1
|
Machado AS, Bragança M, Vieira-Coelho M. Epigenetic effects of cannabis: A systematic scoping review of behavioral and emotional symptoms associated with cannabis use and exocannabinoid exposure. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 263:111401. [PMID: 39137613 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research suggests that epigenetic modifications may mediate the behavioral effects of cannabis, influencing exocannabinnoids' long term effects in cognitive function and its role in the emergence of psychotic symptoms. BASIC PROCEDURES In this systematic scoping review, we assessed the current evidence of epigenetic effects associated with the use of cannabis or exocannabinoid administration and their relationship with behavioral and emotional symptoms. We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science, up to January 2022, using the terms "cannabis" and "epigenetics." The search yielded 178 articles, of which 43 underwent full article revision; 37 articles were included in the review. MAIN FINDINGS The gathered evidence included observational cross-sectional studies conducted on human subjects and experimental designs using animal models that conveyed disparity in administration dosage, methods of cannabis use assessment and targeted epigenetic mechanisms. Nine studies performed epigenome-wide analysis with identification of differentially methylated sites; most of these studies found a global hypomethylation, and enrichment in genes related to cellular survival and neurodevelopment. Other studies assessed methylation at specific genes and found that cannabis exposure was associated with reduced methylation at Cg05575921, DNMT1, DRD2, COMT, DLGAP2, Arg1, STAT3, MGMT, and PENK, while hypermethylation was found at DNMT3a/b, NCAM1, and AKT1. CONCLUSIONS The review found evidence of an exocannabinoid-induced epigenetic changes that modulate depressive-anxious, psychotic, and addictive behavioural phenotypes. Further studies will require dosage exposure/administration uniformization and a customized pool of genes to assess their suitability as biomarkers for psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Machado
- Psychiatry Service of São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal; Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department, Medicine Faculty of Porto University (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Bragança
- Psychiatry Service of São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal; Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department, Medicine Faculty of Porto University (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Vieira-Coelho
- Psychiatry Service of São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal; Biomedicine Department, Medicine Faculty of Porto University (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Floccari S, Sabry R, Choux L, Neal MS, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. DNA methylation, but not microRNA expression, is affected by in vitro THC exposure in bovine granulosa cells. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 25:42. [PMID: 39010179 PMCID: PMC11247865 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-024-00763-5] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A global increase in cannabis use has led to questions about its effects on fertility. The rise in consumption amongst women of reproductive age is a growing concern, as this group is vulnerable in terms of reproductive health. Ample evidence suggests that the psychoactive component of cannabis, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), that helps regulate mammalian reproduction. This study aimed to research the epigenetic effects of THC in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) by (1) investigating global DNA methylation via measuring 5-mC and 5-hmC levels; (2) measuring key methylation regulators, including the methylating enzymes DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b and the demethylases TDG and TET1/2/3; and (3) assessing fertility-associated miRNAs key in developmental competency, including miR-21, -155, -33b, -324 and -346. METHODS Bovine GCs were used as a translational model for reproductive toxicity in humans. To determine THC effects, GCs were isolated from Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes (COCs) from bovine ovaries, cultured in vitro for 7 days, or until confluent, and cryopreserved at passage 1 (P1). For experimentation, cells were thawed, cultured until passage 2 (P2), serum restricted for 24-h and treated for 24-h in one of five groups: control, vehicle (1:1:18 ethanol: tween: saline) and three clinically relevant THC doses (0.032, 0.32 and 3.2 μM). Global methylation was assessed by measuring 5-mC and 5-hmC levels with flow cytometry. To assess mRNA and protein expression of methylation regulators and miRNA profiles, qPCR and Western Blotting were utilized. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine normality within datasets. One-way ANOVA was applied to determine statistical significance using GraphPad Prism 6.0.0. RESULTS Results indicate a significant decrease (p = 0.0435) in 5-mC levels following low THC exposure, while no changes were observed in 5-hmC levels. A significant increase in DNMT1 following high THC exposure at the RNA level (p < 0.05) and a significant increase following low THC exposure at the protein level (p = 0.0048) were also observed. No significant differences were observed in DNMT3a/3b, TDG, TET1/2/3 mRNAs or in any of the miRNAs analyzed. CONCLUSIONS This research suggests that THC mainly affects DNA methylation, but not miRNA profiles, ultimately altering gene expression and likely impairing oocyte competence, maturation, and fertilization potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Floccari
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Reem Sabry
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Laurie Choux
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Michael S Neal
- ONE Fertility, Burlington, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hawkey AB, Natarajan S, Kelly O, Gondal A, Wells C, Jones ML, Rezvani AH, Murphy SK, Levin ED. Persisting neurobehavioral consequences of daily or intermittent paternal cannabis administration in F1 and F2 Rats. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:27-38. [PMID: 38810733 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.05.005] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Repeated paternal preconception exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) alone or together with the other constituents in a cannabis extract has been shown in our earlier studies in rats to cause significant neurobehavioral impairment in their offspring. In the current study, we compared the effects of daily cannabis extract (CE) exposure to cannabis on two consecutive days per week, modeling weekend cannabis use in human. The CE contained Δ9-THC as well as cannabidiol and cannabinol. We also extended the investigation of the study to cross-generational effects of grand-paternal cannabis exposure on the F2 generation and included testing the effects of paternal cannabis exposure on responding for opiate self-administration in F1 and F2 generation offspring. We replicated the findings of neurobehavioral impairment in F1 offspring of male rats exposed to cannabis extract containing 4 mg/kg/day of Δ9-THC daily for four weeks prior to mating with drug naïve females. The 4-week cannabis extract exposure caused a significant decrease in weight gain in the male rats exposed daily. In contrast, their offspring showed significantly greater body weights and anogenital distances (AGD) in the third to fourth weeks after birth. The behavioral effects seen in the F1 generation were increased habituation of locomotor activity in the figure-8 maze in female offspring and increased lever pressing for the opiate drug remifentanil in male offspring. The F2 generation showed significantly impaired negative geotaxis and an elimination of the typical sex-difference in locomotor activity, with effects not seen in the F1 generation. This study shows that daily paternal cannabis exposure for four weeks prior to mating causes significant neurobehavioral impairment in the F1 and F2 offspring. Intermittent exposure on two consecutive days per week for four weeks caused comparable neurobehavioral impairment. In sum, there should be concern about paternal as well as maternal exposure to cannabis concerning neurobehavioral development of their offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Hawkey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarabesh Natarajan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Olivia Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anas Gondal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Corinne Wells
