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Raghul Kannan S, Latha Laxmi IP, Ahmad SF, Tamizhselvi R. Embryonic ethanol exposure induces oxidative stress and inflammation in zebrafish model: A dose-dependent study. Toxicology 2024; 506:153876. [PMID: 38945197 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol, or ethanol, is a major contributor to detrimental diseases and comorbidities worldwide. Alcohol use during pregnancy intervenes the developing embryos leading to morphological changes, neurocognitive defects, and behavioral changes known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Zebrafish have been used as a model to study FASD; however, the mechanism and the impact of ethanol on oxidative stress and inflammation in the zebrafish FASD model remain unexplored. Hence, we exposed zebrafish embryos to different concentrations of ethanol (0 %, 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 1.25 %, and 1.5 % ethanol (v/v)) at 4-96 hours post-fertilization (hpf) to study and characterize the ethanol concentration for the FASD model to induce oxidative stress and inflammation. Here, we studied the survival rate and developmental toxicity parameters at different time points and measured oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory gene expression in zebrafish larvae. Our findings indicate that ethanol causes various developmental abnormalities, including decreased survival rate, spontaneous tail coiling, hatching rate, heart rate, and body length, associated with increased malformation. Further, ethanol exposure induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production and decreasing glutathione levels. Subsequently, ethanol increased ROS generation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory gene (TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in ethanol exposed larvae. 1.25 % and 1.5 % ethanol had significant impacts on zebrafish larvae in all studied parameters. However, 1.5 % ethanol showed decreased survival rate and increased malformations. Overall, 1.25 % ethanol is the ideal concentration to study the oxidative stress and inflammation in the zebrafish FASD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampath Raghul Kannan
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
| | | | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ramasamy Tamizhselvi
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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Rouzer SK, Sreeram A, Miranda RC. Reduced fetal cerebral blood flow predicts perinatal mortality in a mouse model of prenatal alcohol and cannabinoid exposure. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:263. [PMID: 38605299 PMCID: PMC11007973 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children exposed prenatally to alcohol or cannabinoids individually can exhibit growth deficits and increased risk for adverse birth outcomes. However, these drugs are often co-consumed and their combined effects on early brain development are virtually unknown. The blood vessels of the fetal brain emerge and mature during the neurogenic period to support nutritional needs of the rapidly growing brain, and teratogenic exposure during this gestational window may therefore impair fetal cerebrovascular development. STUDY DESIGN To determine whether prenatal polysubstance exposure confers additional risk for impaired fetal-directed blood flow, we performed high resolution in vivo ultrasound imaging in C57Bl/6J pregnant mice. After pregnancy confirmation, dams were randomly assigned to one of four groups: drug-free control, alcohol-exposed, cannabinoid-exposed or alcohol-and-cannabinoid-exposed. Drug exposure occurred daily between Gestational Days 12-15, equivalent to the transition between the first and second trimesters in humans. Dams first received an intraperitoneal injection of either cannabinoid agonist CP-55,940 (750 µg/kg) or volume-equivalent vehicle. Then, dams were placed in vapor chambers for 30 min of inhalation of either ethanol or room air. Dams underwent ultrasound imaging on three days of pregnancy: Gestational Day 11 (pre-exposure), Gestational Day 13.5 (peri-exposure) and Gestational Day 16 (post-exposure). RESULTS All drug exposures decreased fetal cranial blood flow 24-hours after the final exposure episode, though combined alcohol and cannabinoid co-exposure reduced internal carotid artery blood flow relative to all other exposures. Umbilical artery metrics were not affected by drug exposure, indicating a specific vulnerability of fetal cranial circulation. Cannabinoid exposure significantly reduced cerebroplacental ratios, mirroring prior findings in cannabis-exposed human fetuses. Post-exposure cerebroplacental ratios significantly predicted subsequent perinatal mortality (p = 0.019, area under the curve, 0.772; sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 85.70%) and retroactively diagnosed prior drug exposure (p = 0.005; AUC, 0.861; sensitivity, 86.40%; specificity, 66.7%). CONCLUSIONS Fetal cerebrovasculature is significantly impaired by exposure to alcohol or cannabinoids, and co-exposure confers additional risk for adverse birth outcomes. Considering the rising potency and global availability of cannabis products, there is an imperative for research to explore translational models of prenatal drug exposure, including polysubstance models, to inform appropriate strategies for treatment and care in pregnancies affected by drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siara Kate Rouzer
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M School of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Anirudh Sreeram
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M School of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M School of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
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Collier AD, Abdulai AR, Leibowitz SF. Utility of the Zebrafish Model for Studying Neuronal and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Embryonic Exposure to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis. Cells 2023; 12:2505. [PMID: 37887349 PMCID: PMC10605371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that 5% of pregnant women consume drugs of abuse during pregnancy. Clinical research suggests that intake of drugs during pregnancy, such as alcohol, nicotine and cannabis, disturbs the development of neuronal systems in the offspring, in association with behavioral disturbances early in life and an increased risk of developing drug use disorders. After briefly summarizing evidence in rodents, this review focuses on the zebrafish model and its inherent advantages for studying the effects of embryonic exposure to drugs of abuse on behavioral and neuronal development, with an emphasis on neuropeptides known to promote drug-related behaviors. In addition to stimulating the expression and density of peptide neurons, as in rodents, zebrafish studies demonstrate that embryonic drug exposure has marked effects on the migration, morphology, projections, anatomical location, and peptide co-expression of these neurons. We also describe studies using advanced methodologies that can be applied in vivo in zebrafish: first, to demonstrate a causal relationship between the drug-induced neuronal and behavioral disturbances and second, to discover underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate these effects. The zebrafish model has great potential for providing important information regarding the development of novel and efficacious therapies for ameliorating the effects of early drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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4
