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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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Brik M, Sandonis M, Hernández‐Fleury A, Gil J, Mota M, Barranco FJ, Garcia I, Maiz N, Carreras E. Cannabis exposure during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: A cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:1083-1091. [PMID: 38504476 PMCID: PMC11103132 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabis potency and its use during pregnancy have increased in the last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of antenatal cannabis use on fetal growth, preterm birth and other perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A propensity score-matched analysis was performed in women with singleton pregnancies attending a tertiary care site in Barcelona. Women in the cannabis group were selected based on the results of a detection test. Primary outcomes were small for gestational age at birth (SGA), low birthweight and preterm birth. Secondary outcomes were other biometric parameters (neonatal length and head circumference), respiratory distress, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and breastfeeding at discharge. A second propensity score-matched analysis excluding other confounders (use of other recreational drugs and discontinuation of cannabis use during pregnancy) was performed. RESULTS Antenatal cannabis was associated with a higher odds ratio of SGA (OR 3.60, 95% CI: 1.68-7.69), low birthweight (OR 3.94, 95% CI: 2.17-7.13), preterm birth at 37 weeks (OR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.12-3.84) and 32 weeks of gestation (OR 4.13, 95% CI: 1.06-16.11), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (OR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03-3.71), respiratory distress (OR 2.77, 95% CI: 1.26-6.34), and lower breastfeeding rates at discharge (OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05-0.18). When excluding other confounders, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA was found. CONCLUSIONS Antenatal cannabis use increases the risk of SGA, low birthweight, preterm birth and other adverse perinatal outcomes. However, when isolating the impact of cannabis use by excluding women who use other recreational drugs and those who discontinue cannabis during pregnancy, no significant association between antenatal cannabis use and SGA birth was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Brik
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Miguel Sandonis
- Mental Health DepartmentHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic MedicineUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Alina Hernández‐Fleury
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Judit Gil
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Miriam Mota
- Statistics and Bioinformatics Unit (UEB) Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Francisco José Barranco
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Itziar Garcia
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Nerea Maiz
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
| | - Elena Carreras
- Obstetrics Department, Maternal‐Fetal Medicine UnitHospital Universitari Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
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Carlson E, Teboul E, Canale C, Coleman H, Angeliu C, Garbarini K, Markowski VP. Perinatal Tetrahydrocannabinol Compromises Maternal Care and Increases Litter Attrition in the Long-Evans Rat. TOXICS 2024; 12:311. [PMID: 38787090 PMCID: PMC11126083 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The marijuana legalization trend in the U.S. will likely lead to increased use by younger adults during gestation and postpartum. The current study examined the hypothesis that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) would disrupt voluntary maternal care behaviors and negatively impact offspring development. Rat dams were gavaged with 0, 2, 5, or 10 mg/kg THC from the 1st day of gestation through the 21st postnatal day. Somatic growth and developmental milestones were measured in the offspring, and maternal pup retrieval tests were conducted on postnatal days 1, 3, and 5. THC did not affect body growth but produced transient delays in the righting reflex and eye opening in offspring. However, there was significant pup mortality due to impaired maternal care. Dams in all THC groups took significantly longer to retrieve their pups to the nest and often failed to retrieve any pups. Serum levels of THC and metabolites measured at this time were comparable to those in breastfeeding women who are chronic users. Benchmark doses associated with a 10% reduction of pup retrieval or increased pup mortality were 0.383 (BMDL 0.228) and 0.794 (BMDL 0.442) mg/kg THC, respectively. The current findings indicate that maternal care is an important and heretofore overlooked index of THC behavioral toxicity and should be included in future assessments of THC's health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Carlson
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo, One College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA; (E.C.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (C.A.); (K.G.)
| | - Eric Teboul
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Brown University & Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
| | - Charlene Canale
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo, One College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA; (E.C.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (C.A.); (K.G.)
| | - Harper Coleman
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo, One College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA; (E.C.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (C.A.); (K.G.)
| | - Christina Angeliu
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo, One College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA; (E.C.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (C.A.); (K.G.)
| | - Karissa Garbarini
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo, One College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA; (E.C.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (C.A.); (K.G.)
| | - Vincent P. Markowski
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Geneseo, One College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA; (E.C.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (C.A.); (K.G.)
