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Banerjee S, Saha D, Sharma R, Jaidee W, Puttarak P, Chaiyakunapruk N, Chaoroensup R. Phytocannabinoids in neuromodulation: From omics to epigenetics. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118201. [PMID: 38677573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent developments in metabolomics, transcriptomic and epigenetics open up new horizons regarding the pharmacological understanding of phytocannabinoids as neuromodulators in treating anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and autism. METHODS The present review is an extensive search in public databases, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed, to collect all the literature about the neurobiological roles of cannabis extract, cannabidiol, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol specially focused on metabolomics, transcriptomic, epigenetic, mechanism of action, in different cell lines, induced animal models and clinical trials. We used bioinformatics, network pharmacology and enrichment analysis to understand the effect of phytocannabinoids in neuromodulation. RESULTS Cannabidomics studies show wide variability of metabolites across different strains and varieties, which determine their medicinal and abusive usage, which is very important for its quality control and regulation. CB receptors interact with other compounds besides cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, like cannabinol and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Phytocannabinoids interact with cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors (GPCR, ion channels, and PPAR) to improve various neurodegenerative diseases. However, its abuse because of THC is also a problem found across different epigenetic and transcriptomic studies. Network enrichment analysis shows CNR1 expression in the brain and its interacting genes involve different pathways such as Rap1 signalling, dopaminergic synapse, and relaxin signalling. CBD protects against diseases like epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's by modifying DNA and mitochondrial DNA in the hippocampus. Network pharmacology analysis of 8 phytocannabinoids revealed an interaction with 10 (out of 60) targets related to neurodegenerative diseases, with enrichment of ErbB and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways which helps in ameliorating neuro-inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases. The effects of phytocannabinoids vary across sex, disease state, and age which suggests the importance of a personalized medicine approach for better success. CONCLUSIONS Phytocannabinoids present a range of promising neuromodulatory effects. It holds promise if utilized in a strategic way towards personalized neuropsychiatric treatment. However, just like any drug irrational usage may lead to unforeseen negative effects. Exploring neuro-epigenetics and systems pharmacology of major and minor phytocannabinoid combinations can lead to success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadip Banerjee
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Debolina Saha
- School of Bioscience and Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wuttichai Jaidee
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Panupong Puttarak
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Phytomedicine and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellence Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | | | - Rawiwan Chaoroensup
- Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University, ChiangRai, 57100, Thailand; School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand.
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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.
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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.
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Lo JO, Hedges JC, Chou WH, Tager KR, Bachli ID, Hagen OL, Murphy SK, Hanna CB, Easley CA. Influence of substance use on male reproductive health and offspring outcomes. Nat Rev Urol 2024:10.1038/s41585-024-00868-w. [PMID: 38664544 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00868-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of substance use globally is rising and is highest among men of reproductive age. In Africa, and South and Central America, cannabis use disorder is most prevalent and in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central America, Canada and the USA, opioid use disorder predominates. Substance use might be contributing to the ongoing global decline in male fertility, and emerging evidence has linked paternal substance use with short-term and long-term adverse effects on offspring development and outcomes. This trend is concerning given that substance use is increasing, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preclinical studies have shown that male preconception substance use can influence offspring brain development and neurobehaviour through epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, human studies investigating paternal health behaviours during the prenatal period suggest that paternal tobacco, opioid, cannabis and alcohol use is associated with reduced offspring mental health, in particular hyperactivity and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The potential effects of paternal substance use are areas in which to focus public health efforts and health-care provider counselling of couples or individuals interested in conceiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie O Lo
- Department of Urology, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Jason C Hedges
- Department of Urology, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Wesley H Chou
- Department of Urology, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kylie R Tager
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ian D Bachli
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Olivia L Hagen
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carol B Hanna
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, USA
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Perturbation of 3D nuclear architecture, epigenomic aging and dysregulation, and cannabinoid synaptopathy reconfigures conceptualization of cannabinoid pathophysiology: part 2-Metabolome, immunome, synaptome. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182536. [PMID: 37854446 PMCID: PMC10579598 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182536] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The second part of this paper builds upon and expands the epigenomic-aging perspective presented in Part 1 to describe the metabolomic and immunomic bases of the epigenomic-aging changes and then considers in some detail the application of these insights to neurotoxicity, neuronal epigenotoxicity, and synaptopathy. Cannabinoids are well-known to have bidirectional immunomodulatory activities on numerous parts of the immune system. Immune perturbations are well-known to impact the aging process, the epigenome, and intermediate metabolism. Cannabinoids also impact metabolism via many pathways. Metabolism directly impacts immune, genetic, and epigenetic processes. Synaptic activity, synaptic pruning, and, thus, the sculpting of neural circuits are based upon metabolic, immune, and epigenomic networks at the synapse, around the synapse, and in the cell body. Many neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, and autistic spectrum disorder have been linked with cannabis. Therefore, it is important to consider these features and their complex interrelationships in reaching a comprehensive understanding of cannabinoid dependence. Together these findings indicate that cannabinoid perturbations of the immunome and metabolome are important to consider alongside the well-recognized genomic and epigenomic perturbations and it is important to understand their interdependence and interconnectedness in reaching a comprehensive appreciation of the true nature of cannabinoid pathophysiology. For these reasons, a comprehensive appreciation of cannabinoid pathophysiology necessitates a coordinated multiomics investigation of cannabinoid genome-epigenome-transcriptome-metabolome-immunome, chromatin conformation, and 3D nuclear architecture which therefore form the proper mechanistic underpinning for major new and concerning epidemiological findings relating to cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Johnson RK, Ireton AJ, Carry PM, Vanderlinden LA, Dong F, Romero A, Johnson DR, Ghosh D, Yang F, Frohnert B, Yang IV, Kechris K, Rewers M, Norris JM. DNA Methylation Near DLGAP2 May Mediate the Relationship between Family History of Type 1 Diabetes and Type 1 Diabetes Risk. Pediatr Diabetes 2023; 2023:5367637. [PMID: 38765731 PMCID: PMC11100224 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5367637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the differential risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in offspring of affected fathers versus affected mothers and our observation that T1D cases have differential DNA methylation near the imprinted DLGAP2 gene compared to controls, we examined whether methylation near DLGAP2 mediates the association between T1D family history and T1D risk. In a nested case-control study of 87 T1D cases and 87 controls from the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young, we conducted causal mediation analyses at 12 DLGAP2 region CpGs to decompose the effect of family history on T1D risk into indirect and direct effects. These effects were estimated from two regression models adjusted for the human leukocyte antigen DR3/4 genotype: a linear regression of family history on methylation (mediator model) and a logistic regression of family history and methylation on T1D (outcome model). For 8 of the 12 CpGs, we identified a significant interaction between T1D family history and methylation on T1D risk. Accounting for this interaction, we found that the increased risk of T1D for children with affected mothers compared to those with no family history was mediated through differences in methylation at two CpGs (cg27351978, cg00565786) in the DLGAP2 region, as demonstrated by a significant pure natural indirect effect (odds ratio (OR) = 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-3.71) and nonsignificant total natural direct effect (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.16-16.62) (for cg00565786). In contrast, the increased risk of T1D for children with an affected father or sibling was not explained by DNA methylation changes at these CpGs. Results were similar for cg27351978 and robust in sensitivity analyses. Lastly, we found that DNA methylation in the DLGAP2 region was associated (P<0:05) with gene expression of nearby protein-coding genes DLGAP2, ARHGEF10, ZNF596, and ERICH1. Results indicate that the maternal protective effect conferred through exposure to T1D in utero may operate through changes to DNA methylation that have functional downstream consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi K. Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amanda J. Ireton
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Patrick M. Carry
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lauren A. Vanderlinden
