Nedumaran B et al. – This study evaluated the differences in the composition of urine peptides in regular cannabis users versus non–users by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis. The results of the study indicated that specific signaling pathways in lower urinary tract (LUT) showed potential activation (or inhibition) during chronic exposure to exogenous cannabinoids. This study provided initial proteomic knowledge, which can be used for future investigations on potential role of exocannabinoids in the development of intravesical therapies for treating LUT disorders.

Methods

• Urine specimens from cannabis users and healthy control subjects were used to identify the differences in number and quantity of urine proteins using LC–MS/MS analysis.

Results

• Out of the 1337 detected proteins, 19 were significantly altered in cannabis users.
• Proteins related to innate immunity and carbohydrate metabolic pathways were highly linked and upregulated in cannabis group.
• A total of 91 proteins were present and 46 proteins were absent in Cannabis group, compared to the control group.
• Regular use of cannabis was associated with significant alterations in several urinary peptides, with many of the proteins present or absent only in cannabis users.
• Analyses of pathway revealed increased immune responses in cannabis users compared to controls.