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Lo JO, Shaw B, Robalino S, Ayers CK, Durbin S, Rushkin MC, Olyaei A, Kansagara D, Harrod CS. Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:470-485. [PMID: 36730710 PMCID: PMC11262585 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether prenatal cannabis use alone increases the likelihood of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Study Design: We searched bibliographic databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane reviews, PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar from inception through February 14, 2022. Cohort or case-control studies with prespecified fetal or neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with prenatal cannabis use. Primary outcomes were preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), birthweight (grams), and perinatal mortality. Two independent reviewers screened studies. Studies were extracted by one reviewer and confirmed by a second using a predefined template. Risk of bias assessment of studies, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation for evaluating the certainty of evidence for select outcomes were performed by two independent reviewers with disagreements resolved by a third. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted, using adjusted and unadjusted effect estimates, to compare groups according to prenatal exposure to cannabis use status. Results: Fifty-three studies were included. Except for birthweight, unadjusted and adjusted meta-analyses had similar results. We found very-low- to low-certainty evidence that cannabis use during pregnancy was significantly associated with greater odds of PTB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 1.69; I2, 93%; p=0.0001), SGA (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.52 to 2.05; I2, 86%; p<0.0001), and perinatal mortality (aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.39 to 1.62; I2, 0%; p<0.0001), but not significantly different for birthweight (mean difference, -40.69 g; 95% CI, -124.22 to 42.83; I2, 85%; p=0.29). Because of substantial heterogeneity, we also conducted a narrative synthesis and found comparable results to meta-analyses. Conclusion: Prenatal cannabis use was associated with greater odds of PTB, SGA, and perinatal mortality even after accounting for prenatal tobacco use. However, our confidence in these findings is limited. Limitations of most existing studies was the failure to not include timing or quantity of cannabis use. This review can help guide health care providers with counseling, management, and addressing the limited existing safety data. Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020172343.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie O. Lo
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Beth Shaw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Evidence-Based Policy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Shannon Robalino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Evidence-Based Policy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Chelsea K. Ayers
- Center for the Involvement of Veterans in their Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Shauna Durbin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Evidence-Based Policy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Megan C. Rushkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Evidence-Based Policy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Amy Olyaei
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Devan Kansagara
- Center for the Involvement of Veterans in their Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Curtis S. Harrod
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Tadesse AW, Ayano G, Dachew BA, Tusa BS, Damtie Y, Betts K, Alati R. The association between prenatal cannabis use and congenital birth defects in offspring: A cumulative meta-analysis. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2024; 102:107340. [PMID: 38460861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between prenatal cannabis use and structural birth defects in exposed offspring. METHODS In line with the preregistered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42022368623), we systematically searched PubMed/Medline, CINHAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest, Psych-Info, and Google Scholar for published articles until 25 January 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was carried out to report the pooled effect estimates from the included studies. We further performed subgroup, leave-one-out sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses, which increased the robustness of our findings. RESULTS In this cumulative meta-analysis, thirty-six observational studies, consisting of 18 case-control and 18 cohort studies, with 230, 816 cases of birth defects and 18,049,013 controls (healthy babies) were included in the final analysis. We found that offspring exposed to maternal prenatal cannabis are at greater risks of a wide range of structural birth defects: cardiovascular/heart [OR = 2.35: 95 % CI 1.63 - 3.39], gastrointestinal [OR = 2.42: 95 % CI 1.61 - 3.64], central nervous system [OR = 2.87: 95 % CI 1.51 - 5.46], genitourinary [OR = 2.39: 95 % CI 1.11 - 5.17], and any (unclassified) birth defects [OR = 1.25: 95 % CI 1.12 - 1.41]. CONCLUSION The findings from the current study suggest that maternal prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with a higher risk of different forms of structural birth defects in offspring. The findings underscore the significance of implementing preventive strategies, including enhanced preconception counselling, to address cannabis use during pregnancy and mitigate the risk of birth defects in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abay Woday Tadesse
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; Samara University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, 132, Semera, Ethiopia; Dream Science and Technology College, 1466 Dessie, Ethiopia.
