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Tadesse AW, Ayano G, Dachew BA, Betts K, Alati R. Exposure to maternal cannabis use disorder and risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: A data linkage cohort study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115971. [PMID: 38788554 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115971] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-pregnancy, prenatal and perinatal exposures to cannabis use disorder (CUD) and the risk of autism spectrum disoder (ASD) in offspring. Data were drawn from the New South Wales (NSW) Perinatal Data Collection (PDC), population-based, linked administrative health data encompassing all-live birth cohort from January 2003 to December 2005. This study involved 222 534 mother-offspring pairs. . The exposure variable (CUD) and the outcome of interest (ASD) were identified using the 10th international disease classification criteria, Australian Modified (ICD-10-AM). We found a three-fold increased risk of ASD in the offspring of mothers with maternal CUD compared to non-exposed offspring. In our sensitivity analyses, male offspring have a higher risk of ASD associated with maternal CUD than their female counterparts. In conclusion, exposure to maternal CUD is linked to a higher risk of ASD in offspring, with a stronger risk in male offspring. Further research is needed to understand these gender-specific effects and the relationship between maternal CUD and ASD risk in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abay Woday Tadesse
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia; Dream Science and Technology College, Dessie 1466, Amhara region, Ethiopia; Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University 132, Semera, Ethiopia.
| | - Getinet Ayano
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Berihun Assefa Dachew
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Kim Betts
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Rosa Alati
- School of Population Health, 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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2
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Penman SL, Roeder NM, Wang J, Richardson BJ, Pareek O, Freeman-Striegel L, Mohr P, Khan A, Eiden RD, Chakraborty S, Thanos PK. Vaporized nicotine in utero results in reduced birthweight, increased locomotion, and decreased voluntary exercise, dependent on sex and diet in offspring. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06602-z. [PMID: 38733527 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06602-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Rationale Clinical research has shown that prenatal exposure to nicotine may result in increased obesity risk later in life. Preclinical research has corroborated this finding, but few studies have investigated inhaled nicotine or the interaction with diet on obesity risk. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on both direct and indirect obesity measures, with both sex and diet as factors. Methods Pregnant rats were exposed to either vehicle or nicotine vapor (24 mg/mL or 59 mg/mL) throughout the entire gestational period. Offspring from each treatment group were given either a normal diet or a high fat diet starting at postnatal day 22. Caloric intake, body weight, spontaneous locomotion, sleep/wake activity, and voluntary exercise were measured throughout adolescence. Pregnancy weight gain and pup birthweights were collected to further measure developmental effects of prenatal nicotine exposure. Results Both maternal weight gain during pregnancy and pup weight at birth were decreased with prenatal nicotine exposure. Early adolescent males showed increased spontaneous activity in the open field following prenatal nicotine exposure compared to vehicle counterparts, particularly those given high-fat diet. Additionally, high dose nicotine prenatal treated males ran significantly less distance on the running wheel in late adolescence compared to vehicle counterparts, in the normal diet group only. Conclusion The results presented here show decreased birthweight, hyperactivity, and decreased voluntary exercise in adolescence following prenatal nicotine exposure in dose, sex, and diet dependent manners, which could lead to increased obesity risk in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Penman
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA
| | - Nicole M Roeder
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Brittany J Richardson
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA
| | - Ojas Pareek
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA
| | - Lily Freeman-Striegel
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA
| | - Patrick Mohr
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA
| | - Anas Khan
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA
| | - Rina D Eiden
- Department of Psychology, Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16801, USA
| | - Saptarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-1016, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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3