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michelle Louise Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amir H Rezvani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schrott R, Feinberg JI, Newschaffer CJ, Hertz-Picciotto I, Croen LA, Fallin MD, Volk HE, Ladd-Acosta C, Feinberg AP. Exposure to air pollution is associated with DNA methylation changes in sperm. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2024; 10:dvae003. [PMID: 38559770 PMCID: PMC10980975 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with adverse health outcomes in adults and children who were prenatally exposed. In addition to reducing exposure to air pollutants, it is important to identify their biologic targets in order to mitigate the health consequences of exposure. One molecular change associated with prenatal exposure to air pollutants is DNA methylation (DNAm), which has been associated with changes in placenta and cord blood tissues at birth. However, little is known about how air pollution exposure impacts the sperm epigenome, which could provide important insights into the mechanism of transmission to offspring. In the present study, we explored whether exposure to particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter, particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), or ozone (O3) was associated with DNAm in sperm contributed by participants in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation prospective pregnancy cohort. Air pollution exposure measurements were calculated as the average exposure for each pollutant measured within 4 weeks prior to the date of sample collection. Using array-based genome-scale methylation analyses, we identified 80, 96, 35, and 67 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) significantly associated with particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter, particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter, NO2, and O3, respectively. While no DMRs were associated with exposure to all four pollutants, we found that genes overlapping exposure-related DMRs had a shared enrichment for gene ontology biological processes related to neurodevelopment. Together, these data provide compelling support for the hypothesis that paternal exposure to air pollution impacts DNAm in sperm, particularly in regions implicated in neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew P Feinberg
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Center for Epigenetics, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mohammadpour-Asl S, Roshan-Milani S, Abdollahzade Fard A, Golchin A. In vitro evaluation of cell viability and expression profile of growth factors in mouse Sertoli cells exposed to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: a mechanistic insight into the cannabinoid-induced testicular toxicity. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 24:61. [PMID: 37946285 PMCID: PMC10636832 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-023-00704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The potentially adverse effects of cannabis (marijuana), a common leisure compound, on male reproductive performance are a reason for concern. δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active component of marijuana alters testicular cells' proliferation and function which affects male fertility and causes testicular cells dysfunction and apoptosis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the toxic effects of THC with a mechanistic insight into Sertoli cell-based reproductive dysfunction. The Mus musculus Sertoli cell line (TM4) was cultured and exposed to different concentrations of THC and, MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was then performed for evaluating cell viability. The expression of caspase-3 gene and genes related to growth factors were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Western blotting was performed for evaluating protein expression level. THC concentration-dependently decreased the TM4 viability with a significant effect starting at concentration of 1 μM and reaching about 75% of the control level at the concentration of 50 μM (IC25). Moreover, caspase-3 mRNA expression levels significantly increased while growth factors mRNA levels decreased in THC-exposed cells compared to unexposed cells. There was also a significant reduction in related protein levels in THC group. Administration of the THC promotes cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on TM4 cells partly through down-regulation of growth factors expression. Increased apoptosis, over expression of caspase-3, and down-regulation of growth factors expression in Sertoli cells exposed to THC may be a reflection of THC-induced testicular toxicity, which may be partly involved in infertility associated with marijuana smoking or medical cannabis use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Amin Abdollahzade Fard
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Golchin
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Flynn LT, Gao WJ. DNA methylation and the opposing NMDAR dysfunction in schizophrenia and major depression disorders: a converging model for the therapeutic effects of psychedelic compounds in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4553-4567. [PMID: 37679470 PMCID: PMC11034997 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02235-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds are being increasingly explored as a potential therapeutic option for treating several psychiatric conditions, despite relatively little being known about their mechanism of action. One such possible mechanism, DNA methylation, is a process of epigenetic regulation that changes gene expression via chemical modification of nitrogenous bases. DNA methylation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). In this review, we propose alterations to DNA methylation as a converging model for the therapeutic effects of psychedelic compounds, highlighting the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a crucial mediator of synaptic plasticity with known dysfunction in both diseases, as an example and anchoring point. We review the established evidence relating aberrant DNA methylation to NMDAR dysfunction in SZ and MDD and provide a model asserting that psychedelic substances may act through an epigenetic mechanism to provide therapeutic effects in the context of these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Taylor Flynn