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Fran Dong
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alex Romero
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David R. Johnson
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Debashis Ghosh
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brigitte Frohnert
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ivana V. Yang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Katerina Kechris
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marian Rewers
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jill M. Norris
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Perturbation of 3D nuclear architecture, epigenomic dysregulation and aging, and cannabinoid synaptopathy reconfigures conceptualization of cannabinoid pathophysiology: part 1-aging and epigenomics. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182535. [PMID: 37732074 PMCID: PMC10507876 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Much recent attention has been directed toward the spatial organization of the cell nucleus and the manner in which three-dimensional topologically associated domains and transcription factories are epigenetically coordinated to precisely bring enhancers into close proximity with promoters to control gene expression. Twenty lines of evidence robustly implicate cannabinoid exposure with accelerated organismal and cellular aging. Aging has recently been shown to be caused by increased DNA breaks. These breaks rearrange and maldistribute the epigenomic machinery to weaken and reverse cellular differentiation, cause genome-wide DNA demethylation, reduce gene transcription, and lead to the inhibition of developmental pathways, which contribute to the progressive loss of function and chronic immune stimulation that characterize cellular aging. Both cell lineage-defining superenhancers and the superanchors that control them are weakened. Cannabis exposure phenocopies the elements of this process and reproduces DNA and chromatin breakages, reduces the DNA, RNA protein and histone synthesis, interferes with the epigenomic machinery controlling both DNA and histone modifications, induces general DNA hypomethylation, and epigenomically disrupts both the critical boundary elements and the cohesin motors that create chromatin loops. This pattern of widespread interference with developmental programs and relative cellular dedifferentiation (which is pro-oncogenic) is reinforced by cannabinoid impairment of intermediate metabolism (which locks in the stem cell-like hyper-replicative state) and cannabinoid immune stimulation (which perpetuates and increases aging and senescence programs, DNA damage, DNA hypomethylation, genomic instability, and oncogenesis), which together account for the diverse pattern of teratologic and carcinogenic outcomes reported in recent large epidemiologic studies in Europe, the USA, and elsewhere. It also accounts for the prominent aging phenotype observed clinically in long-term cannabis use disorder and the 20 characteristics of aging that it manifests. Increasing daily cannabis use, increasing use in pregnancy, and exponential dose-response effects heighten the epidemiologic and clinical urgency of these findings. Together, these findings indicate that cannabinoid genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity are prominent features of cannabis dependence and strongly indicate coordinated multiomics investigations of cannabinoid genome-epigenome-transcriptome-metabolome, chromatin conformation, and 3D nuclear architecture. Considering the well-established exponential dose-response relationships, the diversity of cannabinoids, and the multigenerational nature of the implications, great caution is warranted in community cannabinoid penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Reece AS, Bennett K, Hulse GK. Cannabis- and Substance-Related Carcinogenesis in Europe: A Lagged Causal Inferential Panel Regression Study. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:323-385. [PMID: 37489337 PMCID: PMC10366890 DOI: 10.3390/jox13030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent European data facilitate an epidemiological investigation of the controversial cannabis-cancer relationship. Of particular concern were prior findings associating high-dose cannabis use with reproductive problems and potential genetic impacts. Cancer incidence data age-standardised to the world population was obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2000-2020 and many European national cancer registries. Drug use data were obtained from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Alcohol and tobacco consumption was sourced from the WHO. Median household income was taken from the World bank. Cancer rates in high-cannabis-use countries were significantly higher than elsewhere (β-estimate = 0.4165, p = 3.54 × 10-115). Eighteen of forty-one cancers (42,675 individual rates) were significantly associated with cannabis exposure at bivariate analysis. Twenty-five cancers were linked in inverse-probability-weighted multivariate models. Temporal lagging in panel models intensified these effects. In multivariable models, cannabis was a more powerful correlate of cancer incidence than tobacco or alcohol. Reproductive toxicity was evidenced by the involvement of testis, ovary, prostate and breast cancers and because some of the myeloid and lymphoid leukaemias implicated occur in childhood, indicating inherited intergenerational genotoxicity. Cannabis is a more important carcinogen than tobacco and alcohol and fulfills epidemiological qualitative and quantitative criteria for causality for 25/41 cancers. Reproductive and transgenerational effects are prominent. These findings confirm the clinical and epidemiological salience of cannabis as a major multigenerational community carcinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Kellie Bennett
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, 208 Kent St., Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Barchi M, Guida E, Dolci S, Rossi P, Grimaldi P. Endocannabinoid system and epigenetics in spermatogenesis and testicular cancer. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 122:75-106. [PMID: 36863802 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, male germ cell development starts during fetal life and is carried out in postnatal life with the formation of sperms. Spermatogenesis is the complex and highly orderly process during which a group of germ stem cells is set at birth, starts to differentiate at puberty. It proceeds through several stages: proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis and it is strictly regulated by a complex network of hormonal, autocrine and paracrine factors and it is associated with a unique epigenetic program. Altered epigenetic mechanisms or inability to respond to these factors can impair the correct process of germ development leading to reproductive disorders and/or testicular germ cell cancer. Among factors regulating spermatogenesis an emerging role is played by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a complex system comprising endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), their synthetic and degrading enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. Mammalian male germ cells have a complete and active ECS which is modulated during spermatogenesis and that crucially regulates processes such as germ cell differentiation and sperm functions. Recently, cannabinoid receptor signaling has been reported to induce epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA expression. Epigenetic modifications may also affect the expression and function of ECS elements, highlighting the establishment of a complex mutual interaction. Here, we describe the developmental origin and differentiation of male germ cells and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) focusing on the interplay between ECS and epigenetic mechanisms involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Barchi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Guida
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Grimaldi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Truong VB, Davis OS, Gracey J, Neal MS, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. Sperm capacitation and transcripts levels are altered by in vitro THC exposure. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:6. [PMID: 36823609 PMCID: PMC9951432 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-023-00468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary phytocannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive properties of cannabis and is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is functionally present in the male reproductive system. Since cannabis consumption is the highest among reproductive aged males, the current study aimed to further investigate the effects of THC exposure to phenotypical, physiological, and molecular parameters in sperm. Bull sperm of known fertility were used as a translational model for human sperm and subjected to in vitro treatment with physiologically relevant experimental doses of THC. Sperm parameters, capacitation, apoptosis, and transcript levels were evaluated following treatment. RESULTS Motility, morphology, and viability of bovine sperm was unaltered from THC exposure. However, 0.32µM of THC caused an increased proportion of capacitating sperm (p < 0.05) compared to control and vehicle group sperm. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 39 genes were found to be differentially expressed by 0.032µM THC exposure, 196 genes were differentially expressed by 0.32µM THC exposure, and 33 genes were differentially expressed by 3.2µM THC. Secondary analysis reveals pathways involving development, nucleosomes, ribosomes and translation, and cellular metabolism to be significantly enriched. CONCLUSION Phytocannabinoid exposure to sperm may adversely affect sperm function by stimulating premature capacitation. These findings also show for the first time that spermatozoal transcripts may be altered by THC exposure. These results add to previous research demonstrating the molecular effects of cannabinoids on sperm and warrant further research into the effects of cannabis on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien B. Truong
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Ola S. Davis
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Jade Gracey
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
| | | | - Jibran Y. Khokhar
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Laura A. Favetta
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
