Cannabis May Be Protective Against Steatosis in Persons Coinfected with HIV-HCV

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MARSEILLE, FRANCE — Cannabis may be protective against liver disease in subjects infected with both the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to data published online ahead of print in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis.

French investigators assessed the relationship between cannabis use and the prevalence of steatosis (fatty liver disease) in a cohort of 838 HIV-HCV co-infected subjects.

They reported, “Daily cannabis use was independently associated with a reduced prevalence of steatosis” after adjusting for potential confounders. “Daily cannabis use may be a protective factor against steatosis in HIV-HCV co-infected patients.”