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Bake S, Rouzer SK, Mavuri S, Miranda RC, Mahnke AH. The interaction of genetic sex and prenatal alcohol exposure on health across the lifespan. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101103. [PMID: 37802472 PMCID: PMC10922031 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can reprogram the development of cells and tissues, resulting in a spectrum of physical and neurobehavioral teratology. PAE immediately impacts fetal growth, but its effects carry forward post-parturition, into adolescence and adulthood, and can result in a cluster of disabilities, collectively termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Emerging preclinical and clinical research investigating neurological and behavioral outcomes in exposed offspring point to genetic sex as an important modifier of the effects of PAE. In this review, we discuss the literature on sex differences following PAE, with studies spanning the fetal period through adulthood, and highlight gaps in research where sex differences are likely, but currently under-investigated. Understanding how sex and PAE interact to affect offspring health outcomes across the lifespan is critical for identifying the full complement of PAE-associated secondary conditions, and for refining targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shameena Bake
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Siara K Rouzer
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Shruti Mavuri
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Amanda H Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Perturbation of 3D nuclear architecture, epigenomic dysregulation and aging, and cannabinoid synaptopathy reconfigures conceptualization of cannabinoid pathophysiology: part 1-aging and epigenomics. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182535. [PMID: 37732074 PMCID: PMC10507876 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Much recent attention has been directed toward the spatial organization of the cell nucleus and the manner in which three-dimensional topologically associated domains and transcription factories are epigenetically coordinated to precisely bring enhancers into close proximity with promoters to control gene expression. Twenty lines of evidence robustly implicate cannabinoid exposure with accelerated organismal and cellular aging. Aging has recently been shown to be caused by increased DNA breaks. These breaks rearrange and maldistribute the epigenomic machinery to weaken and reverse cellular differentiation, cause genome-wide DNA demethylation, reduce gene transcription, and lead to the inhibition of developmental pathways, which contribute to the progressive loss of function and chronic immune stimulation that characterize cellular aging. Both cell lineage-defining superenhancers and the superanchors that control them are weakened. Cannabis exposure phenocopies the elements of this process and reproduces DNA and chromatin breakages, reduces the DNA, RNA protein and histone synthesis, interferes with the epigenomic machinery controlling both DNA and histone modifications, induces general DNA hypomethylation, and epigenomically disrupts both the critical boundary elements and the cohesin motors that create chromatin loops. This pattern of widespread interference with developmental programs and relative cellular dedifferentiation (which is pro-oncogenic) is reinforced by cannabinoid impairment of intermediate metabolism (which locks in the stem cell-like hyper-replicative state) and cannabinoid immune stimulation (which perpetuates and increases aging and senescence programs, DNA damage, DNA hypomethylation, genomic instability, and oncogenesis), which together account for the diverse pattern of teratologic and carcinogenic outcomes reported in recent large epidemiologic studies in Europe, the USA, and elsewhere. It also accounts for the prominent aging phenotype observed clinically in long-term cannabis use disorder and the 20 characteristics of aging that it manifests. Increasing daily cannabis use, increasing use in pregnancy, and exponential dose-response effects heighten the epidemiologic and clinical urgency of these findings. Together, these findings indicate that cannabinoid genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity are prominent features of cannabis dependence and strongly indicate coordinated multiomics investigations of cannabinoid genome-epigenome-transcriptome-metabolome, chromatin conformation, and 3D nuclear architecture. Considering the well-established exponential dose-response relationships, the diversity of cannabinoids, and the multigenerational nature of the implications, great caution is warranted in community cannabinoid penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Lachowicz J, Szopa A, Ignatiuk K, Świąder K, Serefko A. Zebrafish as an Animal Model in Cannabinoid Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10455. [PMID: 37445631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids are active substances present in plants of the Cannabis genus. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have approved several medicinal products containing natural cannabinoids or their synthetic derivatives for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, anorexia in AIDS patients, and the alleviation of symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. In fact, cannabinoids constitute a broad group of molecules with a possible therapeutic potential that could be used in the management of much more diseases than mentioned above; therefore, multiple preclinical and clinical studies on cannabinoids have been carried out in recent years. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is an animal model that has gained more attention lately due to its numerous advantages, including easy and fast reproduction, the significant similarity of the zebrafish genome to the human one, simplicity of genetic modifications, and body transparency during the early stages of development. A number of studies have confirmed the usefulness of this model in toxicological research, experiments related to the impact of early life exposure to xenobiotics, modeling various diseases, and screening tests to detect active substances with promising biological activity. The present paper focuses on the current knowledge of the endocannabinoid system in the zebrafish model, and it summarizes the results and observations from studies investigating the pharmacological effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids that were carried out in Danio rerio. The presented data support the notion that the zebrafish model is a suitable animal model for use in cannabinoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lachowicz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ignatiuk