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Congenital Gastrointestinal Anomalies in Europe 2010–2019: A Geo-Spatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study of Epidemiological Patterns in Relationship to Cannabis- and Substance Exposure. GASTROENTEROLOGY INSIGHTS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/gastroent14010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Congenital anomalies (CA’s) of most of the gastrointestinal tract have been linked causally with prenatal or community cannabis exposure. Therefore, we studied this relationship in Europe. Methods: CA data were from Eurocat. Drug-use data were sourced from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income data were taken from the World Bank. Results: When countries with increasing rates of daily cannabis use were compared with those which were not, the overall rate of gastrointestinal CA’s (GCA’s) was higher in the former group (p = 0.0032). The five anomalies which were related to the metrics of cannabis exposure on bivariate analysis were bile duct atresia, Hirschsprungs, digestive disorders, annular pancreas and anorectal stenosis or atresia. The following sequence of GCA’s was significantly linked with cannabis metrics at inverse-probability-weighted-panel modelling, as indicated: esophageal stenosis or atresia, bile duct atresia, small intestinal stenosis or atresia, anorectal stenosis or atresia, Hirschsprungs disease: p = 1.83 × 10−5, 0.0046, 3.55 × 10−12, 7.35 × 10−6 and 2.00 × 10−12, respectively. When this GCA series was considered in geospatial modelling, the GCA’s were significantly cannabis-related from p = 0.0003, N.S., 0.0086, 6.652 × 10−5, 0.0002, 71.4% of 35 E-value estimates and 54.3% minimum E-values (mEVv’s) > 9 (high zone) and 100% and 97.1% > 1.25 (causality threshold). The order of cannabis sensitivity by median mEVv was Hirschsprungs > esophageal atresia > small intestinal atresia > anorectal atresia > bile duct atresia. Conclusions: Seven of eight GCA’s were related to cannabis exposure and fulfilled the quantitative criteria for epidemiologically causal relationships. Penetration of cannabinoids into the community should be carefully scrutinized and controlled to protect against exponential and multigenerational genotoxicity ensuing from multiple cannabinoids.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Clinical Epigenomic Explanation of the Epidemiology of Cannabinoid Genotoxicity Manifesting as Transgenerational Teratogenesis, Cancerogenesis and Aging Acceleration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3360. [PMID: 36834053 PMCID: PMC9967951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As global interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its' derivatives for the management of selected diseases increases, it is increasingly imperative that the toxic profile of cannabinoids be thoroughly understood in order to correctly assess the balance between the therapeutic risks and benefits. Modern studies across a number of jurisdictions, including Canada, Australia, the US and Europe have confirmed that some of the most worrying and severe historical reports of both congenital anomalies and cancer induction following cannabis exposure actually underestimate the multisystem thousand megabase-scale transgenerational genetic damage. These findings from teratogenic and carcinogenic literature are supported by recent data showing the accelerated patterns of chronic disease and the advanced DNA methylation epigenomic clock age in cannabis exposed patients. Together, the increased multisystem carcinogenesis, teratogenesis and accelerated aging point strongly to cannabinoid-related genotoxicity being much more clinically significant than it is widely supposed and, thus, of very considerable public health and multigenerational impact. Recently reported longitudinal epigenome-wide association studies elegantly explain many of these observed effects with considerable methodological sophistication, including multiple pathways for the inhibition of the normal chromosomal segregation and DNA repair, the inhibition of the basic epigenetic machinery for DNA methylation and the demethylation and telomerase acceleration of the epigenomic promoter hypermethylation characterizing aging. For cancer, 810 hits were also noted. The types of malignancy which were observed have all been documented epidemiologically. Detailed epigenomic explications of the brain, heart, face, uronephrological, gastrointestinal and limb development were provided, which amply explained the observed teratological patterns, including the inhibition of the key morphogenic gradients. Hence, these major epigenomic insights constituted a powerful new series of arguments which advanced both our understanding of the downstream sequalae of multisystem multigenerational cannabinoid genotoxicity and also, since mechanisms are key to the causal argument, inveighed strongly in favor of the causal nature of the relationship. In this introductory conceptual overview, we present the various aspects of this novel synthetic paradigmatic framework. Such concepts suggest and, indeed, indicate numerous fields for further investigation and basic science research to advance the exploration of many important issues in biology, clinical medicine and population health. Given this, it is imperative we correctly appraise the risk-benefit ratio for each potential cannabis application, considering the potency, severity of disease, stage of human development and duration of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Congenital General Anomalies in Europe: A Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. Pediatr Rep 2023; 15:69-118. [PMID: 36810339 PMCID: PMC9944887 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent series of congenital anomaly (CA) rates (CARs) have showed the close and epidemiologically causal relationship of cannabis exposure to many CARs. We investigated these trends in Europe where similar trends have occurred. METHODS CARs from EUROCAT. Drug use from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income data from World Bank. RESULTS CARs were higher in countries with increasing daily use overall (p = 9.99 × 10-14, minimum E-value (mEV) = 2.09) and especially for maternal infections, situs inversus, teratogenic syndromes and VACTERL syndrome (p = 1.49 × 10-15, mEV = 3.04). In inverse probability weighted panel regression models the series of anomalies: all anomalies, VACTERL, foetal alcohol syndrome, situs inversus (SI), lateralization (L), and teratogenic syndromes (TS; AAVFASSILTS) had cannabis metric p-values from: p < 2.2 × 10-16, 1.52 × 10-12, 1.44 × 10-13, 1.88 × 10-7, 7.39 × 10-6 and <2.2 × 10-16. In a series of spatiotemporal models this anomaly series had cannabis metric p-values from: 8.96 × 10-6, 6.56 × 10-6, 0.0004, 0.0019, 0.0006, 5.65 × 10-5. Considering E-values, the cannabis effect size order was VACTERL > situs inversus > teratogenic syndromes > FAS > lateralization syndromes > all anomalies. 50/64 (78.1%) E-value estimates and 42/64 (65.6%) mEVs > 9. Daily cannabis use was the strongest predictor for all anomalies. CONCLUSION Data confirmed laboratory, preclinical and recent epidemiological studies from Canada, Australia, Hawaii, Colorado and USA for teratological links between cannabis exposure and AAVFASSILTS anomalies, fulfilled epidemiological criteria for causality and underscored importance of cannabis teratogenicity. VACTERL data are consistent with causation via cannabis-induced Sonic Hedgehog inhibition. TS data suggest cannabinoid contribution. SI&L data are consistent with results for cardiovascular CAs. Overall, these data show that cannabis is linked across space and time and in a manner which fulfills epidemiological criteria for causality not only with many CAs, but with several multiorgan teratologic syndromes. The major clinical implication of these results is that access to cannabinoids should be tightly restricted in the interests of safeguarding the community's genetic heritage to protect and preserve coming generations, as is done for all other major genotoxins.
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Cannabinoids Transmogrify Cancer Metabolic Phenotype via Epigenetic Reprogramming and a Novel CBD Biased G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Platform. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041030. [PMID: 36831374 PMCID: PMC9954791 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041030] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of epigenetic reprogramming predicts long-term functional health effects. This reprogramming can be activated by exogenous or endogenous insults, leading to altered healthy and different disease states. The exogenous or endogenous changes that involve developing a roadmap of epigenetic networking, such as drug components on epigenetic imprinting and restoring epigenome patterns laid down during embryonic development, are paramount to establishing youthful cell type and health. This epigenetic landscape is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. The initiation and progression of cancer are considered to involve epigenetic abnormalities and genetic alterations. Cancer epigenetics have shown extensive reprogramming of every component of the epigenetic machinery in cancer development, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, non-coding RNAs, and microRNA expression. Endocannabinoids are natural lipid molecules whose levels are regulated by specific biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. They bind to and activate two primary cannabinoid receptors, type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), and together with their metabolizing enzymes, form the endocannabinoid system. This review focuses on the role of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 signaling in activating numerous receptor tyrosine kinases and Toll-like receptors in the induction of epigenetic landscape alterations in cancer cells, which might transmogrify cancer metabolism and epigenetic reprogramming to a metastatic phenotype. Strategies applied from conception could represent an innovative epigenetic target for preventing and treating human cancer. Here, we describe novel cannabinoid-biased G protein-coupled receptor signaling platforms (GPCR), highlighting putative future perspectives in this field.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study of European Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Congenital Orofacial Anomalies. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:42-74. [PMID: 36810431 PMCID: PMC9944119 DOI: 10.3390/jox13010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since high rates of congenital anomalies (CAs), including facial CAs (FCAs), causally attributed to antenatal and community cannabis use have been reported in several recent series, it was of interest to examine this subject in detail in Europe. METHODS CA data were taken from the EUROCAT database. Drug exposure data were downloaded from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Income was taken from the World Bank's online sources. RESULTS On the bivariate maps of both orofacial clefts and holoprosencephaly against resin, the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration rates of both covariates increased together in France, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands. In the bivariate analysis, the anomalies could be ranked by the minimum E-value (mEV) as congenital glaucoma > congenital cataract > choanal atresia > cleft lip ± cleft palate > holoprosencephaly > orofacial clefts > ear, face, and neck anomalies. When nations with increasing daily use were compared to those without, the former had generally higher rates of FCAs (p = 0.0281). In the inverse probability weighted panel regression, the sequence of anomalies-orofacial clefts, anotia, congenital cataract, and holoprosencephaly-had positive and significant cannabis coefficients of p = 2.65 × 10-5, 1.04 × 10-8, 5.88 × 10-16, and 3.21 × 10-13, respectively. In the geospatial regression, the same series of FCAs had positive and significant regression terms for cannabis of p = 8.86 × 10-9, 0.0011, 3.36 × 10-8, and 0.0015, respectively. Some 25/28 (89.3%) E-value estimates and 14/28 (50%) mEVs were >9 (considered to be in the high range), and 100% of both were >1.25 (understood to be in the causal range). CONCLUSION Rising cannabis use is associated with all the FCAs and fulfils the epidemiological criteria for causality. The data indicate particular concerns relating to brain development and exponential genotoxic dose-responses, urging caution with regard to community cannabinoid penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3844-4000; Fax: +61-7-3844-4015
