Summary: A new study finds that cannabis use during pregnancy can cause molecular changes in exposed children's genes, affecting brain development. This study identified significant DNA changes in genes associated with neurodevelopment, suggesting a direct link between prenatal cannabis exposure and developmental problems.
These findings are particularly concerning given the increasing use of cannabis among pregnant women, particularly to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms. This study highlights the need for better guidance on the risks of cannabis use during pregnancy to prevent possible long-term effects on children.
Important facts:
Cannabis use during pregnancy causes molecular changes in genes related to brain development. These DNA changes affect genes involved in neurodevelopmental diseases. Cannabis use among pregnant women is on the rise, raising concerns about children's health.
Source: University of Canterbury
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.
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. Credit: Neuroscience News
“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. The UK's Avon Parent-Child Longitudinal Study and the 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.
“For the first time in the world, we have identified molecular changes in a significant number of genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease across the lifespan. This suggests that prenatal cannabis exposure and its effects on genes involved in neurodevelopment This is an important finding because it suggests that there is a molecular relationship between the two.
Dr. Osborne said the results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting a causal link 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 the wide availability of cannabis products overseas and eventually in New Zealand, cannabis use during pregnancy will continue to increase, but the harms of this practice are largely unknown.
“We hope that our study will prompt further research in larger cohorts and that we will soon have clearer advice to pregnant women about the effects of cannabis use, otherwise we will have to worry about the effects on our children.” Potential risks remain and may increase.”
About CUD, Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Research News
Author: Amy Osborn
Source: University of Canterbury
Contact: Amy Osborne – University of Canterbury
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access.
“Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with changes in offspring DNA methylation in genes involved in lifelong neurodevelopment,” published Amy Osborne and colleagues. molecular psychiatry
abstract
Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with changes in offspring DNA methylation in genes involved in lifelong neurodevelopment
Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) is of growing concern worldwide due to its potential effects on offspring neurodevelopment and its association with brain development and cognitive function during childhood and adolescence.
However, there is currently a lack of studies addressing the molecular effects of PCE, which may help clarify the association between PCE and neurodevelopment.
To address this knowledge gap, here we use two longitudinal studies, the Avon Parent-Child Longitudinal Study (ALSPAC) and Christchurch, to examine the effects of co-exposure of PCE and tobacco across multiple time points. We will introduce related research data for the entire epigenome. Health and Development Survey (CHDS) at birth (age 0), age 7 and age 15–17 (ALSPAC), and age ~27 (CHDS).
Our findings reveal significant differences in genome-wide DNA methylation in offspring aged 0, 7, 15–17, and 27 years associated with PCE alone and co-exposure with tobacco It became. Importantly, we identified significantly differentially methylated CpG sites within the genes LZTS2, NPSR1, NT5E, CRIP2, DOCK8, COQ5, and LRP5 that were shared between different time points throughout offspring development.
Of note, functional pathway analysis showed differential DNA methylation enrichment in neurodevelopmental, neurotransmission, and neurostructural pathways, which was consistent at all time points in both cohorts.
Given the growing epidemiological evidence suggesting an association between PCE and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed offspring, this study highlights the need for further investigation of PCE, particularly in large cohorts. .