- Scientific Circle, Department of Clincal Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Świąder
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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7
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Lei A, Breit KR, Thomas JD. Prenatal alcohol and tetrahydrocannabinol exposure: Effects on spatial and working memory. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1192786. [PMID: 37383100 PMCID: PMC10293645 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1192786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alcohol and cannabis are widely used recreational drugs that can negatively impact fetal development, leading to cognitive impairments. However, these drugs may be used simultaneously and the effects of combined exposure during the prenatal period are not well understood. Thus, this study used an animal model to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH), Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or the combination on spatial and working memory. Methods Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vaporized ethanol (EtOH; 68 ml/h), THC (100 mg/ml), the combination, or vehicle control during gestational days 5-20. Adolescent male and female offspring were evaluated using the Morris water maze task to assess spatial and working memory. Results Prenatal THC exposure impaired spatial learning and memory in female offspring, whereas prenatal EtOH exposure impaired working memory. The combination of THC and EtOH did not exacerbate the effects of either EtOH or THC, although subjects exposed to the combination were less thigmotaxic, which might represent an increase in risk-taking behavior. Discussion Our results highlight the differential effects of prenatal exposure to THC and EtOH on cognitive and emotional development, with substance- and sex-specific patterns. These findings highlight the potential harm of THC and EtOH on fetal development and support public health policies aimed at reducing cannabis and alcohol use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Lei
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kristen R. Breit
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer D. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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8
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Zhang C, Ezem N, Mackinnon S, Cole GJ. Embryonic Ethanol but Not Cannabinoid Exposure Affects Zebrafish Cardiac Development via Agrin and Sonic Hedgehog Interaction. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091327. [PMID: 37174727 PMCID: PMC10177468 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate the adverse effects of cannabinoids on development, including via pathways shared with ethanol exposure. Our laboratory has shown that both the nervous system and cardiac development are dependent on agrin modulation of sonic hedgehog (shh) and fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling pathways. As both ethanol and cannabinoids impact these signaling molecules, we examined their role on zebrafish heart development. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to a range of ethanol and/or cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 agonist concentrations in the absence or presence of morpholino oligonucleotides that disrupt agrin or shh expression. In situ hybridization was employed to analyze cardiac marker gene expression. Exposure to cannabinoid receptor agonists disrupted midbrain-hindbrain boundary development, but had no effect on heart development, as assessed by the presence of cardiac edema or the altered expression of cardiac marker genes. In contrast, exposure to 1.5% ethanol induced cardiac edema and the altered expression of cardiac marker genes. Combined exposure to agrin or shh morpholino and 0.5% ethanol disrupted the cmlc2 gene expression pattern, with the restoration of the normal expression following shh mRNA overexpression. These studies provide evidence that signaling pathways critical to heart development are sensitive to ethanol exposure, but not cannabinoids, during early zebrafish embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjin Zhang
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Natalie Ezem
- Duke-NCCU Summer Scholars Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Shanta Mackinnon
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Gregory J Cole
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences; North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
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9
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Rouzer SK, Gutierrez J, Larin KV, Miranda RC. Alcohol & cannabinoid co-use: Implications for impaired fetal brain development following gestational exposure. Exp Neurol 2023; 361:114318. [PMID: 36627039 PMCID: PMC9892278 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol and marijuana are two of the most consumed psychoactive substances by pregnant people, and independently, both substances have been associated with lifelong impacts on fetal neurodevelopment. Importantly, individuals of child-bearing age are increasingly engaging in simultaneous alcohol and cannabinoid (SAC) use, which amplifies each drug's pharmacodynamic effects and increases craving for both substances. However, to date, investigations of prenatal polysubstance use are notably limited in both human and non-human populations. In this review paper, we will address what is currently known about combined exposure to these substances, both directly and prenatally, and identify shared prenatal targets from single-exposure paradigms that may highlight susceptible neurobiological mechanisms for future investigation and therapeutic intervention. Finally, we conclude this manuscript by discussing factors that we feel are essential in the consideration and experimental design of future preclinical SAC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siara Kate Rouzer
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, United States.