| | - Getinet Ayano
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Berihun Assefa Dachew
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Biruk Shalmeno Tusa
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Yitayish Damtie
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Kim Betts
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Rosa Alati
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; Institute for Social Sciences Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meier's Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia
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6
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Moore BF. Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:154-166. [PMID: 38172481 PMCID: PMC10933144 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To consolidate information on the obesogenic and cardiometabolic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis. RECENT FINDINGS A PubMed search strategy updated from January 1, 2014, through 14 June 2023, produced a total of 47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is consistently associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. After birth, these offspring gain weight rapidly and have increased adiposity and higher glucose (fat mass percentage) in childhood. More preclinical and prospective studies are needed to deepen our understanding of whether these associations vary by sex, dose, timing, and composition of cannabis (e.g., ratio of delta-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC] to cannabidiol [CBD]). Addressing these gaps may help to solidify causality and identify intervention strategies. Based on the available data, clinicians and public health officials should continue to caution against cannabis use during pregnancy to limit its potential obesogenic and adverse cardiometabolic effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna F Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N Revere Ct, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA.
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7
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Sorkhou M, Singla DR, Castle DJ, George TP. Birth, cognitive and behavioral effects of intrauterine cannabis exposure in infants and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2024; 119:411-437. [PMID: 37968824 PMCID: PMC10872597 DOI: 10.1111/add.16370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, has been implicated in affecting fetal neurodevelopment by readily crossing the placenta. However, little is known regarding the long-term effects of intrauterine cannabis exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized prospective and cross-sectional human studies to measure the effects of intrauterine cannabis exposure on birth, behavioral, psychological and cognitive outcomes in infancy until early childhood. METHODS Reporting according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, cross-sectional and prospective studies published from database inception until June 2023, investigating developmental outcomes of infants, toddlers and young children with intrauterine cannabis exposure were considered. All articles were obtained from PubMed or PsycINFO databases. RESULTS The literature search resulted in 932 studies, in which 57 articles met eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that intrauterine cannabis exposure increases the risk of preterm delivery [odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-2.71, P = 0.03], low birth weight (OR = 2.60, CI = 1.71-3.94, P < 0.001) and requirement for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.46-4.31; P < 0.001). Our qualitative synthesis suggests that intrauterine cannabis exposure may be associated with poorer attention and externalizing problems in infancy and early childhood. We found no evidence for impairments in other cognitive domains or internalizing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal cannabis use appears to be associated with lower birth weight, preterm birth and neonatal intensive care unit admission in newborns, but there is little evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure adversely impacts behavioral or cognitive outcomes in early childhood, with the exception of attention and externalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sorkhou
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daisy R Singla
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David J Castle
- Tasmania Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Tony P George
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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Black T, Baccetto SL, Barnard IL, Finch E, McElroy DL, Austin-Scott FVL, Greba Q, Michel D, Zagzoog A, Howland JG, Laprairie RB. Characterization of cannabinoid plasma concentration, maternal health, and cytokine levels in a rat model of prenatal Cannabis smoke exposure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21070. [PMID: 38030657 PMCID: PMC10687022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47861-8] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has gained popularity as a "natural substance", leading many to falsely assume that it is not harmful. This assumption has been documented amongst pregnant mothers, many of whom consider Cannabis use during pregnancy as benign. The purpose of this study was to validate a Cannabis smoke exposure model in pregnant rats by determining the plasma levels of cannabinoids and associated metabolites in the dams after exposure to either Cannabis smoke or injected cannabinoids. Maternal and fetal cytokine and chemokine profiles were also assessed after exposure. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated daily from gestational day 6-20 with either room air, i.p. vehicle, inhaled high-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (18% THC, 0.1% cannabidiol [CBD]) smoke, inhaled high-CBD (0.7% THC, 13% CBD) smoke, 3 mg/kg i.p. THC, or 10 mg/kg i.p. CBD. Our data reveal that THC and CBD, but not their metabolites, accumulate in maternal plasma after repeated exposures. Injection of THC or CBD was associated with fewer offspring and increased uterine reabsorption events. For cytokines and chemokines, injection of THC or CBD up-regulated several pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to control or high-THC smoke or high-CBD smoke in placental and fetal brain tissue, whereas smoke exposure was generally associated with reduced cytokine and chemokine concentrations in placental and fetal brain tissue compared to controls. These results support existing, but limited, knowledge on how different routes of administration contribute to inconsistent manifestations of cannabinoid-mediated effects on pregnancy. Smoked Cannabis is still the most common means of human consumption, and more preclinical investigation is needed to determine the effects of smoke inhalation on developmental and behavioural trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Sarah L Baccetto