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- MD/PhD program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Coelho A, Lima-Bastos S, Gobira P, Lisboa S. Endocannabinoid signaling and epigenetics modifications in the neurobiology of stress-related disorders. Neuronal Signal 2023; 7:NS20220034. [PMID: 37520658 PMCID: PMC10372471 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220034] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress exposure is associated with psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also a vulnerability factor to developing or reinstating substance use disorder. Stress causes several changes in the neuro-immune-endocrine axis, potentially resulting in prolonged dysfunction and diseases. Changes in several transmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glucocorticoids, and cytokines, are associated with psychiatric disorders or behavioral alterations in preclinical studies. Complex and interacting mechanisms make it very difficult to understand the physiopathology of psychiatry conditions; therefore, studying regulatory mechanisms that impact these alterations is a good approach. In the last decades, the impact of stress on biology through epigenetic markers, which directly impact gene expression, is under intense investigation; these mechanisms are associated with behavioral alterations in animal models after stress or drug exposure, for example. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulates stress response, reward circuits, and other physiological functions, including hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and immune response. eCBs, for example, act retrogradely at presynaptic neurons, limiting the release of neurotransmitters, a mechanism implicated in the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects after stress. Epigenetic mechanisms can impact the expression of eCB system molecules, which in turn can regulate epigenetic mechanisms. This review will present evidence of how the eCB system and epigenetic mechanisms interact and the consequences of this interaction in modulating behavioral changes after stress exposure in preclinical studies or psychiatric conditions. Moreover, evidence that correlates the involvement of the eCB system and epigenetic mechanisms in drug abuse contexts will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A. Coelho
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sávio Lima-Bastos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro H. Gobira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina F. Lisboa
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Goud TJ. Epigenetic and Long-Term Effects of Nicotine on Biology, Behavior, and Health. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106741. [PMID: 37149116 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco and nicotine use are associated with disease susceptibility and progression. Health challenges associated with nicotine and smoking include developmental delays, addiction, mental health and behavioral changes, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, diabetes, immune system changes, and cancer. Increasing evidence suggests that nicotine-associated epigenetic changes may mediate or moderate the development and progression of a myriad of negative health outcomes. In addition, nicotine exposure may confer increased lifelong susceptibility to disease and mental health challenges through alteration of epigenetic signaling. This review examines the relationship between nicotine exposure (and smoking), epigenetic changes, and maladaptive outcomes that include developmental disorders, addiction, mental health challenges, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, diabetes, immune system changes, and cancer. Overall, findings support the contention that nicotine (or smoking) associated altered epigenetic signaling is a contributing factor to disease and health challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Goud
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mazzeo F, Meccariello R. Cannabis and Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095663. [PMID: 37174181 PMCID: PMC10177768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Western counties and its abuse is particularly high in male adolescents and young adults. Its main psychotropic component, the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), interferes in the endogenous endocannabinoid system. This signaling system is involved in the control of many biological activities, including the formation of high-quality male gametes. Direct adverse effects of Δ9-THC in male reproduction are well known in both animal models and humans. Nevertheless, the possibility of long-term effects due to epigenetic mechanisms has recently been reported. In this review, we summarize the main advances in the field suggesting the need to pay attention to the possible long-term epigenetic risks for the reproductive health of cannabis users and the health of their offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Mazzeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche, Giuridiche, Informatiche e Motorie, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
- Department of Economics, Law, Cybersecurity and Sports Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Nola, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lo JO, D’Mello RJ, Watch L, Schust DJ, Murphy SK. An epigenetic synopsis of parental substance use. Epigenomics 2023; 15:453-473. [PMID: 37282544 PMCID: PMC10308258 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0064] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The rate of substance use is rising, especially among reproductive-age individuals. Emerging evidence suggests that paternal pre-conception and maternal prenatal substance use may alter offspring epigenetic regulation (changes to gene expression without modifying DNA) and outcomes later in life, including neurodevelopment and mental health. However, relatively little is known due to the complexities and limitations of existing studies, making causal interpretations challenging. This review examines the contributions and influence of parental substance use on the gametes and potential transmissibility to the offspring's epigenome as possible areas to target public health warnings and healthcare provider counseling of individuals or couples in the pre-conception and prenatal periods to ultimately mitigate short- and long-term offspring morbidity and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie O Lo
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rahul J D’Mello
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Lester Watch
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Division of Environmental Sciences & Policy, Duke Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Emerging Roles of Endocannabinoids as Key Lipid Mediators for a Successful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065220. [PMID: 36982295 PMCID: PMC10048990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Cannabis use/misuse for treating pregnancy-related symptoms and other chronic conditions has increased among pregnant women, favored by decriminalization and/or legalization of its recreational uses in addition to its easy accessibility. However, there is evidence that prenatal Cannabis exposure might have adverse consequences on pregnancy progression and a deleterious impact on proper neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring. Maternal Cannabis use could interfere with the complex and finely controlled role performed by the endocannabinoid system in reproductive physiology, impairing multiple gestational processes from blastocyst implantation to parturition, with long-lasting intergenerational effects. In this review, we discuss current clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of endocannabinoids in development, function, and immunity of the maternal–fetal interface, focusing on the impact of Cannabis constituents on each of these gestational processes. We also discuss the intrinsic limitations of the available studies and the future perspectives in this challenging research field.
