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Brik M, Sandonis M, Cabeza Oliver C, Temprado J, Hernández Fleury A, Sánchez Echevarria E, Carreras E. Predictors for cannabis cessation during pregnancy: a 10-year cohort study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 45:2319290. [PMID: 38401055 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2024.2319290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine factors associated with cannabis discontinuation, to assess the impact of mental health and addiction interventions on cannabis discontinuation during pregnancy and to investigate the neonatal impact of cannabis discontinuation. This is a 10-year cohort study in a tertiary hospital in Barcelona, Spain, including women with self-reported cannabis use during pregnancy. Main outcome was cannabis discontinuation based on biological sample testing. Secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, preterm birth, birth weight and bottle-feeding. When cannabis use was detected during pregnancy, 32 out of 81 (38.3%) discontinued cannabis during pregnancy vs. four out of 61 (6.6%) when detected at birth (p < .001). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that null parity (OR: 6.95, p = .011), detection of cannabis use during pregnancy (OR: 5.35, p = .018) and early detection and referral to mental health care for counseling on cannabis cessation and interventions on the first trimester (OR: 25.46, p < .001) increased cannabis discontinuation. Risk for preterm birth <37 weeks (11.4% vs. 30.8%) and NICU admission (25.7% vs. 54.2%) were lower when discontinuation. Early detection of cannabis use during pregnancy, cessation counseling with mental health interventions, and null parity are predictors for cannabis discontinuation during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Brik
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Sandonis
- Mental Health Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Cabeza Oliver
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Temprado
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alina Hernández Fleury
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez Echevarria
- Department of Social Work Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Carreras
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Habersham LL, Hurd YL, Nomura Y. The longitudinal assessment of prenatal cannabis use on neonatal outcomes. J Perinatol 2024:10.1038/s41372-024-02027-w. [PMID: 38890400 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02027-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between prenatal cannabis use and perinatal outcomes using longitudinal data from pregnant individuals. STUDY DESIGN This secondary-data analysis study utilized data collected from 894 pregnant individuals followed in the Stress in Pregnancy longitudinal study, conducted between 2009 and 2013. The status of cannabis use was ascertained through interviews and electronic medical record reviews to evaluate the effect of cannabis use on perinatal outcomes (NICU admission, preterm delivery, low birth weight, fetal death). RESULTS Among participants analyzed, 13.1% used cannabis, who were generally younger (25.9 vs 27.9 years). There was a sevenfold increased risk of fetal death (OR 7.30) among cannabis users relative to non-users. Elevated risk persisted after adjustments of potential confounders (aOR 6.31). Adjusted models also suggested increased low birth weight risk (aOR 1.67). CONCLUSION This study highlights an association between prenatal cannabis use and elevated risks for fetal death and low birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah L Habersham
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US.
- Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US.
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US
- Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US
| | - Yoko Nomura
- Queens College and Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, US
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Brik M, Sandonis M, Hernández‐Fleury A, Gil J, Mota M, Barranco FJ, Garcia I, Maiz N, Carreras E. Cannabis exposure during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: A cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:1083-1091. [PMID: 38504476 PMCID: PMC11103132 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14818] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis potency and its use during pregnancy have increased in the last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of antenatal cannabis use on fetal growth, preterm birth and other perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A propensity score-matched analysis was performed in women with singleton pregnancies attending a tertiary care site in Barcelona. Women in the cannabis group were selected based on the results of a detection test. Primary outcomes were small for gestational age at birth (SGA), low birthweight and preterm birth. Secondary outcomes were other biometric parameters (neonatal length and head circumference), respiratory distress, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and breastfeeding at discharge. A second propensity score-matched analysis excluding other confounders (use of other recreational drugs and discontinuation of cannabis use during pregnancy) was performed. RESULTS Antenatal cannabis was associated with a higher odds ratio of SGA (OR 3.60, 95% CI: 1.68-7.69), low birthweight (OR 3.94, 95% CI: 2.17-7.13), preterm birth at 37 weeks (OR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.12-3.84) and 32 weeks of gestation (OR 4.13, 95% CI: 1.06-16.11), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (OR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03-3.71), respiratory distress (OR 2.77, 95% CI: 1.26-6.34), and lower breastfeeding rates at discharge (OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05-0.18). When excluding other confounders, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA was found. CONCLUSIONS Antenatal cannabis use increases the risk of SGA, low birthweight, preterm birth and other adverse perinatal outcomes. However, when isolating the impact of cannabis use by excluding women who use other recreational drugs and those who discontinue cannabis during pregnancy, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA birth was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Brik
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Miguel Sandonis
- Mental Health DepartmentHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic MedicineUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Alina Hernández‐Fleury
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Judit Gil
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Miriam Mota
- Statistics and Bioinformatics Unit (UEB) Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Francisco José Barranco
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Itziar Garcia
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Nerea Maiz
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Elena Carreras
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
