EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION ON IMMUNE FUNCTION MARKERS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN OWO, ONDO STATE.
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that the active ingredients of marijuana -tetra-hydro cannabinoid (THC) may adversely affect the immune system by suppressing it. This may potentially make consumers more susceptible to infectious diseases. However, this has not been sufficiently evaluated in humans who are smokers of marijuana. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of marijuana consumption (smoking) on some markers of immune function among young adults. The study participants include 60 smokers of marijuana and 60 age-matched control subjects who are non-consumers of marijuana/cigarette. Under aseptic conditions, 5mL of blood sample was collected from the participants by vene-puncture into plan container and Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) container. The blood sample in plan container was allowed to clot and serum was extracted. The blood sample in EDTA container was mixed properly to prevent clotting. Serum C-reactive protein was assayed by Enzyme Link Immuno-Sorbent Assay technique while Full Blood Count was analyzed using HEMA-D6052, 5-part Haematology Automatic Analyzer. Neutrophil-to lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte and monocyte-to lymphocyte ratios were calculated. The data were compared between the two groups using paired student-t-test and correlation study was done using Pearson correlation coefficient. Haemoglobin concentration(g/dl) (14.19±1.24 vs 12.79±1.05), and haematocrit (%) (42.49±3.68 vs 38.27±3.27) were significantly higher (p
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