Significantly differentially methylated CpG sites in response to PCE overlapped between each ALSPAC time point analyzed (0 years, 7 years, and 15–17 years). Genes in which CpG sites are present are listed outside the circle. Credit: Molecular Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02752-w
New research suggests that cannabis use during pregnancy is directly linked to negative effects on your baby's brain development.
Dr Amy Osborne, a senior lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury (UC), led by Te Whare Wāre Wānanga o Waitaha, has found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with molecular changes in the genes of exposed children. I discovered for the first time that
“We know that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with brain development and cognitive function in childhood and adolescence,” Dr. Osborne says. “However, previous studies have not been able to prove that cannabis exposure specifically causes the previously observed negative neurodevelopmental effects.”
The study is published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Dr. Osborn said this new study is important because cannabis use during pregnancy is a growing problem, adding, “Cannabis is now the most commonly used drug among pregnant women in the United States, other than alcohol and tobacco.” “The frequency of this drug use has increased since COVID-19.” -19 pandemic. ”
The study, a collaboration between the University of California and the University of Oxford in the UK, used genomic data from two longitudinal studies. UK Avon Parent-Child Longitudinal Study and Christchurch Health Development Study. The findings revealed significant genome-wide DNA changes in the offspring of mothers who smoked cannabis during pregnancy.
“Using data from individuals at birth, age 7, age 15-17, and age 27, we demonstrated the molecular signature of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) in exposed individuals,” Dr. Osborne says. “As a world first, we have identified a significant number of molecular changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease across the lifespan. This is an important finding because it suggests that there is a link between genes involved in neurodevelopment. ”
Dr. Osborn said the results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting a causal relationship between PCE and adverse outcomes in exposed children.
She says this is a serious concern, as many pregnant women internationally are using cannabis and cannabis-containing products to alleviate pregnancy symptoms and anxiety.
“With cannabis products becoming widely available overseas and eventually in New Zealand, use of cannabis during pregnancy will continue to increase, but the harms of this practice are largely unknown.
“We hope that our study will prompt further research with larger cohorts, and that we will soon have clearer advice for pregnant women about the effects of cannabis use. The risks remain and are likely to increase.”
Further information: Alexandra J. Noble et al, Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with changes in offspring DNA methylation in genes involved in lifelong neurodevelopment, Molecular Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02752-w
Provided by University of Canterbury
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