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. European Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Congenital Neurological Anomalies: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010441. [PMID: 36612763 PMCID: PMC9819725 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Of the many congenital anomalies (CAs) recently linked with community cannabis exposure, arguably the most concerning are neurological CAs (NCAs). We therefore conducted a detailed study of this in fourteen European nations. Methods. Congenital anomaly data were from Eurocat. Drug exposure data were from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World bank. Results. The Netherlands, Spain, France and Bulgaria reported increasing rates of many NCAs. The NCA rate (NCAR) was higher in nations with increasing daily cannabis use when compared to those without (p = 0.0204, minimum E-value (mEV) = 1.35). At bivariate analysis, the mEVs of the following NCAs were significantly cannabis related: severe microcephaly 2.14 × 1013, craniosynostosis 5.27 × 1011, nervous system 4.87 × 1011, eye 2.73 × 107, microphthalmos 4.07 × 106, anencephalus 710.37, hydrocephalus 245.64, spina bifida 14.86 and neural tube defects 13.15. At inverse probability, weighted panel regression terms including cannabis were significantly related to the following series of anomalies: nervous system, anencephalus, severe microcephalus, microphthalmos, neural tube defect and spina bifida from p = 5.09 × 10−8, <2.2 × 10−16, <2.2 × 10−16, 4.84 × 10−11, <2.2 × 10−16 and 9.69 × 10−7. At geospatial regression, this same series of anomalies had terms including cannabis significant from p = 0.0027, 1.53 × 10−7, 3.65 × 10−6, 2.13 × 10−8, 0.0002 and 9.76 × 10−12. 88.0% of 50 E-value estimates and 72.0% of mEVs > 9. This analysis therefore demonstrates both close association of cannabis exposure with multiple NCAs across space-time and also fulfills the quantitative criteria of causal inferential analysis. Conclusions. Nine NCARs on bivariate and six NCARs on multivariable regression were cannabis related and fulfilled quantitative epidemiological criteria for causality and are consistent with other series. Particular concerns relate to exponential dose−response effects demonstrated in the laboratory and epidemiological studies. Great caution with community cannabinoid penetration is warranted. Data indicate that cannabis is a significant environmental teratogen and thus imply that cannabinoids should be regulated similarly to the manner in which all other important genotoxins are carefully controlled by communities for their self-sustaining longevity and the protection of generations yet to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3844-4000; Fax: +61-7-3844-4015
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Epigenomic and Other Evidence for Cannabis-Induced Aging Contextualized in a Synthetic Epidemiologic Overview of Cannabinoid-Related Teratogenesis and Cannabinoid-Related Carcinogenesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192416721. [PMID: 36554603 PMCID: PMC9778714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twelve separate streams of empirical data make a strong case for cannabis-induced accelerated aging including hormonal, mitochondriopathic, cardiovascular, hepatotoxic, immunological, genotoxic, epigenotoxic, disruption of chromosomal physiology, congenital anomalies, cancers including inheritable tumorigenesis, telomerase inhibition and elevated mortality. METHODS Results from a recently published longitudinal epigenomic screen were analyzed with regard to the results of recent large epidemiological studies of the causal impacts of cannabis. We also integrate theoretical syntheses with prior studies into these combined epigenomic and epidemiological results. RESULTS Cannabis dependence not only recapitulates many of the key features of aging, but is characterized by both age-defining and age-generating illnesses including immunomodulation, hepatic inflammation, many psychiatric syndromes with a neuroinflammatory basis, genotoxicity and epigenotoxicity. DNA breaks, chromosomal breakage-fusion-bridge morphologies and likely cycles, and altered intergenerational DNA methylation and disruption of both the histone and tubulin codes in the context of increased clinical congenital anomalies, cancers and heritable tumors imply widespread disruption of the genome and epigenome. Modern epigenomic clocks indicate that, in cannabis-dependent patients, cannabis advances cellular DNA methylation age by 25-30% at age 30 years. Data have implications not only for somatic but also stem cell and germ line tissues including post-fertilization zygotes. This effect is likely increases with the square of chronological age. CONCLUSION Recent epigenomic studies of cannabis exposure provide many explanations for the broad spectrum of cannabis-related teratogenicity and carcinogenicity and appear to account for many epidemiologically observed findings. Further research is indicated on the role of cannabinoids in the aging process both developmentally and longitudinally, from stem cell to germ cell to blastocystoids to embryoid bodies and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Bai Y, Wang H, Li C. SAPAP Scaffold Proteins: From Synaptic Function to Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233815. [PMID: 36497075 PMCID: PMC9740047 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory (glutamatergic) synaptic transmission underlies many aspects of brain activity and the genesis of normal human behavior. The postsynaptic scaffolding proteins SAP90/PSD-95-associated proteins (SAPAPs), which are abundant components of the postsynaptic density (PSD) at excitatory synapses, play critical roles in synaptic structure, formation, development, plasticity, and signaling. The convergence of human genetic data with recent in vitro and in vivo animal model data indicates that mutations in the genes encoding SAPAP1-4 are associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders, and that dysfunction of SAPAP scaffolding proteins may contribute to the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and bipolar disorder. Here, we review recent major genetic, epigenetic, molecular, behavioral, electrophysiological, and circuitry studies that have advanced our knowledge by clarifying the roles of SAPAP proteins at the synapses, providing new insights into the mechanistic links to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Bai
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (STCSM & MOE), Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (STCSM & MOE), Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (STCSM & MOE), Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China
- Correspondence:
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Socioeconomic, Ethnocultural, Substance- and Cannabinoid-Related Epidemiology of Down Syndrome USA 1986-2016: Combined Geotemporospatial and Causal Inference Investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192013340. [PMID: 36293924 PMCID: PMC9602855 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome (DS) is the commonest of the congenital genetic defects whose incidence has been rising in recent years for unknown reasons. This study aims to assess the impact of substance and cannabinoid use on the DS Rate (DSR) and assess their possible causal involvement. METHODS An observational population-based epidemiological study 1986-2016 was performed utilizing geotemporospatial and causal inferential analysis. Participants included all patients diagnosed with DS and reported to state based registries with data obtained from National Birth Defects Prevention Network of Centers for Disease Control. Drug exposure data was from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) a nationally representative sample interviewing 67,000 participants annually. Drug exposures assessed were: cigarette consumption, alcohol abuse, analgesic/opioid abuse, cocaine use and last month cannabis use. Covariates included ethnicity and median household income from US Census Bureau; maternal age of childbearing from CDC births registries; and cannabinoid concentrations from Drug Enforcement Agency. RESULTS NSDUH reports 74.1% response rate. Other data was population-wide. DSR was noted to rise over time and with cannabis use and cannabis-use quintile. In the optimal geospatial model lagged to four years terms including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol were significant (from β-est. = 4189.96 (95%C.I. 1924.74, 6455.17), p = 2.9 × 10-4). Ethnicity, income, and maternal age covariates were not significant. DSR in states where cannabis was not illegal was higher than elsewhere (β-est. = 2.160 (1.5, 2.82), R.R. = 1.81 (1.51, 2.16), p = 4.7 × 10-10). In inverse probability-weighted mixed models terms including cannabinoids were significant (from β-estimate = 18.82 (16.82, 20.82), p < 0.0001). 62 E-value estimates ranged to infinity with median values of 303.98 (IQR 2.50, 2.75 × 107) and 95% lower bounds ranged to 1.1 × 1071 with median values of 10.92 (IQR 1.82, 7990). CONCLUSIONS Data show that the association between DSR and substance- and cannabinoid- exposure is robust to multivariable geotemporospatial adjustment, implicate particularly cannabigerol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and fulfil quantitative epidemiological criteria for causality. Nevertheless, detailed experimental studies would be required to formally demonstrate causality. Cannabis legalization was associated with elevated DSR's at both bivariate and multivariable analysis. Findings are consistent with those from Hawaii, Colorado, Canada, Australia and Europe and concordant with several cellular mechanisms. Given that the cannabis industry is presently in a rapid growth-commercialization phase the present findings linking cannabis use with megabase scale genotoxicity suggest unrecognized DS risk factors, are of public health importance and suggest that re-focussing the cannabis debate on multigenerational health concerns is prudent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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22
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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.
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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
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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.