Collapse
|
12
|
Greeson KW, Crow KMS, Edenfield RC, Easley CA. Inheritance of paternal lifestyles and exposures through sperm DNA methylation. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-022-00708-9. [PMID: 36653672 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Many different lifestyle factors and chemicals present in the environment are a threat to the reproductive tracts of humans. The potential for parental preconception exposure to alter gametes and for these alterations to be passed on to offspring and negatively affect embryo growth and development is of concern. The connection between maternal exposures and offspring health is a frequent focus in epidemiological studies, but paternal preconception exposures are much less frequently considered and are also very important determinants of offspring health. Several environmental and lifestyle factors in men have been found to alter sperm epigenetics, which can regulate gene expression during early embryonic development. Epigenetic information is thought to be a mechanism that evolved for organisms to pass on information about their lived experiences to offspring. DNA methylation is a well-studied epigenetic regulator that is sensitive to environmental exposures in somatic cells and sperm. The continuous production of sperm from spermatogonial stem cells throughout a man's adult life and the presence of spermatogonial stem cells outside of the blood-testis barrier makes them susceptible to environmental insults. Furthermore, altered sperm DNA methylation patterns can be maintained throughout development and ultimately result in impairments, which could predispose offspring to disease. Innovations in human stem cell-based spermatogenic models can be used to elucidate the paternal origins of health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Greeson
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Krista M S Crow
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - R Clayton Edenfield
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. .,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
King DE, Sparling AC, Lloyd D, Satusky MJ, Martinez M, Grenier C, Bergemann CM, Maguire R, Hoyo C, Meyer JN, Murphy SK. Sex-specific DNA methylation and associations with in utero tobacco smoke exposure at nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1573-1589. [PMID: 35238269 PMCID: PMC9620986 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2043591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex-linked differences in mitochondrial ATP production, enzyme activities, and reactive oxygen species generation have been reported in multiple tissue and cell types. While the effects of reproductive hormones underlie many of these differences, regulation of sexually dimorphic mitochondrial function has not been fully characterized. We hypothesized that sex-specific DNA methylation contributes to sex-specific expression of nuclear genes that influence mitochondrial function. Herein, we analysed DNA methylation data specifically focused on nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes in 191 males and 190 females. We found 596 differentially methylated sites (DMSs) (FDR p < 0.05), corresponding to 324 genes, with at least a 1% difference in methylation between sexes. To investigate the potential functional significance, we utilized gene expression microarray data. Of the 324 genes containing DMSs, 17 showed differences in gene expression by sex. Particularly striking was that ATP5G2, encoding subunit C of ATP synthase, contains seven DMSs and exhibits a sex difference in expression (p = 0.04). Finally, we also found that alterations in DNA methylation associated with in utero tobacco smoke exposure were sex-specific in these nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. Interestingly, the level of sex differences in DNA methylation at nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes and the level of methylation changes associated with smoke exposure were less prominent than that of other genes. This suggests more conservative regulation of DNA methylation at these nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes as compared to others. Overall, our findings suggest that sex-specific DNA methylation may help establish sex differences in expression and function and that sex-specific alterations in DNA methylation in response to exposures could contribute to sex-variable toxicological responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dillon E. King
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anna Clare Sparling
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dillon Lloyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Matthew Joseph Satusky
- Renaissance Computing Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mackenzie Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carole Grenier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Rachel Maguire
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Joel Newman Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,CONTACT Susan K. Murphy 701 W. Main Street, Suite 510, Durham, NC27701, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Molecular Insights into Epigenetics and Cannabinoid Receptors. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1560. [PMID: 36358910 PMCID: PMC9687363 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of cannabis are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). ECS consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Epigenetics are heritable changes that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, transducing external stimuli in stable alterations of the DNA or chromatin structure. Cannabinoid receptors are crucial candidates for exploring their functions through epigenetic approaches due to their significant roles in health and diseases. Epigenetic changes usually promote alterations in the expression of genes and proteins that can be evaluated by various transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Despite the exponential growth of new evidence on the critical functions of cannabinoid receptors, much is still unknown regarding the contribution of various genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate cannabinoid receptor gene expression. Recent studies have identified several immediate and long-lasting epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins, and RNA regulatory networks, in cannabinoid receptor function. Thus, they can offer solutions to many cellular, molecular, and behavioral impairments found after modulation of cannabinoid receptor activities. In this review, we discuss the significant research advances in different epigenetic factors contributing to the regulation of cannabinoid receptors and their functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing our understanding of the epigenetics of cannabinoid receptors will significantly advance our knowledge and could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies for diseases associated with altered cannabinoid receptor functions.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Escher J, Yan W, Rissman EF, Wang HLV, Hernandez A, Corces VG. Beyond Genes: Germline Disruption in the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:4608-4624. [PMID: 34596807 PMCID: PMC9035896 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Investigations into the etiology of autism spectrum disorders have been largely confined to two realms: variations in DNA sequence and somatic developmental exposures. Here we suggest a third route-disruption of the germline epigenome induced by exogenous toxicants during a parent's gamete development. Similar to cases of germline mutation, these molecular perturbations may produce dysregulated transcription of brain-related genes during fetal and early development, resulting in abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes in offspring. Many types of exposures may have these impacts, and here we discuss examples of anesthetic gases, tobacco components, synthetic steroids, and valproic acid. Alterations in parental germline could help explain some unsolved phenomena of autism, including increased prevalence, missing heritability, skewed sex ratio, and heterogeneity of neurobiology and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Escher
- Escher Fund for Autism, 1590 Calaveras Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hsiao-Lin V Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arturo Hernandez
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, MaineHealth, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schrott R, Greeson KW, King D, Crow KMS, Easley CA, Murphy SK. Cannabis alters DNA methylation at maternally imprinted and autism candidate genes in spermatogenic cells. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:357-369. [PMID: 35687495 PMCID: PMC10032331 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2073292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use in the United States is increasing, with highest consumption among men at their peak reproductive years. We previously demonstrated widespread changes in sperm DNA methylation with cannabis exposure in humans and rats, including genes important in neurodevelopment. Here, we use an in vitro human spermatogenesis model to recapitulate chronic cannabis use and assess DNA methylation at imprinted and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) candidate genes in spermatogonial stem cell (SSC)- and spermatid-like cells. Methylation at maternally imprinted genes SGCE and GRB10 was significantly altered in SSC- and spermatid-like cells, respectively, while PEG3 was significantly differentially methylated in spermatid-like cells. Two of ten randomly selected ASD candidate genes, HCN1 and NR4A2, had significantly altered methylation with cannabis exposure in SSC-like cells. These results support our findings in human cohorts and provide a new tool with which to gain mechanistic insights into the association between paternal cannabis use and risk of ASD in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Katherine W. Greeson
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Dillon King
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Krista M. Symosko Crow
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Charles A. Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sperm DNA methylation alterations from cannabis extract exposure are evident in offspring. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:33. [PMID: 36085240 PMCID: PMC9463823 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cannabis legalization is expanding and men are the predominant users. We have limited knowledge about how cannabis impacts sperm and whether the effects are heritable.