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Smith CB, Schmidt J, Holdsworth EA, Caffé B, Brooks O, Williams JE, Gang DR, McGuire MA, McGuire MK, Barbosa-Leiker C, Meehan CL. Cannabis use, decision making, and perceptions of risk among breastfeeding individuals: the Lactation and Cannabis (LAC) Study. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:6. [PMID: 38365778 PMCID: PMC10870434 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-023-00212-w] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our primary objective was to understand breastfeeding individuals' decisions to use cannabis. Specifically, we investigated reasons for cannabis use, experiences with healthcare providers regarding use, and potential concerns about cannabis use. METHODS We collected survey data from twenty breastfeeding participants from Washington and Oregon who used cannabis at least once weekly. We documented individuals' cannabis use and analyzed factors associated with their decisions to use cannabis during lactation. Qualitative description was used to assess responses to an open-ended question about potential concerns. RESULTS Fifty-five percent of participants (n = 11) reported using cannabis to treat or manage health conditions, mostly related to mental health. Eighty percent of participants (n = 16) reported very few or no concerns about using cannabis while breastfeeding, although participants who used cannabis for medical purposes had significantly more concerns. Most participants (n = 18, 90%) reported receiving either no or unhelpful advice from healthcare providers. Four themes arose through qualitative analysis, indicating that breastfeeding individuals are: 1) identifying research gaps and collecting evidence; 2) monitoring their child's health and development; 3) monitoring and titrating their cannabis use; and 4) comparing risks between cannabis and other controlled substances. CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding individuals reported cannabis for medical and non-medical reasons and few had concerns about cannabis use during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding individuals reported using a variety of strategies and resources in their assessment of risk or lack thereof when deciding to use cannabis. Most participants reported receiving no helpful guidance from healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Smith
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jenna Schmidt
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | - Beatrice Caffé
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Olivia Brooks
- College of Nursing, Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Janet E Williams
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - David R Gang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Mark A McGuire
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Michelle K McGuire
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | | | - Courtney L Meehan
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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Wen X, Liu L, Moe AA, Ormond IK, Shuren CC, Scott IN, Ozga JE, Stanton CA, Ruybal AL, Hart JL, Goniewicz ML, Lee D, Vargees C. Use of E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes During Late Pregnancy Among Adolescents. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2347407. [PMID: 38091042 PMCID: PMC10719752 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.47407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Pregnant adolescents sometimes use cigarettes; however, little is known about e-cigarette use among pregnant adolescents, a population with increased health vulnerability. Objective To examine yearly trends, sociodemographic and pregnancy-related determinants, and the association with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth of e-cigarette and/or cigarette use during late pregnancy among adolescents. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used existing data from the 2016-2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System on 10 428 US adolescents aged 10 to 19 years who had a singleton birth with complete data on e-cigarette or cigarette use and SGA birth. Exposure Adolescents reported e-cigarette and cigarette use during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures SGA birth (birth weight below the 10th percentile for the same sex and gestational duration) was determined from birth certificates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the odds of SGA birth across pregnant adolescents who exclusively used e-cigarettes, exclusively used cigarettes, used e-cigarettes and cigarettes, or did not use either. Results Of the 10 428 pregnant adolescents, 72.7% were aged 18 or 19 years; 58.9% self-identified as White and 23.3% as Black; and 69.8% were non-Hispanic. The weighted prevalence of exclusive e-cigarette use during late pregnancy increased from 0.8% in 2016 to 4.1% in 2021, while the prevalence of exclusive cigarette use decreased from 9.2% in 2017 to 3.2% in 2021. The prevalence of dual use fluctuated, ranging from 0.6% to 1.6%. White pregnant adolescents were more likely than those who self-identified as another race and ethnicity to use e-cigarettes (2.7% vs 1.0% for American Indian or Alaska Native adolescents, 0.8% for Asian or other race adolescents, 0.6% for Black adolescents, and 0.7% for multiracial adolescents). Compared with those who did not use either product, adolescents who exclusively used e-cigarettes (16.8% vs 12.9%; confounder-adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.68 [95% CI, 0.89-3.18]) or who used cigarettes and e-cigarettes (17.6% vs 12.9%; AOR, 1.68 [95% CI, 0.79-3.53]) had no statistically significant difference in risk of SGA birth. However, adolescents who exclusively used cigarettes had a more than 2-fold higher risk of SGA birth (24.6% vs 12.9%; AOR, 2.51 [95% CI, 1.79-3.52]). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study suggests that pregnant adolescents increasingly used e-cigarettes, with the highest use among White adolescents. Results from this analysis found that, unlike cigarette use, e-cigarette use during late pregnancy was not statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of SGA birth among adolescents. Due to the uncertainty of this nonsignificant association, future research could benefit from a larger sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhong Wen
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo
| | - Lufeiya Liu
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Aye A. Moe
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo
| | | | - Chelsea C. Shuren
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo
| | - I’Yanna N. Scott
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo
| | - Jenny E. Ozga
- Behavioral Health and Health Policy, Westat, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | - Andrea L. Ruybal
- Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Joy L. Hart
- Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Maciej L. Goniewicz
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Dara Lee
- Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