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Motamedi S, Amleshi RS, Javar BA, Shams P, Kohlmeier KA, Shabani M. Cannabis during pregnancy: A way to transfer an impairment to later life. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:1327-1344. [PMID: 37318343 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2207] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies examining the influence of cannabis across the lifespan show that exposure to cannabis during gestation or during the perinatal period is associated with later-life mental health issues that manifest during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The risk of later-life negative outcomes following early exposure is particularly high in persons who have specific genetic variants, implying that cannabis usage interacts with genetics to heighten mental health risks. Prenatal and perinatal exposure to psychoactive components has been shown in animal research to be associated with long-term effects on neural systems relevant to psychiatric and substance use disorders. The long-term molecular, epigenetic, electrophysiological, and behavioral consequences of prenatal and perinatal exposure to cannabis are discussed in this article. Animal and human studies, as well as in vivo neuroimaging methods, are used to provide insights into the changes induced in the brain by cannabis. Here, based on the literature from both animal models and humans, it can be concluded that prenatal cannabis exposure alters the developmental route of several neuronal regions with correlated functional consequences evidenced as changes in social behavior and executive functions throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Motamedi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Reza Saboori Amleshi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Behnoush Akbari Javar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Health Foresight and Innovation Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Parisa Shams
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kristi A Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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4
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Gladieux M, Gimness N, Rodriguez B, Liu J. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Environmental Exposures on Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children: Empirical Evidence, Potential Mechanisms, and Implications. TOXICS 2023; 11:259. [PMID: 36977024 PMCID: PMC10055754 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to examine the current literature regarding the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and environmental exposures. Specifically, the paper will focus on how this relationship between ACEs and physical environmental factors impacts the neurocognitive development of children. With a comprehensive literary search focusing on ACEs, inclusive of socioeconomic status (SES), and environmental toxins common in urban environments, the paper explores how these factors contribute to cognitive outcomes that are associated with the environment and childhood nurturing. The relationship between ACEs and environmental exposures reveals adverse outcomes in children's neurocognitive development. These cognitive outcomes include learning disabilities, lowered IQ, memory and attention problems, and overall poor educational outcomes. Additionally, potential mechanisms of environmental exposures and children's neurocognitive outcomes are explored, referencing data from animal studies and evidence from brain imaging studies. This study further analyzes the current gaps in the literature, such as the lack of data focusing on exposure to environmental toxicants resulting from experiencing ACEs and discusses the research and social policy implications of ACEs and environmental exposure in the neurocognitive development of children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jianghong Liu
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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5
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Niknam Y, Iyer P, Campbell MA, Moran F, Sandy MS, Zeise L. Animal evidence considered in determination of cannabis smoke and Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol as causing reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint): Part III. Proposed neurodevelopmental mechanisms of action. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:1169-1185. [PMID: 36125082 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2088] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the most common potential pathways of neurodevelopmental toxicity due to perinatal exposure to Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) that lead to behavioral and other adverse outcomes (AOs). This is Part III in a set of reviews highlighting the animal-derived data considered by California's Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee (DARTIC) in 2019. The Hazard Identification Document (HID) provided to the DARTIC included a summary of human, whole animal, and mechanistic data on the neurodevelopmental toxicity of cannabis smoke and Δ9 -THC. The literature search for mechanistic data has been updated through 2020. We focus on mechanistic pathways relating to behavioral and other neurodevelopmental outcomes of perinatal exposure to Δ9 -THC. The endocannabinoid system (EC system) plays a crucial role in many processes involved in neurodevelopment and exposure to Δ9 -THC can alter these processes. Whole animal studies report changes in cognitive ability, behavior, and motor function after prenatal exposure to Δ9 -THC. Findings from mechanistic studies add to this evidence and further provide information regarding the pathways leading to these outcomes. Neuromechanistic studies can bridge the gaps between molecular initiating events and apical neurodevelopmental endpoints caused by a chemical. They offer insight into potential alterations in the same pathways by other chemicals that can also result in AOs. Studies of cannabinoid receptor agonist-induced molecular alterations and provide deep biological plausibility at the mechanistic level for the cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairments observed in animal studies after perinatal exposure to Δ9 -THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassaman Niknam
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)/Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Branch (RCHAB), California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Poorni Iyer
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)/Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Branch (RCHAB), California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Marlissa A Campbell