Results
Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data were generated for sperm of rats exposed to: (1) cannabis extract (CE) for 28 days, then 56 days of vehicle only (~ one spermatogenic cycle); (2) vehicle for 56 days, then 28 days of CE; or (3) vehicle only. Males were then mated with drug-naïve females to produce F1 offspring from which heart, brain, and sperm tissues underwent analyses. There were 3321 nominally significant differentially methylated CpGs in F0 sperm identified via WGBS with select methylation changes validated via bisulfite pyrosequencing. Significant methylation changes validated in F0 sperm of the exposed males at the gene 2-Phosphoxylose Phosphatase 1 (Pxylp1) were also detectable in their F1 sperm but not in controls. Changes validated in exposed F0 sperm at Metastasis Suppressor 1-Like Protein (Mtss1l) were also present in F1 hippocampal and nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the exposed group compared to controls. For Mtss1l, a significant sex-specific relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression was demonstrated in the F1 NAc. Phenotypically, rats born to CSE-exposed fathers exhibited significant cardiomegaly relative to those born to control fathers.
Conclusions
This is the first characterization of the effect of cannabis exposure on the entirety of the rat sperm methylome. We identified CE-associated methylation changes across the sperm methylome, some of which persisted despite a “washout” period. Select methylation changes validated via bisulfite pyrosequencing, and genes associated with methylation changes were involved in early developmental processes. Preconception CE exposure is associated with detectable changes in offspring DNA methylation that are functionally related to changes in gene expression and cardiomegaly.
These results support that paternal preconception exposure to cannabis can influence offspring outcomes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Cannabis Use in Autism: Reasons for Concern about Risk for Psychosis. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081553. [PMID: 36011210 PMCID: PMC9407973 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Being particularly vulnerable to the pro-psychotic effects of cannabinoid exposure, autism spectrum individuals present with an increased risk of psychosis, which may be passed on to their own children. More specifically, cannabis exposure among autism spectrum individuals seems to exert disruptive epigenetic effects that can be intergenerationally inherited in brain areas which play a critical role in schizophrenia pathophysiology. Additionally, because of such cannabinoid-induced epigenetic effects, autism candidate genes present with bivalent chromatin markings which make them more vulnerable to subsequent disruption, possibly leading to psychosis onset later in life. Thus, findings support a developmental trajectory between autism and psychosis, as per endocannabinoid system modulation. However, such evidence has not received the attention it deserves.
Collapse
|
19
|
Wiedmann M, Kuitunen-Paul S, Basedow LA, Wolff M, DiDonato N, Franzen J, Wagner W, Roessner V, Golub Y. DNA methylation changes associated with cannabis use and verbal learning performance in adolescents: an exploratory whole genome methylation study. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:317. [PMID: 35933470 PMCID: PMC9357061 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between extent of chronic cannabis use (CCU-extent) and cognitive impairment among adolescents has been the subject of controversial debate. Linking DNA methylation to CCU-extent could help to understand cannabis associated changes in cognitive performance. We analyzed cognitive task performances, CpG methylation in peripheral whole-blood samples and self-reported past-year CCU-extent of n = 18 adolescents (n = 9 psychiatric outpatients with chronic cannabis use (CCU), n = 9 without) who were matched for age, gender and psychiatric disorders. Patients with CCU were at least 24 h abstinent when cognitive tasks were performed. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify group differences in whole genome DNA methylation. Mediation analyses were performed between CCU-extent associated CpG sites and CCU-extent associated variables of cognitive tasks. PCA results indicated large differences in whole genome DNA methylation levels between the groups that did not reach statistical significance. Six CpG sites revealed reduced methylation associated with CCU-extent. Furthermore, CCU-extent was associated with lower scores in verbal learning. All six CpG sites mediated the effects between CCU-extent and verbal learning free recall. Our results indicate that CCU is associated with certain patterns in the methylome. Furthermore, CCU-extent associated impairments in memory function are mediated via differential methylation of the six CCU-associated CpG sits. Six identified CpG are located in genes previously described in the context of neurodegeneration, hippocampus-dependent learning and neurogenesis. However, these results have to be carefully interpreted due to a small sample size. Replication studies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melina Wiedmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Sören Kuitunen-Paul
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany ,grid.6810.f0000 0001 2294 5505Technische Universität Chemnitz, Chair for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Lukas Andreas Basedow
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Max Wolff
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nataliya DiDonato
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital, Institute for Clinical Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Franzen
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XHelmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- grid.1957.a0000 0001 0728 696XHelmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Yulia Golub
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fuchs Weizman N, Wyse BA, Montbriand J, Jahangiri S, Librach CL. Cannabis significantly alters DNA methylation of the human ovarian follicle in a concentration-dependent manner. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:gaac022. [PMID: 35674367 PMCID: PMC9247704 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is increasingly consumed by women of childbearing age, and the reproductive and epigenetic effects are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential epigenetic implications of cannabis use on the female ovarian follicle. Whole-genome methylation was assessed in granulosa cells from 14 matched case-control patients. Exposure status was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurements of five cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids in follicular fluid. DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina TruSeq Methyl Capture EPIC kit. Differential methylation, pathway analysis and correlation analysis were performed. We identified 3679 differentially methylated sites, with two-thirds affecting coding genes. A hotspot region on chromosome 9 was associated with two genomic features, a zinc-finger protein (ZFP37) and a long non-coding RNA (FAM225B). There were 2214 differentially methylated genomic features, 19 of which have been previously implicated in cannabis-related epigenetic modifications in other organ systems. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in G protein-coupled receptor signaling, cellular transport, immune response and proliferation. Applying strict criteria, we identified 71 differentially methylated regions, none of which were previously annotated in this context. Finally, correlation analysis revealed 16 unique genomic features affected by cannabis use in a concentration-dependent manner. Of these, the histone methyltransferases SMYD3 and ZFP37 were hypomethylated, possibly implicating histone modifications as well. Herein, we provide the first DNA methylation profile of human granulosa cells exposed to cannabis. With cannabis increasingly legalized worldwide, further investigation into the heritability and functional consequences of these effects is critical for clinical consultation and for legalization guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noga Fuchs Weizman
