Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing health concern globally, often associated with excessive sugar intake and metabolic dysregulation. In this study, we explored early hepatic alterations induced by a short-term sucrose-rich diet (SRD) and evaluated the effects of a full-spectrum cannabis oil with a CBD:THC 2:1 ratio. Male Wistar rats were fed a SRD for 3 weeks and treated daily with the cannabis oil (CO). We assessed liver fibrosis through hydroxyproline content, total collagen, TGF-β, and CB1R expression. Endothelial dysfunction was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) levels, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and VCAM-1 expression. Inflammatory responses were analyzed via hepatic expression of IL-10, TNF-α, PAI-1, MCP-1, F4/80 and CB2R. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on liver tissue to evaluate ultrastructural alterations. SRD induced significant hepatic fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Ultrastructural analysis revealed nuclear alterations (chromatin condensation), reduced mitochondrial number, intracellular lipid accumulation, increased glycogen deposits, and stromal changes including perisinusoidal and periportal fibrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration. Cannabis oil administration attenuated these pathological features, accompanied by modulation of cannabinoid receptors expression. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of CBD- and THC-containing CO in mitigating early liver damage associated with MASLD.
Degrave et al. (Mon,) studied this question.