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Foti TR, Green A, Altschuler A, Iturralde E, Does MB, Jackson-Morris M, Adams SR, Goler N, Ansley D, Conway A, Young-Wolff KC. Patient Perceptions of Prenatal Cannabis Use and Implications for Clinicians. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:1153-1161. [PMID: 37562055 PMCID: PMC10592503 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand pregnant patients' reasons for prenatal cannabis use and perceptions of safety, desired and undesirable health care experiences, and desired information about prenatal cannabis use and secondarily to understand racial differences in these perceptions and preferences. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study including 18 semi-structured, race-concordant virtual focus groups with pregnant individuals who self-reported cannabis use at prenatal care entry in a large integrated health care system in Northern California from November 2021 to December 2021. The focus groups included semi-structured questions that were recorded, transcribed, and coded by the research team. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Overall, 53 participants were included; 30 self-identified, as White and 23 self-identified as Black. Participants averaged 30.3 years of age (SD 5.2 years) and were on average at 20.9 weeks of gestation at study enrollment; 69.8% reported daily cannabis use, 24.5% reported weekly cannabis use, and 5.7% reported monthly or less cannabis use at entrance to prenatal care. Although some participants quit cannabis use in early pregnancy because of concerns about potential health risks, many perceived a lack of scientific evidence or believed that prenatal cannabis use was safe. Many preferred cannabis to over-the-counter or prescription medications for treating mood, morning sickness, pain, and sleep. Participants valued open interactions with obstetricians that acknowledged their motivations for use, and they desired information about potential risks through conversations and educational materials. White and Black participants' perspectives were generally similar, but a few Black participants uniquely described concerns about racial bias related to their prenatal cannabis use. CONCLUSION Pregnant patients used cannabis to manage mood and medical symptoms, and many believed that prenatal cannabis use was safer than the use of prescription medications. Obstetrician-initiated, patient-centered conversations around prenatal cannabis use, advice to discontinue cannabis use during pregnancy, and exploration of willingness to switch to medically recommended interventions for pregnancy-related symptoms may benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara R Foti
- Division of Research and the Regional Offices, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, the Sacramento Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Sacramento, and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Wołejszo S, Genowska A, Motkowski R, Strukcinskiene B, Klukowski M, Konstantynowicz J. Insights into Prevention of Health Complications in Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Births in Relation to Maternal Characteristics: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020531. [PMID: 36675464 PMCID: PMC9862121 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020531] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Small for gestational age (SGA) births are a significant clinical and public health issue. The objective of this review was to summarize maternal biological and socio-demographic factors and preventive strategies used to reduce the risk of SGA births. A literature search encompassing data from the last 15 years was conducted using electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus to review risk factors and preventive strategies for SGA. Current evidence shows that primiparity, previous stillbirths, maternal age ≤24 and ≥35 years, single motherhood, low socio-economic status, smoking and cannabis use during pregnancy confer a significant risk of SGA births. Studies on alcohol consumption during pregnancy and SGA birth weight are inconclusive. Beneficial and preventive factors include the "Mediterranean diet" and dietary intake of vegetables. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation, maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D, zinc and iron levels are partly associated with birth weight. No significant associations between COVID-19 vaccinations and birthweight are reported. A midwifery-led model based on early and extensive prenatal care reduces the risk of SGA births in women with low socio-economic status. Major preventive measures relate to the awareness of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of SGA, leading to changes in parents' lifestyles. These data support that education, monitoring during pregnancy, and implementing preventive strategies are as important as biological determinants in risk reduction of SGA births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Wołejszo
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology, Immunology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, University Children′s Hospital, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (A.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Genowska
- Department of Public Health, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (A.G.)
| | - Radosław Motkowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology, Immunology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, University Children′s Hospital, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Mark Klukowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology, Immunology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, University Children′s Hospital, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jerzy Konstantynowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Rheumatology, Immunology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, University Children′s Hospital, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
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Cáceres D, Ochoa M, González-Ortiz M, Bravo K, Eugenín J. Effects of Prenatal Cannabinoids Exposure upon Placenta and Development of Respiratory Neural Circuits. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:199-232. [PMID: 37466775 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has risen dangerously during pregnancy in the face of incipient therapeutic use and a growing perception of safety. The main psychoactive compound of the Cannabis sativa plant is the phytocannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (A-9 THC), and its status as a teratogen is controversial. THC and its endogenous analogues, anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG, exert their actions through specific receptors (eCBr) that activate intracellular signaling pathways. CB1r and CB2r, also called classic cannabinoid receptors, together with their endogenous ligands and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade them, constitute the endocannabinoid system. This system is distributed ubiquitously in various central and peripheral tissues. Although the endocannabinoid system's most studied role is controlling the release of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, the study of long-term exposure to cannabinoids on fetal development is not well known and is vital for understanding environmental or pathological embryo-fetal or postnatal conditions. Prenatal exposure to cannabinoids in animal models has induced changes in placental and embryo-fetal organs. Particularly, cannabinoids could influence both neural and nonneural tissues and induce embryo-fetal pathological conditions in critical processes such as neural respiratory control. This review aims at the acute and chronic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabinoids on placental function and the embryo-fetal neurodevelopment of the respiratory pattern. The information provided here will serve as a theoretical framework to critically evaluate the teratogen effects of the consumption of cannabis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martín Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Karina Bravo
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Jaime Eugenín
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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