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Sahar Jahangiri
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CReATe BioBank, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CReATe BioBank, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mooney SM, Petrenko CL, Hamre KM, Brigman J. Proceedings of the 2021 annual meeting of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Study Group. Alcohol 2022; 102:23-33. [PMID: 35597423 PMCID: PMC10084849 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.04.006] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The 2021 meeting of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Study Group (FASDSG) was titled "Role of Parental Experiences in Offspring Outcomes". The theme was reflected in the presentations of two keynote speakers: Edward Levin, Ph.D., who spoke about the role of paternal exposures in offspring development, and Catherine Monk, Ph.D., who spoke about the effects of maternal exposures and maternal mental health on offspring development. The conference included updates from three government agencies, short presentations by junior and senior investigators showcasing late-breaking FASD research, a report on international efforts to streamline FASD classifications for research, a presentation of observations from adults with FASD, a short film of people with FASDs describing their experiences, and a poster session. The conference was capped by awarding the 2021 Henry Rosett award for career-long contributions to the field to Cynthia J.M. Kane, Ph.D.
Collapse
|
22
|
Colizzi M, Bortoletto R, Costa R, Bhattacharyya S, Balestrieri M. The Autism-Psychosis Continuum Conundrum: Exploring the Role of the Endocannabinoid System. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5616. [PMID: 35565034 PMCID: PMC9105053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates shared physiopathological mechanisms between autism and psychosis. In this regard, the endocannabinoid system has been suggested to modulate neural circuits during the early stage of neurodevelopment, with implications for both autism and psychosis. Nevertheless, such potential common markers of disease have been investigated in both autism and psychosis spectrum disorders, without considering the conundrum of differentiating the two groups of conditions in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Here, we systematically review all human and animal studies examining the endocannabinoid system and its biobehavioral correlates in the association between autism and psychosis. Studies indicate overlapping biobehavioral aberrancies between autism and schizophrenia, subject to correction by modulation of the endocannabinoid system. In addition, common cannabinoid-based pharmacological strategies have been identified, exerting epigenetic effects across genes controlling neural mechanisms shared between autism and schizophrenia. Interestingly, a developmental and transgenerational trajectory between autism and schizophrenia is supported by evidence that exogenous alteration of the endocannabinoid system promotes progression to inheritable psychosis phenotypes in the context of biobehavioral autism vulnerability. However, evidence for a diametral association between autism and psychosis is scant. Several clinical implications follow from evidence of a developmental continuum between autism and psychosis as a function of the endocannabinoid system dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Colizzi
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK;
| | - Riccardo Bortoletto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Rosalia Costa
- Community Mental Health Team, Friuli Centrale University Health Service (ASUFC), 33057 Palmanova, Italy;
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK;
| | - Matteo Balestrieri
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Francisco CM, Fischer LW, Vendramini V, de Oliva SU, Paccola CC, Miraglia SM. Resveratrol reverses male reproductive damage in rats exposed to nicotine during the intrauterine phase and breastfeeding. Andrology 2022; 10:951-972. [PMID: 35472028 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13183] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotine leads to reproductive changes culminating in male infertility and subfertility. Resveratrol, a polyphenol, is a biological modulator. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein can positively act on male reproduction, and its expression can be affected by nicotine and modulated by resveratrol. OBJECTIVES The capability of resveratrol to reverse the reproductive damage in adult male offspring, which was nicotine-exposed during the intrauterine phase and breastfeeding, was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups were established with male offspring born from nicotine-exposed and non-exposed rat dams during pregnancy and lactation. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: sham control (SC), resveratrol (R), nicotine (N), and nicotine + resveratrol (NR). Rat dams of the N and NR offspring were exposed to nicotine (2 mg/kg/day) during pregnancy and lactation using a subcutaneously implanted minipump. The offspring of the R and NR groups received resveratrol (300 mg/kg of body weight, gavage) for 63 days from puberty. At 114 days of age, the male rats were euthanized. RESULTS Nicotine did not alter the body weight, biometry of reproductive organs, or quantitative sperm parameters of adult offspring but caused an evident worsening of all sperm qualitative parameters studied. Daily treatment with resveratrol from puberty up to adulthood improved all qualitative sperm parameters significantly, leading some of them close to the control values. Resveratrol also improved the morphological integrity and expression of SIRT1 in the seminiferous epithelium of nicotine-exposed offspring. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION Resveratrol reversed the male reproductive damage caused by nicotine. Nicotine crosses the blood-placental membrane and is present in the breast milk of mothers who smoke. Resveratrol restored the altered reproductive parameters in the male adult offspring that were nicotine-exposed during intrauterine life and breastfeeding. The epigenetic modulating action of resveratrol can be involved in this nicotine damage reversion. Resveratrol may be a promising candidate to be investigated regarding the adjuvant strategies in the treatment of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vanessa Vendramini
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samara Urban de Oliva
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Cicconi Paccola
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Maria Miraglia