| | - Jessica Gutierrez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Kirill V Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, United States
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Kovács MV, Charchat-Fichman H, Landeira-Fernandez J, Medina AE, Krahe TE. Combined exposure to alcohol and cannabis during development: mechanisms and outcomes. Alcohol 2023; 110:1-13. [PMID: 36740025 PMCID: PMC10372841 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to substances of abuse during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on offspring. Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances of abuse that leads to the most severe consequences. Recent studies in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom showed that between 1% and 7% of all children exhibit signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Despite preventive campaigns, the rate of children with FASD has not decreased during recent decades. Alcohol consumption often accompanies exposure to such drugs as tobacco, cocaine, opioids, and cannabis. These interactions can be synergistic and exacerbate the deleterious consequences of developmental alcohol exposure. The present review focuses on interactions between alcohol and cannabis exposure and the potential consequences of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina V Kovács
- Corresponding author. . Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22451-900, Brazil
| | - Helenice Charchat-Fichman
- Corresponding author. . Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22451-900, Brazil
| | - J Landeira-Fernandez
- Corresponding author. . Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22451-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre E Medina
- Department of Pediatrics - School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Thomas E Krahe
- Corresponding author. . Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Neurociência do Comportamento, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22451-900, Brazil.
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Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Synaptic Plasticity Abnormalities in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:442. [PMID: 36766783 PMCID: PMC9913617 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain's ability to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections is often termed synaptic plasticity. It has been shown to function in brain remodeling following different types of brain damage (e.g., drugs of abuse, alcohol use disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory conditions). Although synaptic plasticity mechanisms have been extensively studied, how neural plasticity can influence neurobehavioral abnormalities in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is far from being completely understood. Alcohol use during pregnancy and its harmful effects on the developing offspring are major public health, social, and economic challenges. The significant attribute of prenatal alcohol exposure on offspring is damage to the central nervous system (CNS), causing a range of synaptic structural, functional, and behavioral impairments, collectively called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Although the synaptic mechanisms in FASD are limited, emerging evidence suggests that FASD pathogenesis involves altering a set of molecules involved in neurotransmission, myelination, and neuroinflammation. These studies identify several immediate and long-lasting changes using many molecular approaches that are essential for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Therefore, they can offer potential synaptic targets for the many neurobehavioral abnormalities observed in FASD. In this review, we discuss the substantial research progress in different aspects of synaptic and molecular changes that can shed light on the mechanism of synaptic dysfunction in FASD. Increasing our understanding of the synaptic changes in FASD will significantly advance our knowledge and could provide a basis for finding novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S. Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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12
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Khara LS, Ali DW. The endocannabinoid system's involvement in motor development relies on cannabinoid receptors, TRP channels, and Sonic Hedgehog signaling. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15565. [PMID: 36636759 PMCID: PMC9837476 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCS) plays critical roles in locomotor function and motor development; however, the roles of non-canonical cannabinoid receptor systems such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in conjunction with the eCS in sensorimotor development remains enigmatic. To investigate the involvement of canonical and non-canonical cannabinoid receptors, TRP channels, and the SHH pathway in the development of sensorimotor function in zebrafish, we treated developing animals with pharmacological inhibitors of the CB1R, CB2R, TRPA1/TRPV1/TRPM8, and a smoothened (SMO) agonist, along with inhibitors of the eCS catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) during the first ~24 h of zebrafish embryogenesis. Locomotor function was examined by assessing touch-evoked escape swimming at 2 days post-fertilization. We report that FAAH inhibition had no effect on swimming while MAGL inhibition using JZL 184 reduced swimming distance and the dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitor JZL 195 impaired swimming distance and mean swimming velocity. The CB1R antagonist AM 251 prevented locomotor deficits caused by eCS perturbation but the CB2R antagonist AM 630 did not. Inhibition of TRPA1/TRPV1/TRPM8 using AMG 9090 rescued the locomotor reductions caused by FAAH/MAGL inhibition, but not by MAGL inhibition alone. The SMO agonist purmorphamine attenuated the effects of JZL 184 and JZL 195 on swimming distance, but not mean velocity. Together, these findings provide one of the first investigations examining the interactions between the eCS and its non-canonical receptor systems in vertebrate motor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakhan S. Khara
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Declan W. Ali
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- The Neuroscience and Mental Health InstituteUniversity of Alberta EdmontonEdmontonAlbertaCanada