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ilne L Barnard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Emma Finch
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Faith V L Austin-Scott
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Deborah Michel
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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9
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Delker E, Hayes S, Kelly AE, Jones KL, Chambers C, Bandoli G. Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis and Risk of Major Structural Birth Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:269-283. [PMID: 37473409 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review and perform a meta-analysis of observational studies that examined associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and major structural birth defects. DATA SOURCES Information sources included Google Scholar, BIOSIS, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION Study titles and abstracts were reviewed with Abstrackr software. We included observational studies that examined the risk of major structural birth defects in people who used cannabis during pregnancy compared with those who had not used cannabis. We excluded case reports, ecologic studies, conference abstracts, manuscript preprints, studies designed to examine effects of cannabis used concurrently with other drugs, and studies that included synthetic cannabinoids. This process yielded 23 studies that analyzed data from birth years 1968-2021. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS We clustered and meta-analyzed measures of association for birth defects by anatomic group. Eleven articles reported an association between cannabis use and the risk of a nonspecific outcome (eg, congenital anomaly). We estimated a pooled odds ratio of 1.33 (95% CI 1.14-1.56) and a pooled adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.22 (95% CI 1.00-1.50). Anatomic groups examined were cardiac (nine studies), oral cleft (three studies), digestive (four studies), genitourinary (three studies), musculoskeletal (seven studies), and nervous system (five studies). Across most outcomes, we reported positive pooled unadjusted associations that were usually attenuated after the inclusion of only adjusted estimates. Two specific anomalies, with limited data, had pooled effect estimates that did not attenuate to the null after adjustment: Ebstein anomaly (two studies, aOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.25-3.82) and gastroschisis (five studies, aOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.09-5.740). CONCLUSION Studies examining associations between prenatal exposure to cannabis and major structural birth defects were heterogeneous. Most published effect estimates were unadjusted and scored low on our risk-of-bias assessment. Overall, we found inconsistent evidence to suggest that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with birth defects. However, findings related to specific anomalies should be considered in further research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO, CRD42022319041.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Delker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
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Kaforau LS, Tessema GA, Jancey J, Bugoro H, Pereira G. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Low Birth Weight in the Solomon Islands: Evidence From the 2015 Solomon Islands Demographic and Health Survey data. Asia Pac J Public Health 2023; 35:136-144. [PMID: 36872610 DOI: 10.1177/10105395231158868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight (LBW) has contributed to more than 80% of under-5 deaths worldwide, most occurring in low- and middle-income countries. We used the 2015 Solomon Islands Demographic and Health Survey data to identify the prevalence and risks associated with LBW in the Solomon Islands. Low birth weight prevalence estimated was 10%. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found the risk of LBW for women with a history of marijuana and kava use was 2.6 times, adjusted relative risk (aRR) 2.64 at a 95% confidence interval [0.64, 10.95] and 2.5 times [aRR: 2.50 (0.63, 9.88)] than among unexposed women, respectively. Polygamous relationship, no antenatal care, decision-making by another person were 84% [aRR: 1.84 (1.15, 2.93)], 73% [aRR: 1.73 (0.96, 3.13)], and 73% [aRR: 1.73 (0.96, 3.13)] than among unexposed women, respectively. We also found that 10% and 4% of LBW cases in the Solomon Islands were attributable to a household of more than 5 members and tobacco and cigarette use history. We concluded that LBW in the Solomon Islands relied more on behavioral risk factors, including substance use and health and social risk factors. We recommended further study on kava use and its impact on pregnancy and LBW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hugo Bugoro
- Solomon Islands National University, Honiara, Solomon Islands
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Folgen für Mutter und Kind bei Cannabiskonsum in der Schwangerschaft. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1924-8477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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