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shi M, Langholt EM, Butler LC, Harvey ME, Wheeler EC, Zhao L, MacLean JA, Oh Y, Sabrowsky E, Yu S, Watson S, Davis JF, Hayashi K. Vapor cannabis exposure generationally affects male reproductive functions in mice. Toxicol Sci 2021; 185:128-142. [PMID: 34865136 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to examine whether vapor exposure to cannabis plant matter negatively impacts male reproductive functions and testis development in mice. Adult CD-1 male mice (F0) were exposed to air (control) or 200 mg of vaporized cannabis plant matter 3x/day over a 10 day period. Subsequently, F0 males were bred with drug naïve CD-1 females to generate F1 males, and F1 offspring were used to generate F2 males. Cannabis vapor exposure decreased sperm count and/or motility in F0 and F1 males and disrupted the progression of germ cell development, as morphometric analyses exhibited an abnormal distribution of the stages of spermatogenesis in F0 males. Although plasma levels of testosterone were not affected by cannabis exposure in any ages or generations of males, dysregulated steroidogenic enzymes, Cyp11a1 and Cyp19a1, were observed in F0 testis. In the neonatal testis from F1 males, while apoptosis was not altered, DNA damage and DNMT1, but not DNMT3A and DNMT3B, were increased in germ cells following cannabis exposure. In contrast, the alterations of DNA damage and DNMT1 expression were not observed in F2 neonatal males. These results suggest that cannabis vapor exposure generationally affects male reproductive functions, probably due to disruption of spermatogenesis in the developing testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Shi
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Esther M Langholt
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Logan C Butler
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Madeleine E Harvey
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Emma C Wheeler
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - James A MacLean
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Yeongseok Oh
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Emily Sabrowsky
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Sue Yu
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Shane Watson
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Jon F Davis
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Kanako Hayashi
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ryan KS, Bash JC, Hanna CB, Hedges JC, Lo JO. Effects of marijuana on reproductive health: preconception and gestational effects. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2021; 28:558-565. [PMID: 34709212 PMCID: PMC8580253 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000686] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent widespread legalization changes have promoted the availability of marijuana and its increased potency and perceived safety. The limited evidence on reproductive and perinatal outcomes from marijuana exposure is enough to warrant concern and action. The objective of this review is to provide a current and relevant summary of the recent literature surrounding this topic. RECENT FINDINGS The available published studies on the effect of marijuana exposure on reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes are conflicting. Human studies are often observational or retrospective and confounded by self-report and polysubstance use. However, the current, limited evidence suggests that marijuana use adversely affects male and female reproductive health. Additionally, prenatal marijuana exposure has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and small for gestational age infants. SUMMARY With the increasing prevalence of marijuana use, there is an urgent need for evidence-driven recommendations and guidelines for couples interested in conception, affected by infertility or who are expecting. At this time, no amount of marijuana use during conception or pregnancy is known to be well tolerated and the limited available evidence suggests that the safest choice is to abstain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly S. Ryan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Jasper C. Bash
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Carol B. Hanna
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason C. Hedges
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Jamie O. Lo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Buck JM, Yu L, Knopik VS, Stitzel JA. DNA methylome perturbations: an epigenetic basis for the emergingly heritable neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with maternal smoking and maternal nicotine exposure†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:644-666. [PMID: 34270696 PMCID: PMC8444709 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with an ensemble of neurodevelopmental consequences in children and therefore constitutes a pressing public health concern. Adding to this burden, contemporary epidemiological and especially animal model research suggests that grandmaternal smoking is similarly associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities in grandchildren, indicative of intergenerational transmission of the neurodevelopmental impacts of maternal smoking. Probing the mechanistic bases of neurodevelopmental anomalies in the children of maternal smokers and the intergenerational transmission thereof, emerging research intimates that epigenetic changes, namely DNA methylome perturbations, are key factors. Altogether, these findings warrant future research to fully elucidate the etiology of neurodevelopmental impairments in the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers and underscore the clear potential thereof to benefit public health by informing the development and implementation of preventative measures, prophylactics, and treatments. To this end, the present review aims to encapsulate the burgeoning evidence linking maternal smoking to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, to identify the strengths and weaknesses thereof, and to highlight areas of emphasis for future human and animal model research therein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Valerie S Knopik
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Schuller A, Bellini C, Jenkins TG, Eden M, Matz J, Oakes J, Montrose L. Simulated Wildfire Smoke Significantly Alters Sperm DNA Methylation Patterns in a Murine Model. TOXICS 2021; 9:199. [PMID: 34564350 PMCID: PMC8473101 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Wildfires are now a common feature of the western US, increasing in both intensity and number of acres burned over the last three decades. The effects of this changing wildfire and smoke landscape are a critical public and occupational health issue. While respiratory morbidity due to smoke exposure is a priority, evaluating the molecular underpinnings that explain recent extrapulmonary observations is necessary. Here, we use an Apoe-/- mouse model to investigate the epigenetic impact of paternal exposure to simulated wildfire smoke. We demonstrate that 40 days of exposure to smoke from Douglas fir needles induces sperm DNA methylation changes in adult mice. DNA methylation was measured by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and varied significantly in 3353 differentially methylated regions, which were subsequently annotated to 2117 genes. The differentially methylated regions were broadly distributed across the mouse genome, but the vast majority (nearly 80%) were hypermethylated. Pathway analyses, using gene-derived and differentially methylated region-derived gene ontology terms, point to a number of developmental processes that may warrant future investigation. Overall, this study of simulated wildfire smoke exposure suggests paternal reproductive risks are possible with prolonged exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Schuller
- Department of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
| | - Chiara Bellini
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Timothy G. Jenkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Matthew Eden
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Jacqueline Matz
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Jessica Oakes
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (C.B.); (M.E.); (J.M.); (J.O.)
