Toxicological Impact of Synthetic Cannabinoid JWH-200 on Hematological and Oxidative Biomarkers in Rats

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have emerged as a significant public health concern due to their unpredictable toxicological profiles and increasing prevalence among adolescents and young adults. JWH-200, a potent SC compound, has been frequently identified in forensic toxicology cases. This experimental study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical and oxidative effects of JWH-200 in a rat model.

Thirty-two male rats were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group received a single intraperitoneal dose of JWH-200 (1 mg/kg), while the control group received no treatment. Hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed, including RBC, WBC, Hb, Hct, PLT, AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, creatinine, as well as oxidative stress markers TAS and TOS.

Statistical analysis revealed significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet counts (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, p = 0.000, respectively) in the experimental group, while RBC, WBC and LYM counts did not show significant changes. Biochemical results indicated elevated creatinine and LDH levels (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001), suggesting renal and systemic injury. Additionally, oxidative stress parameters demonstrated a marked increase in TOS and reduction in TAS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003), reflecting an imbalance in redox homeostasis. These findings provide compelling evidence that JWH-200 induces hematological abnormalities, biochemical disruptions and oxidative stress, even at a single dose. This study underscores the potential for multi-organ damage associated with synthetic cannabinoid exposure and contributes to the growing body of toxicological data necessary for clinical recognition, early intervention and public health policy.