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Cannabis- and Substance-Related Epidemiological Patterns of Chromosomal Congenital Anomalies in Europe: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811208. [PMID: 36141481 PMCID: PMC9517644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Laboratory data link cannabinoid exposure to chromosomal mis-segregation errors. Recent epidemiological reports confirm this link and raise concern that elevated chromosomal congenital anomaly rates (CCAR) may be occurring in Europe which is experiencing increased cannabis use, daily intensity of use and cannabinoid potency. METHODS CCAR data from Eurocat. Drug use data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World Bank. Bivariate, multivariate, panel and geotemporospatial regressions analyzed. Inverse probability weighting of panel models and E-values used as major quantitative causal inferential methodologies. RESULTS In countries where daily cannabis use was rising the trend for CCA's was upwards whereas in those where daily use was declining it was usually downwards (p = 0.0002). In inverse probability weighted panel models terms for cannabis metrics were significant for chromosomal disorders, trisomies 21 and 13 and Klinefelters syndrome from p < 2.2 × 10-16. In spatiotemporal models cannabis terms were positive and significant for chromosomal disorders, genetic disorders, trisomies 21, 18 and 13, Turners and Klinefelters syndromes from 4.28 × 10-6, 5.79 × 10-12, 1.26 × 10-11, 1.12 × 10-7, 7.52 × 10-9, 7.19 × 10-7 and 7.27 × 10-7. 83.7% of E-value estimates and 74.4% of minimum E-values (mEV) > 9 including four values each at infinity. Considering E-values: the sensitivity of the individual disorders was trisomy 13 > trisomy 21 > Klinefelters > chromosomal disorders > Turners > genetic syndromes > trisomy 18 with mEV's 1.91 × 1025 to 59.31; and daily cannabis use was the most powerful covariate (median mEV = 1.91 × 1025). CONCLUSIONS Data indicate that, consistent with reports from Hawaii, Canada, Colorado, Australia and USA, CCARs are causally and spatiotemporally related to metrics and intensity of cannabis exposure, directly impact 645 MB (21.5%) of the human genome and may implicate epigenomic-centrosomal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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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.
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26
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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.
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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
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European Epidemiological Patterns of Cannabis- and Substance-Related Body Wall Congenital Anomalies: Geospatiotemporal and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159027. [PMID: 35897396 PMCID: PMC9330494 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As body wall congenital anomalies (BWCAs) have a long history of being associated with prenatal or community cannabis exposure (CCE), it was of interest to investigate these epidemiological relationships in Europe given the recent increases in cannabis use prevalence, daily intensity, and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency. Methods: This study makes use of BWCA data from Eurocat, drug exposure data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, and income from the World Bank. Results: The mapping analysis showed that BWCARs increased in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. The bivariate mapping analysis showed that the BWCA rates (BWCAR) and the cannabis resin THC concentration rose simultaneously in France, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Sweden, and Norway. The bivariate ranking of the BWCARs by median minimum E-value (mEV) was omphalocele > diaphragmatic hernia > abdominal wall defects > gastroschisis. With inverse probability weighted multivariable panel regression, the series of BWCAs, including gastroschisis, omphalocele, and diaphragmatic hernia, was positively related to various metrics of cannabis use from p = 2.45 × 10−14, 4.77 × 10−7 and <2.2 × 10−16. With geospatial regression, the same series of BWCAs was related to cannabis metrics from p = 0.0016, 5.28 × 10−6 and 4.88 × 10−9. Seventeen out of twenty-eight (60.7%) of the E-value estimates were >9 (high range), as were 14/28 (50.0%) of the mEVs. Conclusion: The data confirm the close relationship of the BWCARs with the metrics of CCE, fulfill the quantitative criteria of causal inference, and underscore the salience of the public health impacts of cannabinoid teratogenicity. Of major concern is the rising CCE impacting exponential cannabinoid genotoxic dose-response relationships. CCE should be carefully restricted to protect the food chain, the genome, and the epigenome of coming generations.
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28
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Impact of converging sociocultural and substance-related trends on US autism rates: combined geospatiotemporal and causal inferential analysis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 273:699-717. [PMID: 35779123 PMCID: PMC10085966 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01446-0] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Whilst cannabis is known to be toxic to brain development, it is unknown if it is driving rising US autism rates (ASMR). A longitudinal epidemiological study was conducted using national autism census data from the US Department of Education Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 1991-2011 and nationally representative drug exposure (cigarettes, alcohol, analgesic, and cocaine abuse, and cannabis use monthly, daily, and in pregnancy) datasets from National Survey of Drug Use and Health and US Census (income and ethnicity) and CDC Wonder population and birth data. Analysis was conducted in R. 266,950 were autistic of a population of 40,119,464 8-year-olds in 1994-2011. At national level after adjustment, daily cannabis use was significantly related to ASMR (β estimate = 4.37 (95%C.I. 4.06, 4.68), P < 2.2 × 10-16) as was first pregnancy trimester cannabis exposure (β estimate = 0.12 (0.08, 0.16), P = 1.7 × 10-12). At state level following adjustment for cannabis, cannabigerol (from β estimate = - 13.77 (- 19.41, 8.13), P = 1.8 × 10-6) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (from β estimate = 1.96 (0.88-3.04), P = 4 × 10-4) were significant. Geospatial state-level modelling showed exponential relationship between ASMR and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol exposure. Exponential coefficients for the relationship between modelled ASMR and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol exposure were 7.053 (6.39-7.71) and 185.334 (167.88-202.79; both P < 2.0 × 10-7). E-values are an instrument related to the evidence for causality in observational studies. High E-values were noted. Dichotomized legal status was linked with elevated ASMR. Data show cannabis use is associated with ASMR, is powerful enough to affect overall trends, and persists after controlling for other major covariates. Cannabinoids are exponentially associated with ASMR. The cannabis-autism relationship satisfies criteria of causal inference.
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Epidemiology of Δ8THC-Related Carcinogenesis in USA: A Panel Regression and Causal Inferential Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137726. [PMID: 35805384 PMCID: PMC9265369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of Δ8THC is increasing at present across the USA in association with widespread cannabis legalization and the common notion that it is “legal weed”. As genotoxic actions have been described for many cannabinoids, we studied the cancer epidemiology of Δ8THC. Data on 34 cancer types was from the Centers for Disease Control Atlanta Georgia, substance abuse data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, ethnicity and income data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and cannabinoid concentration data from the Drug Enforcement Agency, were combined and processed in R. Eight cancers (corpus uteri, liver, gastric cardia, breast and post-menopausal breast, anorectum, pancreas, and thyroid) were related to Δ8THC exposure on bivariate testing, and 18 (additionally, stomach, Hodgkins, and Non-Hodgkins lymphomas, ovary, cervix uteri, gall bladder, oropharynx, bladder, lung, esophagus, colorectal cancer, and all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)) demonstrated positive average marginal effects on fully adjusted inverse probability weighted interactive panel regression. Many minimum E-Values (mEVs) were infinite. p-values rose from 8.04 × 10−78. Marginal effect calculations revealed that 18 Δ8THC-related cancers are predicted to lead to a further 8.58 cases/100,000 compared to 7.93 for alcoholism and −8.48 for tobacco. Results indicate that between 8 and 20/34 cancer types were associated with Δ8THC exposure, with very high effect sizes (mEVs) and marginal effects after adjustment exceeding tobacco and alcohol, fulfilling the epidemiological criteria of causality and suggesting a cannabinoid class effect. The inclusion of pediatric leukemias and testicular cancer herein demonstrates heritable malignant teratogenesis.
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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.
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31
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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.
