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Floccari S, Sabry R, Choux L, Neal MS, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. DNA methylation, but not microRNA expression, is affected by in vitro THC exposure in bovine granulosa cells. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 25:42. [PMID: 39010179 PMCID: PMC11247865 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-024-00763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A global increase in cannabis use has led to questions about its effects on fertility. The rise in consumption amongst women of reproductive age is a growing concern, as this group is vulnerable in terms of reproductive health. Ample evidence suggests that the psychoactive component of cannabis, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), that helps regulate mammalian reproduction. This study aimed to research the epigenetic effects of THC in bovine granulosa cells (GCs) by (1) investigating global DNA methylation via measuring 5-mC and 5-hmC levels; (2) measuring key methylation regulators, including the methylating enzymes DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b and the demethylases TDG and TET1/2/3; and (3) assessing fertility-associated miRNAs key in developmental competency, including miR-21, -155, -33b, -324 and -346. METHODS Bovine GCs were used as a translational model for reproductive toxicity in humans. To determine THC effects, GCs were isolated from Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes (COCs) from bovine ovaries, cultured in vitro for 7 days, or until confluent, and cryopreserved at passage 1 (P1). For experimentation, cells were thawed, cultured until passage 2 (P2), serum restricted for 24-h and treated for 24-h in one of five groups: control, vehicle (1:1:18 ethanol: tween: saline) and three clinically relevant THC doses (0.032, 0.32 and 3.2 μM). Global methylation was assessed by measuring 5-mC and 5-hmC levels with flow cytometry. To assess mRNA and protein expression of methylation regulators and miRNA profiles, qPCR and Western Blotting were utilized. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine normality within datasets. One-way ANOVA was applied to determine statistical significance using GraphPad Prism 6.0.0. RESULTS Results indicate a significant decrease (p = 0.0435) in 5-mC levels following low THC exposure, while no changes were observed in 5-hmC levels. A significant increase in DNMT1 following high THC exposure at the RNA level (p < 0.05) and a significant increase following low THC exposure at the protein level (p = 0.0048) were also observed. No significant differences were observed in DNMT3a/3b, TDG, TET1/2/3 mRNAs or in any of the miRNAs analyzed. CONCLUSIONS This research suggests that THC mainly affects DNA methylation, but not miRNA profiles, ultimately altering gene expression and likely impairing oocyte competence, maturation, and fertilization potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Floccari
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Reem Sabry
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Laurie Choux
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Michael S Neal
- ONE Fertility, Burlington, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Verdikt R, Armstrong AA, Cheng J, Hwang YS, Clark AT, Yang X, Allard P. Metabolic memory of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure in pluripotent stem cells and primordial germ cells-like cells. eLife 2023; 12:RP88795. [PMID: 38150302 PMCID: PMC10752584 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis, the most consumed illicit psychoactive drug in the world, is increasingly used by pregnant women. However, while cannabinoid receptors are expressed in the early embryo, the impact of phytocannabinoids exposure on early embryonic processes is lacking. Here, we leverage a stepwise in vitro differentiation system that captures the early embryonic developmental cascade to investigate the impact of exposure to the most abundant phytocannabinoid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). We demonstrate that Δ9-THC increases the proliferation of naive mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but not of their primed counterpart. Surprisingly, this increased proliferation, dependent on the CB1 receptor binding, is only associated with moderate transcriptomic changes. Instead, Δ9-THC capitalizes on ESCs' metabolic bivalence by increasing their glycolytic rates and anabolic capabilities. A memory of this metabolic rewiring is retained throughout differentiation to Primordial Germ Cell-Like Cells in the absence of direct exposure and is associated with an alteration of their transcriptional profile. These results represent the first in-depth molecular characterization of the impact of Δ9-THC exposure on early stages of germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Verdikt
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Abigail A Armstrong
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Jenny Cheng
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Graduate Program, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Young Sun Hwang
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Amander T Clark
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Center for Reproductive Science, Health and Education, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Xia Yang
- Integrative Biology and Physiology Department, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Patrick Allard
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
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3
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Lin A, Dent GL, Davies S, Dominguez ZM, Cioffredi LA, McLemore GL, Maxwell JR. Prenatal cannabinoid exposure: why expecting individuals should take a pregnancy pause from using cannabinoid products. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1278227. [PMID: 37886232 PMCID: PMC10598870 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1278227] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid use in all populations is increasing as legalization across the United States continues. Concerningly, there is a lack of caution provided by medical providers to pregnant individuals as to the impact the use of cannabinoids could have on the developing fetus. Research continues in both the preclinical and clinical areas, and is severely needed, as the potency of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, has increased dramatically since the initial studies were completed. Thus far, clinical studies raise compelling evidence for short term memory deficits, impulse control issues, and attention deficiencies following prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE). These changes may be mediated through epigenetic modifications that not only impact the current offspring but could carry forward to future generations. While additional studies are needed, a pregnancy pause from cannabinoid products should be strongly recommended by providers to ensure the optimal health and well-being of our future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Lin
- Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, MN, United States
| | - Gelonia L. Dent
- Department of Mathematics, Medgar Evers College, CUNY, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Suzy Davies
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Zarena M. Dominguez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | | | | | - Jessie R. Maxwell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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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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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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Morales AC, Morales AC, Vanegas NAT, Maya WDC. Efecto del consumo de marihuana sobre los parámetros espermáticos humanos: Aproximación in vivo. Rev Urol 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
ResumenLa evidencia sugiere que la exposición a sustancias psicoactivas se relaciona con alteraciones en la espermatogénesis que afectan la calidad espermática. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los parámetros espermáticos en consumidores habituales de cigarrillos de marihuana. Se analizaron muestras seminales de 42 consumidores activos de cigarrillos de marihuana y de 16 voluntarios no consumidores de marihuana. Mediante un análisis de semen, se determinaron los parámetros seminales convencionales (viabilidad, movilidad, morfología, y concentración de los espermatozoides) siguiendo los lineamientos establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Adicionalmente, se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del plasma seminal mediante la determinación del porcentaje de inhibición del radical estable 1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidracilo. Los valores de la mediana de los consumidores respecto al grupo control fueron: volumen – 2,98 mL versus 3,95 mL (p = 0,0221); concentración total – 189 millones/mL versus 291,1 millones/mL (p = 0,0636); movilidad progresiva – 50% versus 56,5% (p = 0,0052); viabilidad – 65,3% versus 73,1% (p = 0,0732); y morfología normal – 5% versus 7% (p = 0,0167), respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio indican que el consumo de cigarrillos de marihuana afecta negativamente la movilidad progresiva, la morfología normal y la concentración total de espermatozoides; además, la concentración total de espermatozoides está afectada por la frecuencia del consumo de cigarrillos de marihuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie Carolina Morales
- Grupo Reproducción, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Adriana Cruz Morales
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas Uniremington, Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Corporación Universitaria Remington, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Natalia A. Taborda Vanegas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Biomédicas Uniremington, Programa de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Corporación Universitaria Remington, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Walter D. Cardona Maya
- Grupo Reproducción, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
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8
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Verdikt R, Armstrong AA, Allard P. Transgenerational inheritance and its modulation by environmental cues. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 152:31-76. [PMID: 36707214 PMCID: PMC9940302 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.10.002] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome plays an important role in shaping phenotypes. However, whether the environment can alter an organism's phenotype across several generations through epigenetic remodeling in the germline is still a highly debated topic. In this chapter, we briefly review the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance and their connection with germline development before highlighting specific developmental windows of susceptibility to environmental cues. We further discuss the evidence of transgenerational inheritance to a range of different environmental cues, both epidemiological in humans and experimental in rodent models. Doing so, we pinpoint the current challenges in demonstrating transgenerational inheritance to environmental cues and offer insight in how recent technological advances may help deciphering the epigenetic mechanisms at play. Together, we draw a detailed picture of how our environment can influence our epigenomes, ultimately reshaping our phenotypes, in an extended theory of inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Verdikt
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Abigail A Armstrong
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Patrick Allard
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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9
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Escher J, Yan W, Rissman EF, Wang HLV, Hernandez A, Corces VG. Beyond Genes: Germline Disruption in the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:4608-4624. [PMID: 34596807 PMCID: PMC9035896 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Investigations into the etiology of autism spectrum disorders have been largely confined to two realms: variations in DNA sequence and somatic developmental exposures. Here we suggest a third route-disruption of the germline epigenome induced by exogenous toxicants during a parent's gamete development. Similar to cases of germline mutation, these molecular perturbations may produce dysregulated transcription of brain-related genes during fetal and early development, resulting in abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes in offspring. Many types of exposures may have these impacts, and here we discuss examples of anesthetic gases, tobacco components, synthetic steroids, and valproic acid. Alterations in parental germline could help explain some unsolved phenomena of autism, including increased prevalence, missing heritability, skewed sex ratio, and heterogeneity of neurobiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Escher
- Escher Fund for Autism, 1590 Calaveras Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hsiao-Lin V Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arturo Hernandez
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, MaineHealth, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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10