| | - Luke Montrose
- Department of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hines LA, Spry EA, Moreno-Betancur M, Mohamad Husin H, Becker D, Middleton M, Craig JM, Doyle LW, Olsson CA, Patton G. Cannabis and tobacco use prior to pregnancy and subsequent offspring birth outcomes: a 20-year intergenerational prospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16826. [PMID: 34413325 PMCID: PMC8376878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the life-course origins of health and development begin before conception. We examined associations between timing and frequency of preconception cannabis and tobacco use and next generation preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age. 665 participants in a general population cohort were repeatedly assessed on tobacco and cannabis use between ages 14-29 years, before pregnancy. Associations were estimated using logistic regression. Preconception parent (either maternal or paternal) daily cannabis use age 15-17 was associated with sixfold increases in the odds of offspring PTB (aOR 6.65, 95% CI 1.92, 23.09), and offspring LBW (aOR 5.84, 95% CI 1.70-20.08), after adjusting for baseline sociodemographic factors, parent sex, offspring sex, family socioeconomic status, parent mental health at baseline, and concurrent tobacco use. There was little evidence of associations with preconception parental cannabis use at other ages or preconception parental tobacco use. Findings support the hypothesis that the early life origins of growth begin before conception and provide a compelling rationale for prevention of frequent use during adolescence. This is pertinent given liberalisation of cannabis policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Hines
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Elizabeth A Spry
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margarita Moreno-Betancur
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hanafi Mohamad Husin
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denise Becker
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa Middleton
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Lex W Doyle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paedatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - George Patton
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dai C, Zhang Z, Shan G, Chu LT, Huang Z, Moskovtsev S, Librach C, Jarvi K, Sun Y. Advances in sperm analysis: techniques, discoveries and applications. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:447-467. [PMID: 34075227 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples worldwide, and fertility continues to deteriorate globally, partly owing to a decline in semen quality. Sperm analysis has a central role in diagnosing and treating male factor infertility. Many emerging techniques, such as digital holography, super-resolution microscopy and next-generation sequencing, have been developed that enable improved analysis of sperm motility, morphology and genetics to help overcome limitations in accuracy and consistency, and improve sperm selection for infertility treatment. These techniques have also improved our understanding of fundamental sperm physiology by enabling discoveries in sperm behaviour and molecular structures. Further progress in sperm analysis and integrating these techniques into laboratories and clinics requires multidisciplinary collaboration, which will increase discovery and improve clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Dai
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhuoran Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Guanqiao Shan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lap-Tak Chu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zongjie Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Schrott R, Murphy SK, Modliszewski JL, King DE, Hill B, Itchon-Ramos N, Raburn D, Price T, Levin ED, Vandrey R, Corcoran DL, Kollins SH, Mitchell JT. Refraining from use diminishes cannabis-associated epigenetic changes in human sperm. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab009. [PMID: 34557312 PMCID: PMC8455898 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use alters sperm DNA methylation, but the potential reversibility of these changes is unknown. Semen samples from cannabis users and non-user controls were collected at baseline and again following a 77-day period of cannabis abstinence (one spermatogenic cycle). Users and controls did not significantly differ by demographics or semen analyses. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing identified 163 CpG sites with significantly different DNA methylation in sperm between groups (P < 2.94 × 10-9). Genes associated with altered CpG sites were enriched with those involved in development, including cardiogenesis and neurodevelopment. Many of the differences in sperm DNA methylation between groups were diminished after cannabis abstinence. These results indicate that sustained cannabis abstinence significantly reduces the number of sperm showing cannabis-associated alterations at genes important for early development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Duke University Program in Environmental Health, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- *Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, The Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main Street, Suite 510 Durham, NC 27701, USA Tel: +(919) 681-3423; E-mail:
| | - Jennifer L Modliszewski
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dillon E King
- Duke University Program in Environmental Health, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bendu Hill
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, 2608 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nilda Itchon-Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, 2608 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Douglas Raburn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, 5704 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Thomas Price
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, 5704 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, 2608 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David L Corcoran
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott H Kollins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, 2608 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John T Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, 2608 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang L, Chen M, Yan G, Zhao S. DNA Methylation Differences Between Zona Pellucida-Bound and Manually Selected Spermatozoa Are Associated With Autism Susceptibility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:774260. [PMID: 34858344 PMCID: PMC8630694 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.774260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Children conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have been reported to have a higher risk of many abnormalities and disorders, including autism and intellectual disability, which may be due to bypassing of the natural sperm selection process during ICSI. Zona pellucida (ZP)-bound spermatozoa (ZPBS) have normal morphology and nuclear DNA. Using these spermatozoa for ICSI results in better outcomes compared with conventional ICSI. However, differences besides morphology that exist between sperm selected by ZP and by an embryologist and whether these differences affect the risk of autism in offspring after ICSI are unclear. To explore these questions, we compared genome-wide DNA methylation profiles between ZPBS and manually selected spermatozoa (MSS)using single-cell bisulfite sequencing. Global DNA methylation levels were significantly lower in ZPBS than in MSS. Using gene ontology (GO) analysis, genes overlapping differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were enriched in biological processes involving neurogenesis. Furthermore, we found that 47.8% of autism candidate genes were associated with DMRs, compared with 37.1% of matched background genes (P<0.001). This was mainly because of the high proportion of autism candidate genes with bivalent chromatin structure. In conclusion, bivalent chromatin structure results in large differences in the methylation of autism genes between MSS and ZPBS. ICSI using MSS, which increases the risk of methylation mutations compared with ZPBS, may lead to a higher risk of autism in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longda Wang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Mengxiang Chen
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Gaofeng Yan
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|