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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;
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32
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Geospatiotemporal and causal inference study of cannabis and other drugs as risk factors for female breast cancer USA 2003-2017. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac006. [PMID: 35386387 PMCID: PMC8978645 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the commonest human cancer and its incidence (BC incidence, BCI) is rising worldwide. Whilst both tobacco and alcohol have been linked to BCI genotoxic cannabinoids have not been investigated. Age-adjusted state-based BCI 2003-2017 was taken from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database of the Centers for Disease Control. Drug use from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, response rate 74.1%. Median age, median household income and ethnicity were from US census. Inverse probability weighted (ipw) multivariable regression conducted in R. In bivariate analysis BCI was shown to be significantly linked with rising cannabis exposure {β-est. = 3.93 [95% confidence interval 2.99, 4.87], P = 1.10 × 10-15}. At 8 years lag cigarettes:cannabis [β-est. = 2660 (2150.4, 3169.3), P = 4.60 × 10-22] and cannabis:alcoholism [β-est. = 7010 (5461.6, 8558.4), P = 1.80 × 10-17] were significant in ipw-panel regression. Terms including cannabidiol [CBD; β-est. = 16.16 (0.39, 31.93), P = 0.446] and cannabigerol [CBG; β-est. = 6.23 (2.06, 10.39), P = 0.0034] were significant in spatiotemporal models lagged 1:2 years, respectively. Cannabis-liberal paradigms had higher BCI [67.50 ± 0.26 v. 65.19 ± 0.21/100 000 (mean ± SEM), P = 1.87 × 10-11; β-est. = 2.31 (1.65, 2.96), P = 9.09 × 10-12]. 55/58 expected values >1.25 and 13/58 >100. Abortion was independently and causally significant in space-time models. Data show that exposure to cannabis and the cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD, CBG and alcoholism fulfil quantitative causal criteria for BCI across space and time. Findings are robust to adjustment for age and several known sociodemographic, socio-economic and hormonal risk factors and establish cannabinoids as an additional risk factor class for breast carcinogenesis. BCI is higher under cannabis-liberal legal paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- *Correspondence address. University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia. Tel: (+617) 3844-4000; Fax: (+617) 3844-4015; E-mail:
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 27 Joondalup Dr., Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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33
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. European epidemiological patterns of cannabis- and substance-related congenital cardiovascular anomalies: geospatiotemporal and causal inferential study. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac015. [PMID: 35966825 PMCID: PMC9364688 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
As prenatal and community cannabis exposures have recently been linked with congenital heart disease (CHD), it was of interest to explore these associations in Europe in a causal framework and space-time context. Congenital anomaly data from Eurocat, drug-use data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, and income from the World Bank. Countries with rising daily cannabis use had in general higher congenital anomaly rates over time than those without (time: status interaction: β-Est. = 0.0267, P = 0.0059). At inverse probability-weighted panel regression, cannabis terms were positive and significant for CHD, severe CHD, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, vascular disruptions, double outlet right ventricle, transposition of the great vessels, hypoplastic right heart, and mitral valve anomalies from 1.75 × 10-19, 4.20 × 10-11, <2.2 × 10-16, <2.2 × 10-16, 1.58 × 10-12, 4.30 × 10-9, 4.36 × 10-16, 3.50 × 10-8, 5.35 × 10-12, <2.2 × 10-16, 5.65 × 10-5 and 6.06 × 10-10. At spatial regression, terms including cannabis were positive and significant for this same list of anomalies from 0.0038, 1.05 × 10-10, 0.0215, 8.94 × 10-6, 1.23 × 10-5, 2.05 × 10-5, 1.07 × 10-6, 8.77 × 10-5, 9.11 × 10-6, 0.0001, 3.10 × 10-7 and 2.17 × 10-7. 92.6% and 75.2% of 149 E-value estimates and minimum E-values were in high zone >9; 100.0% and 98.7% >1.25. Data show many congenital cardiac anomalies exhibit strong bivariate relationships with metrics of cannabis exposure. Causal inferential modelling for the twelve anomalies selected demonstrated convincing evidence of robust relationships to cannabis which survived adjustment and fulfilled epidemiological criteria for causal relationships. Space-time regression was similarly confirmatory. Epigenomic pathways constitute viable potential mechanisms. Given exponential genotoxic dose-response effects, careful and astute control of cannabinoid penetration is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- *Correspondence address. 39 Gladstone Rd., Highgate Hill, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Tel: +617 3844-4000; Fax: (617) 3844-4015; E-mail:
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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34
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Slotkin TA, Levin ED, Seidler FJ. Paternal Cannabis Exposure Prior to Mating, but Not Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Elicits Deficits in Dopaminergic Synaptic Activity in the Offspring. Toxicol Sci 2021; 184:252-264. [PMID: 34590702 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The legalization and increasing availability of cannabis products raises concerns about the impact on offspring of users, and little has appeared on the potential contribution of paternal use. We administered cannabis extract to male rats prior to mating, with two different 28-day exposures, one where there was a 56-day interval between the end of exposure and mating ("Early Cannabis"), and one just prior to mating ("Late Cannabis"); the extract delivered 4 mg/kg/day of the main psychoactive component, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. We then assessed the impact on dopamine (DA) systems in the offspring from the onset of adolescence (postnatal day 30) through middle age (postnatal day 150), measuring the levels of DA and its primary metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in various brain regions. Paternal cannabis with either regimen elicited a profound and persistent deficit in DA utilization (DOPAC/DA ratio) in the offspring, indicative of subnormal presynaptic activity. However, the two regimens differed in the underlying mechanism, with Early Cannabis reducing DOPAC whereas Late Cannabis increased DA and elicited a smaller reduction in DOPAC. Effects were restricted to male offspring. The effects of cannabis were not reproduced by equivalent exposure to its Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, nor did we see the effects with perinatal exposure to tobacco smoke or some of its fetotoxic contributors (benzo[a]pyrene without or with nicotine). Our studies provide some of the first evidence for adverse effects of paternal cannabis administration on neurodevelopment in the offspring, and reinforce the important consequences of paternal drug use in the preconception period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Slotkin
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Frederic J Seidler
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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35
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Svanes C, Bertelsen RJ, Accordini S, Holloway JW, Júlíusson P, Boateng E, Krauss-Etchmann S, Schlünssen V, Gómez-Real F, Skulstad SM. Exposures during the prepuberty period and future offspring's health: evidence from human cohort studies†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:667-680. [PMID: 34416759 PMCID: PMC8444705 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that exposures in prepuberty, particularly in fathers-to-be, may impact the phenotype of future offspring. Analyses of the RHINESSA cohort find that offspring of father’s exposed to tobacco smoking or overweight that started in prepuberty demonstrate poorer respiratory health in terms of more asthma and lower lung function. A role of prepuberty onset smoking for offspring fat mass is suggested in the RHINESSA and ALSPAC cohorts, and historic studies suggest that ancestral nutrition during prepuberty plays a role for grand-offspring’s health and morbidity. Support for causal relationships between ancestral exposures and (grand-)offspring’s health in humans has been enhanced by advancements in statistical analyses that optimize the gain while accounting for the many complexities and deficiencies in human multigeneration data. The biological mechanisms underlying such observations have been explored in experimental models. A role of sperm small RNA in the transmission of paternal exposures to offspring phenotypes has been established, and chemical exposures and overweight have been shown to influence epigenetic programming in germ cells. For example, exposure of adolescent male mice to smoking led to differences in offspring weight and alterations in small RNAs in the spermatozoa of the exposed fathers. It is plausible that male prepuberty may be a time window of particular susceptibility, given the extensive epigenetic reprogramming taking place in the spermatocyte precursors at this age. In conclusion, epidemiological studies in humans, mechanistic research, and biological plausibility, all support the notion that exposures in the prepuberty of males may influence the phenotype of future offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Svanes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Randi J Bertelsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Oral Health Centre of Expertise Western Norway, Bergen, Norway
| | - Simone Accordini
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - John W Holloway
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, UK.,Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Pétur Júlíusson
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health Register Research and Development, National Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eistine Boateng
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Susanne Krauss-Etchmann
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health-Work, Environment and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francisco Gómez-Real
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svein Magne Skulstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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36
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Smart-RRBS for single-cell methylome and transcriptome analysis. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:4004-4030. [PMID: 34244697 PMCID: PMC8672372 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The integration of DNA methylation and transcriptional state within single cells is of broad interest. Several single-cell dual- and multi-omics approaches have been reported that enable further investigation into cellular heterogeneity, including the discovery and in-depth study of rare cell populations. Such analyses will continue to provide important mechanistic insights into the regulatory consequences of epigenetic modifications. We recently reported a new method for profiling the DNA methylome and transcriptome from the same single cells in a cancer research study. Here, we present details of the protocol and provide guidance on its utility. Our Smart-RRBS (reduced representation bisulfite sequencing) protocol combines Smart-seq2 and RRBS and entails physically separating mRNA from the genomic DNA. It generates paired epigenetic promoter and RNA-expression measurements for ~24% of protein-coding genes in a typical single cell. It also works for micro-dissected tissue samples comprising hundreds of cells. The protocol, excluding flow sorting of cells and sequencing, takes ~3 d to process up to 192 samples manually. It requires basic molecular biology expertise and laboratory equipment, including a PCR workstation with UV sterilization, a DNA fluorometer and a microfluidic electrophoresis system.