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Ramlawi S, Murphy MSQ, Dingwall-Harvey ALJ, Rennicks White R, Gaudet LM, McGee A, DeGrace A, Cantin C, El-Chaâr D, Walker MC, Corsi DJ. Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Downstream effects on maternal and infant health (CUPiD): a protocol for a birth cohort pilot study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066196. [PMID: 36549747 PMCID: PMC9791409 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis use in pregnancy and post partum is increasing. Accessibility to cannabis has expanded due to the legalisation of cannabis in Canada. Therefore, there is a critical need to monitor the impact of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes and infant neurodevelopment. This pilot study will assess the feasibility of modern recruitment and data collection strategies adapted to the current cannabis environment and inform the design of a multicentre prospective birth cohort. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will establish a pregnancy and birth cohort of 50 cannabis users and 50 non-users recruited before delivery. We will follow the participants at regular visits from recruitment to 12 weeks post partum. Participants will provide demographic and socioeconomic data, report their cannabis use patterns, and provide biological samples. Biological samples include maternal and infant urine and blood, breastmilk/chestmilk, cord blood, cord tissue, placenta and meconium. All samples will be processed and stored at -80°C until analysis by immunoassay or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to determine the presence of cannabis metabolites. In addition, partners will be invited to provide additional socioeconomic and substance use data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics was obtained from Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board through Clinical Trials Ontario (3791). Our findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at scientific conferences and shared broadly with patients, healthcare decision-makers, and project partners online and through social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05309226.Cite Now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serine Ramlawi
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Malia S Q Murphy
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ruth Rennicks White
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura M Gaudet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy McGee
- Division of Midwifery, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda DeGrace
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Cantin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Champlain Maternal Newborn Regional Program, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darine El-Chaâr
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark C Walker
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel J Corsi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Khara LS, Amin MR, Ali DW. Inhibiting the endocannabinoid degrading enzymes FAAH and MAGL during zebrafish embryogenesis alters sensorimotor function. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275080. [PMID: 35438163 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (eCS) plays a critical role in a variety of homeostatic and developmental processes. Although the eCS is known to be involved in motor and sensory function, the role of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling in sensorimotor development remains to be fully understood. In this study, the catabolic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) were inhibited either simultaneously, or individually during the first ∼24 hours of zebrafish embryogenesis, and the properties of contractile events and escape responses were studied in animals ranging in age from 1 day post fertilization (dpf) to 10 weeks. This perturbation of the eCS resulted in alterations to contractile activity at 1 dpf. Inhibition of MAGL using JZL 184 and dual inhibition of FAAH/MAGL using JZL 195 decreased escape swimming activity at 2 dpf. Treatment with JZL 195 also produced alterations in the properties of the 2 dpf short latency C-start escape response. Animals treated with JZL 195 exhibited deficits in escape responses elicited by auditory/vibrational (A/V) stimuli at 5 and 6 dpf. These deficits were also present during the juvenile developmental stage (8-10-week-old fish), demonstrating a prolonged impact to sensory systems. These findings demonstrate that eCS perturbation affects sensorimotor function, and underscores the importance of eCB signaling in the development of motor and sensory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakhan S Khara
- Departments of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Md Ruhul Amin
- Pharmacology, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Declan W Ali
- Departments of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.,Physiology, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute. CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
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15
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Burton DF, Boa-Amponsem OM, Dixon MS, Hopkins MJ, Herbin TA, Toney S, Tarpley M, Rodriguez BV, Fish EW, Parnell SE, Cole GJ, Williams KP. Pharmacological activation of the Sonic hedgehog pathway with a Smoothened small molecule agonist ameliorates the severity of alcohol-induced morphological and behavioral birth defects in a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1585-1601. [PMID: 35014067 PMCID: PMC9271529 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol exposure during the early stages of embryonic development can lead to a range of morphological and behavioral differences termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). In a zebrafish model, we have shown that acute ethanol exposure at 8-10 hr postfertilization (hpf), a critical time of development, produces birth defects similar to those clinically characterized in FASD. Dysregulation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway has been implicated as a molecular basis for many of the birth defects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. We observed in zebrafish embryos that shh expression was significantly decreased by ethanol exposure at 8-10 hpf, while smo expression was much less affected. Treatment of zebrafish embryos with SAG or purmorphamine, small molecule Smoothened agonists that activate Shh signaling, ameliorated the severity of ethanol-induced developmental malformations including altered eye size and midline brain development. Furthermore, this rescue effect of Smo activation was dose dependent and occurred primarily when treatment was given after ethanol exposure. Markers of Shh signaling (gli1/2) and eye development (pax6a) were restored in embryos treated with SAG post-ethanol exposure. Since embryonic ethanol exposure has been shown to produce later-life neurobehavioral impairments, juvenile zebrafish were examined in the novel tank diving test. Our results further demonstrated that in zebrafish embryos exposed to ethanol, SAG treatment was able to mitigate long-term neurodevelopmental impairments related to anxiety and risk-taking behavior. Our results indicate that pharmacological activation of the Shh pathway at specific developmental timing markedly diminishes the severity of alcohol-induced birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek F Burton
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Oswald M Boa-Amponsem
- Integrated Biosciences PhD Program, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria S Dixon
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael J Hopkins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Te-Andre Herbin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shiquita Toney
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Tarpley
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Blanca V Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eric W Fish
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gregory J Cole
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin P Williams