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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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11
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The Liberalization of Cannabis Possession Laws and Birth Outcomes: A State-Level Fixed Effects Analysis, 2003–2019. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11113-022-09714-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Shi M, Langholt EM, Butler LC, Harvey ME, Wheeler EC, Zhao L, MacLean JA, Oh Y, Sabrowsky E, Yu S, Watson S, Davis JF, Hayashi K. Vapor cannabis exposure generationally affects male reproductive functions in mice. Toxicol Sci 2021; 185:128-142. [PMID: 34865136 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to examine whether vapor exposure to cannabis plant matter negatively impacts male reproductive functions and testis development in mice. Adult CD-1 male mice (F0) were exposed to air (control) or 200 mg of vaporized cannabis plant matter 3x/day over a 10 day period. Subsequently, F0 males were bred with drug naïve CD-1 females to generate F1 males, and F1 offspring were used to generate F2 males. Cannabis vapor exposure decreased sperm count and/or motility in F0 and F1 males and disrupted the progression of germ cell development, as morphometric analyses exhibited an abnormal distribution of the stages of spermatogenesis in F0 males. Although plasma levels of testosterone were not affected by cannabis exposure in any ages or generations of males, dysregulated steroidogenic enzymes, Cyp11a1 and Cyp19a1, were observed in F0 testis. In the neonatal testis from F1 males, while apoptosis was not altered, DNA damage and DNMT1, but not DNMT3A and DNMT3B, were increased in germ cells following cannabis exposure. In contrast, the alterations of DNA damage and DNMT1 expression were not observed in F2 neonatal males. These results suggest that cannabis vapor exposure generationally affects male reproductive functions, probably due to disruption of spermatogenesis in the developing testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Shi
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Esther M Langholt
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Logan C Butler
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Madeleine E Harvey
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Emma C Wheeler
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - James A MacLean
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Yeongseok Oh
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Emily Sabrowsky
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Sue Yu
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Shane Watson
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Jon F Davis
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, 1815 Ferdinand's Lane, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Kanako Hayashi
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, 1770 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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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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Escher J. How Family Histories Can Inform Research About Germ Cell Exposures: The Example of Autism. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:767-773. [PMID: 33959752 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the scientific literature, heritable traits are routinely presumed to be genetic in origin. However, as emerging evidence from the realms of genetic toxicology and epigenomics demonstrate, heritability may be better understood as encompassing not only DNA sequence passed down through generations, but also disruptions to the parental germ cells causing de novo mutations or epigenetic alterations, with subsequent shifts in gene expression and functions in offspring. The Beyond Genes conference highlighted advances in understanding these aspects at molecular, experimental and epidemiological levels. In this commentary I suggest that future research on this topic could be inspired by collecting parents' germ cell exposure histories, with particular attention to cases of families with multiple children suffering idiopathic disorders. In so doing I focus on the endpoint of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Rates of this serious neurodevelopment disability have climbed around the world, a growing crisis that cannot be explained by diagnostic shifts. ASD's strong heritability has prompted a research program largely focused on DNA sequencing to locate rare and common variants, but decades of this gene-focused research have revealed surprisingly little about the molecular origins of the disorder. Based on my experience as the mother of two children with idiopathic autism, and as a research philanthropist and autism advocate, I suggest ways researchers might probe parental germ cell exposure histories to develop new hypotheses that may ultimately reveal sources of non-genetic heritability in a subset of idiopathic heritable pathologies.
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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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Escher J, Ford LD. General anesthesia, germ cells and the missing heritability of autism: an urgent need for research. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2020; 6:dvaa007. [PMID: 32704384 PMCID: PMC7368377 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Agents of general anesthesia (GA) are commonly employed in surgical, dental and diagnostic procedures to effectuate global suppression of the nervous system, but in addition to somatic targets, the subject's germ cells-from the embryonic primordial stage to the mature gametes-may likewise be exposed. Although GA is generally considered safe for most patients, evidence has accumulated that various compounds, in particular the synthetic volatile anesthetic gases (SVAGs) such as sevoflurane, can exert neurotoxic, genotoxic and epigenotoxic effects, with adverse consequences for cellular and genomic function in both somatic and germline cells. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence demonstrating that GA, and in particular, SVAGs, may in some circumstances adversely impact the molecular program of germ cells, resulting in brain and behavioral pathology in the progeny born of the exposed cells. Further, we exhort the medical and scientific communities to undertake comprehensive experimental and epidemiological research programs to address this critical gap in risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Escher
- Correspondence address. Escher Fund for Autism, 1590 Calaveras Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126, USA. E-mail:
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