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37
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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38
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Epidemiological overview of multidimensional chromosomal and genome toxicity of cannabis exposure in congenital anomalies and cancer development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13892. [PMID: 34230557 PMCID: PMC8260794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis and cannabinoids are implicated in multiple genotoxic, epigenotoxic and chromosomal-toxic mechanisms and interact with several morphogenic pathways, likely underpinning previous reports of links between cannabis and congenital anomalies and heritable tumours. However the effects of cannabinoid genotoxicity have not been assessed on whole populations and formal consideration of effects as a broadly acting genotoxin remain unexplored. Our study addressed these knowledge gaps in USA datasets. Cancer data from CDC, drug exposure data from National Survey of Drug Use and Health 2003-2017 and congenital anomaly data from National Birth Defects Prevention Network were used. We show that cannabis, THC cannabigerol and cannabichromene exposure fulfill causal criteria towards first Principal Components of both: (A) Down syndrome, Trisomies 18 and 13, Turner syndrome, Deletion 22q11.2, and (B) thyroid, liver, breast and pancreatic cancers and acute myeloid leukaemia, have mostly medium to large effect sizes, are robust to adjustment for ethnicity, other drugs and income in inverse probability-weighted models, show prominent non-linear effects, have 55/56 e-Values > 1.25, and are exacerbated by cannabis liberalization (P = 9.67 × 10-43, 2.66 × 10-15). The results confirm experimental studies showing that cannabinoids are an important cause of community-wide genotoxicity impacting both birth defect and cancer epidemiology at the chromosomal hundred-megabase level.
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39
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Epidemiological overview of multidimensional chromosomal and genome toxicity of cannabis exposure in congenital anomalies and cancer development. Sci Rep 2021. [PMID: 34230557 DOI: 10.10389/s41598-021-93411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis and cannabinoids are implicated in multiple genotoxic, epigenotoxic and chromosomal-toxic mechanisms and interact with several morphogenic pathways, likely underpinning previous reports of links between cannabis and congenital anomalies and heritable tumours. However the effects of cannabinoid genotoxicity have not been assessed on whole populations and formal consideration of effects as a broadly acting genotoxin remain unexplored. Our study addressed these knowledge gaps in USA datasets. Cancer data from CDC, drug exposure data from National Survey of Drug Use and Health 2003-2017 and congenital anomaly data from National Birth Defects Prevention Network were used. We show that cannabis, THC cannabigerol and cannabichromene exposure fulfill causal criteria towards first Principal Components of both: (A) Down syndrome, Trisomies 18 and 13, Turner syndrome, Deletion 22q11.2, and (B) thyroid, liver, breast and pancreatic cancers and acute myeloid leukaemia, have mostly medium to large effect sizes, are robust to adjustment for ethnicity, other drugs and income in inverse probability-weighted models, show prominent non-linear effects, have 55/56 e-Values > 1.25, and are exacerbated by cannabis liberalization (P = 9.67 × 10-43, 2.66 × 10-15). The results confirm experimental studies showing that cannabinoids are an important cause of community-wide genotoxicity impacting both birth defect and cancer epidemiology at the chromosomal hundred-megabase level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
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40
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Slotkin TA, Skavicus S, Levin ED, Seidler FJ. Paternal Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure Prior to Mating Elicits Deficits in Cholinergic Synaptic Function in the Offspring. Toxicol Sci 2021; 174:210-217. [PMID: 32077955 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Little attention has been paid to the potential impact of paternal marijuana use on offspring brain development. We administered Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 0, 2, or 4 mg/kg/day) to male rats for 28 days. Two days after the last THC treatment, the males were mated to drug-naïve females. We then assessed the impact on development of acetylcholine (ACh) systems in the offspring, encompassing the period from the onset of adolescence (postnatal day 30) through middle age (postnatal day 150), and including brain regions encompassing the majority of ACh terminals and cell bodies. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol produced a dose-dependent deficit in hemicholinium-3 binding, an index of presynaptic ACh activity, superimposed on regionally selective increases in choline acetyltransferase activity, a biomarker for numbers of ACh terminals. The combined effects produced a persistent decrement in the hemicholinium-3/choline acetyltransferase ratio, an index of impulse activity per nerve terminal. At the low THC dose, the decreased presynaptic activity was partially compensated by upregulation of nicotinic ACh receptors, whereas at the high dose, receptors were subnormal, an effect that would exacerbate the presynaptic defect. Superimposed on these effects, either dose of THC also accelerated the age-related decline in nicotinic ACh receptors. Our studies provide evidence for adverse effects of paternal THC administration on neurodevelopment in the offspring and further demonstrate that adverse impacts of drug exposure on brain development are not limited to effects mediated by the embryonic or fetal chemical environment, but rather that vulnerability is engendered by exposures occurring prior to conception, involving the father as well as the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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41
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Bara A, Ferland JMN, Rompala G, Szutorisz H, Hurd YL. Cannabis and synaptic reprogramming of the developing brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:423-438. [PMID: 34021274 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have been transformational in regard to the perception of the health risks and benefits of cannabis with increased acceptance of use. This has unintended neurodevelopmental implications given the increased use of cannabis and the potent levels of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol today being consumed by pregnant women, young mothers and teens. In this Review, we provide an overview of the neurobiological effects of cannabinoid exposure during prenatal/perinatal and adolescent periods, in which the endogenous cannabinoid system plays a fundamental role in neurodevelopmental processes. We highlight impaired synaptic plasticity as characteristic of developmental exposure and the important contribution of epigenetic reprogramming that maintains the long-term impact into adulthood and across generations. Such epigenetic influence by its very nature being highly responsive to the environment also provides the potential to diminish neural perturbations associated with developmental cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Bara
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline-Marie N Ferland
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Gregory Rompala
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Henrietta Szutorisz
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA. .,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA. .,Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.
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42
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Oluwayiose OA, Wu H, Saddiki H, Whitcomb BW, Balzer LB, Brandon N, Suvorov A, Tayyab R, Sites CK, Hill L, Marcho C, Pilsner JR. Sperm DNA methylation mediates the association of male age on reproductive outcomes among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3216. [PMID: 33547328 PMCID: PMC7864951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80857-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental age at time of offspring conception is increasing in developed countries. Advanced male age is associated with decreased reproductive success and increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Mechanisms for these male age effects remain unclear, but changes in sperm DNA methylation over time is one potential explanation. We assessed genome-wide methylation of sperm DNA from 47 semen samples collected from male participants of couples seeking infertility treatment. We report that higher male age was associated with lower likelihood of fertilization and live birth, and poor embryo development (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our multivariable linear models showed male age was associated with alterations in sperm methylation at 1698 CpGs and 1146 regions (q < 0.05), which were associated with > 750 genes enriched in embryonic development, behavior and neurodevelopment among others. High dimensional mediation analyses identified four genes (DEFB126, TPI1P3, PLCH2 and DLGAP2) with age-related sperm differential methylation that accounted for 64% (95% CI 0.42-0.86%; p < 0.05) of the effect of male age on lower fertilization rate. Our findings from this modest IVF population provide evidence for sperm methylation as a mechanism of age-induced poor reproductive outcomes and identifies possible candidate genes for mediating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hachem Saddiki
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Laura B Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Brandon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Rahil Tayyab
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia K Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Hill
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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43
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Wanner NM, Colwell M, Drown C, Faulk C. Developmental cannabidiol exposure increases anxiety and modifies genome-wide brain DNA methylation in adult female mice. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:4. [PMID: 33407853 PMCID: PMC7789000 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of cannabidiol (CBD), the primary non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has recently risen dramatically, while relatively little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms of its effects. Previous work indicates that direct CBD exposure strongly impacts the brain, with anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic, and other effects being observed in animal and human studies. The epigenome, particularly DNA methylation, is responsive to environmental input and can direct persistent patterns of gene regulation impacting phenotype. Epigenetic perturbation is particularly impactful during embryogenesis, when exogenous exposures can disrupt critical resetting of epigenetic marks and impart phenotypic effects lasting into adulthood. The impact of prenatal CBD exposure has not been evaluated; however, studies using the psychomimetic cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have identified detrimental effects on psychological outcomes in developmentally exposed adult offspring. We hypothesized that developmental CBD exposure would have similar negative effects on behavior mediated in part by the epigenome. Nulliparous female wild-type Agouti viable yellow (Avy) mice were exposed to 20 mg/kg CBD or vehicle daily from two weeks prior to mating through gestation and lactation. Coat color shifts, a readout of DNA methylation at the Agouti locus in this strain, were measured in F1 Avy/a offspring. Young adult F1 a/a offspring were then subjected to tests of working spatial memory and anxiety/compulsive behavior. Reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing was performed on both F0 and F1 cerebral cortex and F1 hippocampus to identify genome-wide changes in DNA methylation for direct and developmental exposure, respectively. RESULTS F1 offspring exposed to CBD during development exhibited increased anxiety and improved memory behavior in a sex-specific manner. Further, while no significant coat color shift was observed in Avy/a offspring, thousands of differentially methylated loci (DMLs) were identified in both brain regions with functional enrichment for neurogenesis, substance use phenotypes, and other psychologically relevant terms. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate for the first time that despite positive effects of direct exposure, developmental CBD is associated with mixed behavioral outcomes and perturbation of the brain epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Wanner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Mathia Colwell