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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16
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Nixon J, Abramovici H, Cabecinha A, Martinez-Farina C, Hui J, Ellis L. Assessing the bioactivity of cannabis extracts in larval zebrafish. J Cannabis Res 2021; 3:44. [PMID: 34598738 PMCID: PMC8487145 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-021-00103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Whole-plant cannabis extracts are consumed by the public for medical and non-medical (“recreational”) purposes but are poorly researched compared to pure cannabinoids. There is emerging evidence that cannabis extracts comprising complex mixtures of cannabinoids may have different biological effects from that of pure cannabinoids. In the current study, we sought to assess the effect of whole-plant cannabis extracts produced from different chemotypes of cannabis on the normal behavior of zebrafish larvae. Methods Three cannabis plant chemotypes were used in this study that contained either high amounts of THC, high amounts of CBD, high but equal amounts of THC and CBD, or low but equal amounts of THC and CBD. Following solvent extraction, liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was performed for the detection and quantitation of target cannabinoids. Larval zebrafish behavioral models were subsequently used to assess the effect of the four different whole-plant cannabis extracts on the normal larval behavior using the DanioVision behavioral tracking systems and software. To compare, changes in the behavior activity levels for 30 min periods were compared to controls using 2-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test. Results It was found that the whole-plant extracts that contained high levels of THC had similar effects on larval behavior, while the high CBD and low THC:CBD extracts produced distinct effects on normal larval behavior. Exposure of larvae to concentration-matched levels of THC and CBD found in the extracts revealed that a subset of the cannabis extracts tested had similar behavioral profiles to the pure cannabinoids while others did not. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to test and compare the bioactivity of different whole-plant cannabis extracts in larval zebrafish. This work will provide a framework for future studies of distinct cannabis extracts and will be useful for comparing the bioactivity of extracts from different cannabis chemotypes as well as extracts made through various heating processes. It will also act as the first stage of assessment before testing the extracts against zebrafish models of toxicity and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Nixon
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Hanan Abramovici
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ashley Cabecinha
- Office of Cannabis Science and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Camilo Martinez-Farina
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Joseph Hui
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Lee Ellis
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council of Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada.
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Popova S, Dozet D, Shield K, Rehm J, Burd L. Alcohol's Impact on the Fetus. Nutrients 2021; 13:3452. [PMID: 34684453 PMCID: PMC8541151 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is a teratogen and prenatal exposure may adversely impact the developing fetus, increasing risk for negative outcomes, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Global trends of increasing alcohol use among women of childbearing age due to economic development, changing gender roles, increased availability of alcohol, peer pressure and social acceptability of women's alcohol use may put an increasing number of pregnancies at risk for prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). This risk has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in some countries. METHOD This literature review presents an overview on the epidemiology of alcohol use among childbearing age and pregnant women and FASD by World Health Organization regions; impact of PAE on fetal health, including FASD; associated comorbidities; and social outcomes. RESULTS/CONCLUSION The impact of alcohol on fetal health and social outcomes later in life is enormous, placing a huge economic burden on countries. Prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and early identification of affected individuals should be a global public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Popova
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Danijela Dozet
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevin Shield
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy & Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Street 46, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Street, 8, b. 2, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 N Columbia Rd., Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
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Corsi DJ, Murphy MS, Cook J. The Effects of Cannabis on Female Reproductive Health Across the Life Course. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2021; 6:275-287. [PMID: 33998877 PMCID: PMC8380785 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis is commonly used for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits and is also widely used as a recreational drug. Cannabis use has been increasing in Canada, including among Canadian women of reproductive age. Post-legalization, further increases in cannabis use are expected due to increased availability and lowered perceptions of harm. Although cannabinoids are well known for their effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, endocannabinoid receptors have also been characterized throughout the female reproductive tract. Cannabinoids may affect many aspects of female reproductive health, including fertility, pregnancy outcomes with neonatal implications, and menopause. Purpose: To provide a comprehensive review of trends in cannabis use among women and review the impact of cannabis across the female reproductive lifespan. Methods: We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library databases using keywords and MeSH terms. Included studies reported the potential impact of cannabinoids on female fertility, pregnancy, transmission to breast milk, neonatal outcomes, and menopause. Results: The existing literature is primarily concentrated on the effect of cannabis use in pregnancy and breastfeeding, with little exploration of its impact on fertility and in later life. Studies are limited in number, with small sample sizes, and are hampered by methodological challenges related to confounding and other potential biases. Conclusions: There remain critical gaps in the literature about the potential risks of cannabis use, particularly in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, and their infants. Given the rise in the prevalence of cannabis use, new, robust investigations into the consequences of cannabis exposure on female reproductive health are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Corsi
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Malia S.Q. Murphy
