of various physiological processes, including food intake and metabolism. After the development of different agonists and antagonists, evidence have demonstrated the presence and activity of cannabinoid receptors in several organs and tissues, including pancreatic islets. Insulin and glucagon expression, stimulated secretion, and the development of diabetes and other metabolic disorders have been associated with the activity and modulation of ECS in pancreatic islets. However, according to the animal model and experimental design, either endogenous or pharmacological ligands of cannabinoid receptors have guided to contradictory and paradoxical results that suggest a complex physiological interaction. In consensus, ECS activity modulates insulin and glucagon secretions according to glucose in media; over-stimulation of cannabinoid receptors affects islets negatively, leading to glucose intolerance, meanwhile the treatment with antagonists in diabetic models and humans suggests an improvement in islets function.

Cannabidiol for Oral Health: A New Promising Therapeutical Tool in Dentistry

The medical use of cannabis has a very long history. Although many substances called cannabinoids are present in cannabis, Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) are the three main cannabinoids that are most present and described. CBD itself is not responsible for the psychotropic effects of cannabis, since it does not produce the typical behavioral effects associated with the consumption of this drug. CBD has recently gained growing attention in modern society and seems to be increasingly explored in dentistry. Several subjective findings suggest some therapeutic effects of CBD that are strongly supported by research evidence. However, there is a plethora of data regarding CBD's mechanism of action and therapeutic potential, which are in many cases contradictory. We will first provide an overview of the scientific evidence on the molecular mechanism of CBD's action. Furthermore, we will map the recent developments regarding the possible oral benefits of CBD. In summary, we will highlight CBD's promising biological features for its application in dentistry, despite exiting patents that suggest the current compositions for oral care as the main interest of the industry.

Ulceration and a White Lesion of the Tongue in a Male HIV Positive Patient: A Journey on the Avenue of Differential Diagnoses in Search of a Solution

Oral lesions are early indicator of immunosuppression, leading to HIV new diagnoses. The type of oral lesions can reveal opportunistic diseases that are correlated with the severity of immune depletion. Highly active antiretroviral therapy decreases the incidence of opportunistic oral infections, whereas a large variety of lesions are frequently experienced in people with HIV. Overlapping pathogenic mechanisms and multiple contributing etiologies are related to unusual, atypical oral lesions that are challenging in the clinical practice. We present a rare case of eosinophilic granuloma of the tongue in an older male HIV patient with severe immunosuppression due to the failure of antiretroviral treatment. Differential diagnoses considered squamous carcinoma, lymphoma, viral, fungal or bacterial infections and autoimmune disorders, as well as the influence of HIV immune disfunctions or the influence of cannabidiol use. The histopathologic and immunohistochemistry examination clarified the inflammatory reactive benign substrate of the lesion, although future survey of the oral lesions is essential.

Illegal drugs and periodontal conditions

In recent years, the practice of dentistry and periodontology has become complicated by several risk factors, including the treatment of an increasing number of patients with substance use disorder. This review presents an update in the current literature of the impact of illegal drug use on periodontal conditions and their possible effect as risk factors or indicators. The main illegal drugs that may have an impact on periodontal health and conditions are described, including their effect, medical manifestations, risks, and the overall effect on oral health and on the periodontium. Where available, data from epidemiologic studies are analyzed and summarized. The clinical management of periodontal patients using illegal drugs is reported in a comprehensive approach inclusive of the detection of illicit drug users, screening, interviewing and counseling, the referral to treatment, and the dental and periodontal management. With regard to the impact of illegal substance use on periodontal conditions, there is moderate evidence that regular long-term use of cannabis is a risk factor for periodontal disease, manifesting as a loss of periodontal attachment, deep pockets, recessions, and gingival enlargements. Limited evidence also shows that the use of cocaine can cause a series of gingival conditions that mostly presents as chemical induced-traumatic lesions (application of cocaine on the gingiva) or necrotizing ulcerative lesions. There is a scarcity of data regarding the impact of other drug use on periodontal health. There is evidence to suggest that regular long-term use of cannabis is a risk factor for periodontal disease and that the use of cocaine can cause a series of periodontal conditions. The dental treatment of subjects that use illegal substances is becoming more common in the daily clinical practice of periodontists and other dental clinicians. When the clinicians encounter such patients, it is essential to manage their addiction properly taking into consideration the impact of it on comprehensive dental treatment. Further studies and clinical observations are required to obtain sound and definitive information.

Lipid-Based Molecules on Signaling Pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorder

The signaling pathways associated with lipid metabolism contribute to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provide insights for devising new therapeutic strategies. Prostaglandin E2 is a membrane-derived lipid molecule that contributes to developing ASD associated with canonical Wnt signaling. Cyclooxygenase-2 plays a key role in neuroinflammation and is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases, such as ASD. The endocannabinoid system maintains a balance between inflammatory and redox status and synaptic plasticity and is a potential target for ASD pathophysiology. Redox signaling refers to specific and usually reversible oxidation–reduction reactions, some of which are also involved in pathways accounting for the abnormal behavior observed in ASD. Redox signaling and redox status-sensitive transcription factors contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. Cannabinoids regulate the redox balance by altering the levels and activity of antioxidant molecules via ROS-producing NADPH oxidase (NOX) and ROS-scavenging superoxide dismutase enzymes. These signaling cascades integrate a broad range of neurodevelopmental processes that may be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. Based on these pathways, we highlight putative targets that may be used for devising novel therapeutic interventions for ASD.

Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines for Short- and Long-Term Immunity: A General Overview for the Pandemic Contrast

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic produced a significant increase in cases and an emergency state was induced worldwide. The current knowledge about the COVID-19 disease concerning diagnoses, patient tracking, the treatment protocol, and vaccines provides a consistent contribution for the primary prevention of the viral infection and decreasing the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 disease. The aim of the present investigation was to produce a general overview about the current findings for the COVID-19 disease, SARS-CoV-2 interaction mechanisms with the host, therapies and vaccines’ immunization findings. Methods: A literature overview was produced in order to evaluate the state-of-art in SARS-CoV-2 diagnoses, prognoses, therapies, and prevention. Results: Concerning to the interaction mechanisms with the host, the virus binds to target with its Spike proteins on its surface and uses it as an anchor. The Spike protein targets the ACE2 cell receptor and enters into the cells by using a special enzyme (TMPRSS2). Once the virion is quietly accommodated, it releases its RNA. Proteins and RNA are used in the Golgi apparatus to produce more viruses that are released. Concerning the therapies, different protocols have been developed in observance of the disease severity and comorbidity with a consistent reduction in the mortality rate. Currently, different vaccines are currently in phase IV but a remarkable difference in efficiency has been detected concerning the more recent SARS-CoV-2 variants. Conclusions: Among the many questions in this pandemic state, the one that recurs most is knowing why some people become more seriously ill than others who instead contract the infection as if it was a trivial flu. More studies are necessary to investigate the efficiency of the treatment protocols and vaccines for the more recent detected SARS-CoV-2 variant.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma: Experimental and clinical scenarios

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide. Viral hepatitis is a significant risk factor for HCC, although metabolic syndrome and diabetes are more frequently associated with the HCC. With increasing prevalence, there is expected to be > 1 million cases annually by 2025. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish potential therapeutic targets to cure this disease. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the patho-physiology of HCC. Many synthetic agonists of PPARγ suppress HCC in experimental studies and clinical trials. These synthetic agonists have shown promising results by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCC cells and preventing the invasion and metastasis of HCC. However, some synthetic agonists also pose severe side effects in addition to their therapeutic efficacy. Thus natural PPARγ agonists can be an alternative to exploit this potential target for HCC treatment. In this review, the regulatory role of PPARγ in the pathogenesis of HCC is elucidated. Furthermore, the experimental and clinical scenario of both synthetic and natural PPARγ agonists against HCC is discussed. Most of the available literature advocates PPARγ as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

The oral and gut microbiota: beyond a short communication

Introduction. The current treatment and prevention of oral disorders, dental caries, periodontal and gum diseases, follow a very non-specific control of plaque as the main causative factor. The main therapeutically approach is carried out on the sole perspective to keep the levels of oral bacteria in an acceptable range compatible with one-way vision of oral-mouth health, as something completely separated from a systemic microbial homeostasis (dysbiosis) concomitant present in the gut. A sealed compartmental view which sees separate and incommunicable responses to a specific condition without considering the presence of interacting confounding factors can negatively influence the diagnosis a diseases and of course its progression. A general non-specific antimicrobial with more general antiplaque therapy based mainly on oral care products together with surgery interventions represent at the moment the only mechanical responses in treating oral diseases. Material and method. The present paper is a narrative review concening interractions between oral and gut microbiota, with a focus on the interdisciplinary approach in antimicrobial treatment. Pubmed, Cochrane Library database were used for searching engines. Key words used were as follows: “inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)”, “ulcerative colitis”, “oral dysbiosis”, “gut dysbiosis”, “probiotics”, “periodontitis”. Results and discussions. Literature research showed that there are few issues to be discussed the ever increasing resistance to antibiotics, the high consumption of industrial food and sugars and their negatively effect on gut and oral microbiota. There is a need to highlight and develop a novel philosophical approach in the treatments for oral diseases that will necessarily involve non-conventional antimicrobial solutions. Such approaches should preferably reduce the consumption of both intestinal and oral microbiota, that are intimately connected and host approximately well over 1000 different species of bacteria at 108–109 bacteria per mL of mucous and saliva. Preventive approaches based upon the restoration of the microbial ecological balance, rather than elimination of the disease associated species, have been proposed. Conclusions. Having both oral-gut microbiota screened is an essential moment that influence the healthy immune modulatory and regenerative capacity of the body and, the new proposed formula integrates a wider screen on the patients where oral condition is strictly evaluated together with gut screen; therefore any proposed treatment will be inevitably sustained by the use of prebiotics and probiotics to promote health-associated bacterial growth. Keywords: inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, oral dysbiosis, gut dysbiosis, probiotics, periodontitis,