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, 225 Food Science, St. Paul, MN, 55018, USA
| | - Chelsea Drown
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, 225 Food Science, St. Paul, MN, 55018, USA
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, 225 Food Science, St. Paul, MN, 55018, USA.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Holloway ZR, Hawkey AB, Torres AK, Evans J, Pippen E, White H, Katragadda V, Kenou B, Wells C, Murphy SK, Rezvani AH, Levin ED. Paternal cannabis extract exposure in rats: Preconception timing effects on neurodevelopmental behavior in offspring. Neurotoxicology 2020; 81:180-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Reece AS, Hulse GK. Co-occurrence across time and space of drug- and cannabinoid- exposure and adverse mental health outcomes in the National Survey of Drug Use and Health: combined geotemporospatial and causal inference analysis. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1655. [PMID: 33148213 PMCID: PMC7640473 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09748-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst many studies have linked increased drug and cannabis exposure to adverse mental health (MH) outcomes their effects on whole populations and geotemporospatial relationships are not well understood. METHODS Ecological cohort study of National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) geographically-linked substate-shapefiles 2010-2012 and 2014-2016 supplemented by five-year US American Community Survey. Drugs: cigarettes, alcohol abuse, last-month cannabis use and last-year cocaine use. MH: any mental illness, major depressive illness, serious mental illness and suicidal thinking. DATA ANALYSIS two-stage, geotemporospatial, robust generalized linear regression and causal inference methods in R. RESULTS 410,138 NSDUH respondents. Average response rate 76.7%. When drug and sociodemographic variables were combined in geospatial models significant terms including tobacco, alcohol, cannabis exposure and various ethnicities remained in final models for all four major mental health outcomes. Interactive terms including cannabis were related to any mental illness (β-estimate = 1.97 (95%C.I. 1.56-2.37), P < 2.2 × 10- 16), major depressive episode (β-estimate = 2.03 (1.54-2.52), P = 3.6 × 10- 16), serious mental illness (SMI, β-estimate = 2.04 (1.48-2.60), P = 1.0 × 10- 12), suicidal ideation (β-estimate = 1.99 (1.52-2.47), P < 2.2 × 10- 16) and in each case cannabis alone was significantly associated (from β-estimate = - 3.43 (- 4.46 - -2.42), P = 3.4 × 10- 11) with adverse MH outcomes on complex interactive regression surfaces. Geospatial modelling showed a monotonic upward trajectory of SMI which doubled (3.62 to 7.06%) as cannabis use increased. Extrapolated to whole populations cannabis decriminalization (4.26%, (4.18, 4.34%)), Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.035(1.034-1.036), attributable fraction in the exposed (AFE) = 3.28%(3.18-3.37%), P < 10- 300) and legalization (4.75% (4.65, 4.84%), PR = 1.155 (1.153-1.158), AFE = 12.91% (12.72-13.10%), P < 10- 300) were associated with increased SMI vs. illegal status (4.26, (4.18-4.33%)). CONCLUSIONS Data show all four indices of mental ill-health track cannabis exposure across space and time and are robust to multivariable adjustment for ethnicity, socioeconomics and other drug use. MH deteriorated with cannabis legalization. Cannabis use-MH data are consistent with causal relationships in the forward direction and include dose-response and temporal-sequential relationships. Together with similar international reports and numerous mechanistic studies preventative action to reduce cannabis use is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia. .,Department of Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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Wanner NM, Colwell M, Drown C, Faulk C. Subacute cannabidiol alters genome-wide DNA methylation in adult mouse hippocampus. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:890-900. [PMID: 32579259 PMCID: PMC7765463 DOI: 10.1002/em.22396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Use of cannabidiol (CBD), the most abundant non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis (Cannabis sativa), has recently increased as a result of widespread availability of CBD-containing products. CBD is FDA-approved for the treatment of epilepsy and exhibits anxiolytic, antipsychotic, prosocial, and other behavioral effects in animal studies and clinical trials, however, the underlying mechanisms governing these phenotypes are still being elucidated. The epigenome, particularly DNA methylation, is responsive to environmental input and can govern persistent patterns of gene regulation affecting phenotype across the life course. In order to understand the epigenomic activity of cannabidiol exposure in the adult brain, 12-week-old male wild-type a/a Agouti viable yellow (Avy ) mice were exposed to either 20 mg/kg CBD or vehicle daily by oral administration for 14 days. Hippocampal tissue was collected and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was performed. Analyses revealed 3,323 differentially methylated loci (DMLs) in CBD-exposed animals with a small skew toward global hypomethylation. Genes for cell adhesion and migration, dendritic spine development, and excitatory postsynaptic potential were found to be enriched in a gene ontology term analysis of DML-containing genes, and disease ontology enrichment revealed an overrepresentation of DMLs in gene sets associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and other phenotypes. These results suggest that the epigenome may be a key substrate for CBD's behavioral effects and provides a wealth of gene regulatory information for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Wanner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
| | | | - Chelsea Drown
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota
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Baratta AM, Rathod RS, Plasil SL, Seth A, Homanics GE. Exposure to drugs of abuse induce effects that persist across generations. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 156:217-277. [PMID: 33461664 PMCID: PMC8167819 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders are highly prevalent and continue to be one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Notably, not all people who use addictive drugs develop a substance use disorder. Although substance use disorders are highly heritable, patterns of inheritance cannot be explained purely by Mendelian genetic mechanisms. Vulnerability to developing drug addiction depends on the interplay between genetics and environment. Additionally, evidence from the past decade has pointed to the role of epigenetic inheritance in drug addiction. This emerging field focuses on how environmental perturbations, including exposure to addictive drugs, induce epigenetic modifications that are transmitted to the embryo at fertilization and modify developmental gene expression programs to ultimately impact subsequent generations. This chapter highlights intergenerational and transgenerational phenotypes in offspring following a history of parental drug exposure. Special attention is paid to parental preconception exposure studies of five drugs of abuse (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, cannabinoids, and opiates) and associated behavioral and physiological outcomes in offspring. The highlighted studies demonstrate that parental exposure to drugs of abuse has enduring effects that persist into subsequent generations. Understanding the contribution of epigenetic inheritance in drug addiction may provide clues for better treatments and therapies for substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa M Baratta
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Richa S Rathod
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sonja L Plasil
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Amit Seth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregg E Homanics
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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50
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Schrott R, Rajavel M, Acharya K, Huang Z, Acharya C, Hawkey A, Pippen E, Lyerly HK, Levin ED, Murphy SK. Sperm DNA methylation altered by THC and nicotine: Vulnerability of neurodevelopmental genes with bivalent chromatin. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16022. [PMID: 32994467 PMCID: PMC7525661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72783-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Men consume the most nicotine and cannabis products but impacts on sperm epigenetics are poorly characterized. Evidence suggests that preconception exposure to these drugs alters offspring neurodevelopment. Epigenetics may in part facilitate heritability. We therefore compared effects of exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and nicotine on DNA methylation in rat sperm at genes involved in neurodevelopment. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing data from sperm of rats exposed to THC via oral gavage showed that seven neurodevelopmentally active genes were significantly differentially methylated versus controls. Pyrosequencing data revealed majority overlap in differential methylation in sperm from rats exposed to THC via injection as well as those exposed to nicotine. Neurodevelopmental genes including autism candidates are vulnerable to environmental exposures and common features may mediate this vulnerability. We discovered that autism candidate genes are significantly enriched for bivalent chromatin structure, suggesting this configuration may increase vulnerability of genes in sperm to disrupted methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main Street, Suite 510, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.,Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maya Rajavel
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main Street, Suite 510, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Kelly Acharya
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main Street, Suite 510, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Chaitanya Acharya
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Center for Applied Therapeutics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Hawkey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erica Pippen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - H Kim Lyerly
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Center for Applied Therapeutics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main Street, Suite 510, Durham, NC, 27701, USA. .,Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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