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jocelynn Cook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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19
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Schaidhauer FG, Caetano HA, da Silva GP, da Silva RS. Contributions of Zebrafish Studies on the Behavioural Consequences of Early Alcohol Exposure: A Systematic Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:579-593. [PMID: 33913405 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210428114317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consequences of mild to severe exposure to alcohol during brain development is still a matter of debate and scientific investigation. The long-term behavioural effects of ethanol exposure have been related to impaired social skills and cognition. Zebrafish have become a suitable animal model to investigate the effects of early ethanol exposure because it is very feasible to promote drug delivery during early development. OBJECTIVE The goal of the current report is to review existing behavioural studies addressing the impact of early alcohol exposure using zebrafish to determine whether these models resemble the behavioural effects of early alcohol exposure in humans. METHODS A comprehensive search of biomedical databases was performed using the operation order: "ZEBRAFISH AND BEHAV* AND (ETHANOL OR ALCOHOL)". The eligibility of studies was determined using the PICOS strategy, contemplating the population as zebrafish, intervention as exposure to ethanol, comparison with a non-exposed control animal, and outcomes as behavioural parameters. RESULTS The systematic search returned 29 scientific articles as eligible. The zebrafish is presented as a versatile animal model that is useful to study FASD short and long-term behaviour impairments, such as anxiety, impaired sociability, aggressiveness, learning problems, memory impairment, seizure susceptibility, sleep disorders, motivational problems, and addiction. CONCLUSION This systematic review serves to further promote the use of zebrafish as a model system to study the pathophysiological and behavioural consequences of early alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Gheller Schaidhauer
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Higor Arruda Caetano
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pietro da Silva
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rosane Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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20
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Marijuana and Opioid Use during Pregnancy: Using Zebrafish to Gain Understanding of Congenital Anomalies Caused by Drug Exposure during Development. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8080279. [PMID: 32784457 PMCID: PMC7460517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana and opioid addictions have increased alarmingly in recent decades, especially in the United States, posing threats to society. When the drug user is a pregnant mother, there is a serious risk to the developing baby. Congenital anomalies are associated with prenatal exposure to marijuana and opioids. Here, we summarize the current data on the prevalence of marijuana and opioid use among the people of the United States, particularly pregnant mothers. We also summarize the current zebrafish studies used to model and understand the effects of these drug exposures during development and to understand the behavioral changes after exposure. Zebrafish experiments recapitulate the drug effects seen in human addicts and the birth defects seen in human babies prenatally exposed to marijuana and opioids. Zebrafish show great potential as an easy and inexpensive model for screening compounds for their ability to mitigate the drug effects, which could lead to new therapeutics.
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21
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Boa-Amponsem O, Zhang C, Burton D, Williams KP, Cole GJ. Ethanol and Cannabinoids Regulate Zebrafish GABAergic Neuron Development and Behavior in a Sonic Hedgehog and Fibroblast Growth Factor-Dependent Mechanism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1366-1377. [PMID: 32472575 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (EtOH) has diverse effects on nervous system development, which includes development and survival of GABAergic neurons in a sonic hedgehog (Shh) and fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)-dependent mechanism. Cannabinoids also function as inhibitors of Shh signaling, raising the possibility that EtOH and cannabinoids may interact to broadly disrupt neuronal function during brain development. METHODS Zebrafish embryos were exposed to a range of EtOH and/or cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) agonist concentrations at specific developmental stages, in the absence or presence of morpholino oligonucleotides that disrupt shh expression. In situ hybridization was employed to analyze glutamic acid decarboxylase (gad1) gene expression as a marker of GABAergic neuron differentiation, and zebrafish behavior was analyzed using the novel tank diving test as a measure of risk-taking behavior. RESULTS Combined acute subthreshold EtOH and CB1R agonist exposure results in a marked reduction in gad1 mRNA expression in zebrafish forebrain. Consistent with the EtOH and cannabinoid effects on Shh signaling, fgf8 mRNA overexpression rescues the EtOH- and cannabinoid-induced decrease in gad1 gene expression and also prevents the changes in behavior induced by EtOH and cannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS These studies provide evidence that forebrain GABAergic neuron development and zebrafish risk-taking behavior are sensitive to both EtOH and cannabinoid exposure in a Shh- and Fgf-dependent mechanism, and provide additional evidence that a signaling pathway involving Shh and Fgf crosstalk is a critical target of EtOH and cannabinoids in FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswald Boa-Amponsem
- From the, Integrated Biosciences Program, (OB-A), North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.,Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, (OB-A, C-Z, GJC), North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Chengjin Zhang
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, (OB-A, C-Z, GJC), North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Derek Burton
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, (DB, KPW), North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kevin P Williams
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, (DB, KPW), North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Gregory J Cole
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, (OB-A, C-Z, GJC), North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, (GJC), North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
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22
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Forner-Piquer I, Santangeli S, Maradonna F, Rabbito A, Piscitelli F, Habibi HR, di Marzo V, Carnevali O. Comments on Disruption of the gonadal endocannabinoid system in zebrafish exposed to diisononyl phthalate - Forner-Piquer et al. (2018)": rebuttal to Prosser CM. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 261:114028. [PMID: 32085902 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Santangeli
