Animal Model of Endometriosis has Translational Potential for Cannabis

The primary aim of Escudero-Lara et al. (2020) was to characterize a novel animal model of endometriosis, whose translational potential lies in the data supporting its similarities of the human experience regarding pain perception, cognitive and emotional manifestations of endometrial pain. This endometrial model seems to recapitulate what is observed in the clinic.

THC exposure once per day for 28 days, appeared to restored cognition, reduce pain, and limit growth of ectopic endometrium. Unlike data published from three previous studies, animals did not develop tolerance to the beneficial effects of THC nor were there significant adverse effects observed with low dose THC. No significant effects on anxiety inducing properties of THC were observed.

The authors do not address the reports of THC leading to potentially increased scarring. There is also seemingly conflicting studies about THC and endometriosis outcomes that have been repeated in other laboratory studies. However, this might be due to the relatively low doses of THC used in this study. Possible effects of THC on established endometriosis lesions were not evaluated. This study also suggested, as have other studies, that the effects of THC are different in inflammatory conditions vs. controls.

Quote I’m Pondering from this article: “THC given for the first time on day 14 was as effective as THC given on the same day after a daily treatment starting on day 8…Therefore, THC did not lose its efficacy when repeated administration started once painful symptomatology was established.”

Question: Will inhibiting the growth of ectopic endometrium prevent scarring?

Escudero-Lara, A., Argerich, J., Cabañero, D., Maldonado, R. (2020). Disease-modifying effects of natural Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in endometriosis-associated pain. eLife 9(), e50356. https://dx.doi.org/10.7554/elife.50356