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy; INBB, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rabbito
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Hamid R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Vincezo di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy; INBB, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Reid HMO, Lysenko-Martin MR, Snowden TM, Thomas JD, Christie BR. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Perinatal Alcohol Exposure and Perinatal Marijuana Exposure on Adult Neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1164-1174. [PMID: 32246781 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marijuana and alcohol are both substances that, when used during pregnancy, may have profound effects on the developing fetus. There is evidence to suggest that both drugs have the capacity to affect working memory, one function of the hippocampal formation; however, there is a paucity of data on how perinatal exposure to alcohol or cannabis impacts the process of adult neurogenesis. METHODS This systematic review examines immunohistochemical data from adult rat and mouse models that assess perinatal alcohol or perinatal marijuana exposure. A comprehensive list of search terms was designed and used to search 3 separate databases. All results were imported to Mendeley and screened by 2 authors. Consensus was reached on a set of final papers that met the inclusion criteria, and their results were summarized. RESULTS Twelve papers were identified as relevant, 10 of which pertained to the effects of perinatal alcohol on the adult hippocampus, and 2 pertained to the effects of perinatal marijuana on the adult hippocampus. Cellular proliferation in the dentate gyrus was not affected in adult rats and mice exposed to alcohol perinatally. In general, perinatal alcohol exposure did not have a significant and reliable effect on the maturation and survival of adult born granule neurons in the dentate gyrus. In contrast, interneuron numbers appear to be reduced in the dentate gyrus of adult rats and mice exposed perinatally to alcohol. Perinatal marijuana exposure was also found to reduce inhibitory interneuron numbers in the dentate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal alcohol exposure and perinatal marijuana exposure both act on inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampal formation of adult rats. These findings suggest simultaneous perinatal alcohol and marijuana exposure (SAM) may have a dramatic impact on inhibitory processes in the dentate gyrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M O Reid
- From the, Division of Medical Sciences, (HMOR, MRL, TMS, BRC), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie R Lysenko-Martin
- From the, Division of Medical Sciences, (HMOR, MRL, TMS, BRC), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Taylor M Snowden
- From the, Division of Medical Sciences, (HMOR, MRL, TMS, BRC), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Thomas
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, (JDT), San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Brian R Christie
- From the, Division of Medical Sciences, (HMOR, MRL, TMS, BRC), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Island Medical Program and Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, (BRC), University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia
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Cannabinoids Exacerbate Alcohol Teratogenesis by a CB1-Hedgehog Interaction. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16057. [PMID: 31690747 PMCID: PMC6831672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested whether cannabinoids (CBs) potentiate alcohol-induced birth defects in mice and zebrafish, and explored the underlying pathogenic mechanisms on Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling. The CBs, Δ9-THC, cannabidiol, HU-210, and CP 55,940 caused alcohol-like effects on craniofacial and brain development, phenocopying Shh mutations. Combined exposure to even low doses of alcohol with THC, HU-210, or CP 55,940 caused a greater incidence of birth defects, particularly of the eyes, than did either treatment alone. Consistent with the hypothesis that these defects are caused by deficient Shh, we found that CBs reduced Shh signaling by inhibiting Smoothened (Smo), while Shh mRNA or a CB1 receptor antagonist attenuated CB-induced birth defects. Proximity ligation experiments identified novel CB1-Smo heteromers, suggesting allosteric CB1-Smo interactions. In addition to raising concerns about the safety of cannabinoid and alcohol exposure during early embryonic development, this study establishes a novel link between two distinct signaling pathways and has widespread implications for development, as well as diseases such as addiction and cancer.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Impacts of cannabinoid epigenetics on human development: reflections on Murphy et. al. 'cannabinoid exposure and altered DNA methylation in rat and human sperm' epigenetics 2018; 13: 1208-1221. Epigenetics 2019; 14:1041-1056. [PMID: 31293213 PMCID: PMC6773386 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1633868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data from the Kollins lab (‘Cannabinoid exposure and altered DNA methylation in rat and human sperm’ Epigenetics 2018; 13: 1208–1221) indicated epigenetic effects of cannabis use on sperm in man parallel those in rats and showed substantial shifts in both hypo- and hyper-DNA methylation with the latter predominating. This provides one likely mechanism for the transgenerational transmission of epigenomic instability with sperm as the vector. It therefore contributes important pathophysiological insights into the probable mechanisms underlying the epidemiology of prenatal cannabis exposure potentially explaining diverse features of cannabis-related teratology including effects on the neuraxis, cardiovasculature, immune stimulation, secondary genomic instability and carcinogenesis related to both adult and pediatric cancers. The potentially inheritable and therefore multigenerational nature of these defects needs to be carefully considered in the light of recent teratological and neurobehavioural trends in diverse jurisdictions such as the USA nationally, Hawaii, Colorado, Canada, France and Australia, particularly relating to mental retardation, age-related morbidity and oncogenesis including inheritable cancerogenesis. Increasing demonstrations that the epigenome can respond directly and in real time and retain memories of environmental exposures of many kinds implies that the genome-epigenome is much more sensitive to environmental toxicants than has been generally realized. Issues of long-term multigenerational inheritance amplify these concerns. Further research particularly on the epigenomic toxicology of many cannabinoids is also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia , Crawley , Western Australia Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Western Australia , Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia , Crawley , Western Australia Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Western Australia , Australia
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