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)/Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Branch (RCHAB), California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Francisco Moran
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)/Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Branch (RCHAB), California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Martha S Sandy
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)/Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Branch (RCHAB), California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)/Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Branch (RCHAB), California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
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6
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Drummond-Main CD, Ahn Y, Kesler M, Gavrilovici C, Kim DY, Kiroski I, Baglot SL, Chen A, Sharkey KA, Hill MN, Teskey GC, Rho JM. Cannabidiol Impairs Brain Mitochondrial Metabolism and Neuronal Integrity. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 8:283-298. [PMID: 36108318 PMCID: PMC10061329 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of CBD remain poorly understood. Given the increasing evidence for CBD's effects on mitochondria, we sought to examine in more detail whether CBD impacts mitochondrial function and neuronal integrity. Methods: We utilized BE(2)-M17 neuroblastoma cells or acutely isolated brain mitochondria from rodents using a Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer and a fluorescent spectrofluorophotometer assay. Mitochondrial ion channel activity and hippocampal long-term potentiation were measured using standard cellular electrophysiological methods. Spatial learning/memory function was evaluated using the Morris water maze task. Plasma concentrations of CBD were assessed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and cellular viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction neuronal injury assay. Results: At low micromolar concentrations, CBD reduced mitochondrial respiration, the threshold for mitochondrial permeability transition, and calcium uptake, blocked a novel mitochondrial chloride channel, and reduced the viability of hippocampal cells. These effects were paralleled by in vitro and in vivo learning/memory deficits. We further found that these effects were independent of cannabinoid receptor 1 and mitochondrial G-protein-coupled receptor 55. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence for concentration- and dose-dependent toxicological effects of CBD, findings that may bear potential relevance to clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Drummond-Main
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Younghee Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mitchell Kesler
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Cezar Gavrilovici
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Do Young Kim
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Ivana Kiroski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Samantha L. Baglot
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Amy Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew N. Hill
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - G. Campbell Teskey
- Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jong M. Rho
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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7
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Licitra R, Marchese M, Naef V, Ogi A, Martinelli M, Kiferle C, Fronte B, Santorelli FM. A Review on the Bioactivity of Cannabinoids on Zebrafish Models: Emphasis on Neurodevelopment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081820. [PMID: 36009367 PMCID: PMC9404760 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081820] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used as a source of food, fiber, and medicine. Recently, scientific interest in cannabis has increased considerably, as its bioactive compounds have shown promising potential in the treatment of numerous musculoskeletal and neurological diseases in humans. However, the mechanisms that underlie its possible effects on neurodevelopment and nervous-system functioning remain poorly understood and need to be further investigated. Although the bulk of research on cannabis and cannabinoids is based on in vitro or rodent models, the zebrafish has now emerged as a powerful in vivo model for drug-screening studies and translational research. We here review the available literature on the use of cannabis/cannabinoids in zebrafish, and particularly in zebrafish models of neurological disorders. A critical analysis suggests that zebrafish could serve as an experimental tool for testing the bioactivity of cannabinoids, and they could thus provide important insights into the safety and efficacy of different cannabis-extract-based products. The review showed that zebrafish exhibit similar behaviors to rodents following cannabinoid exposure. The authors stress the importance of analyzing the full spectrum of naturally occurring cannabinoids, rather than just the main ones, THC and CBD, and they offer some pointers on performing behavioral analysis in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Licitra
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Valentina Naef
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Asahi Ogi
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
| | - Marco Martinelli
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Claudia Kiferle
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.L.); (V.N.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (F.M.S.)
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8
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Ellis RJ, Bara A, Vargas CA, Frick AL, Loh E, Landry J, Uzamere TO, Callens JE, Martin Q, Rajarajan P, Brennand K, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Szutorisz H, Hurd YL. Prenatal Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure in Males Leads to Motivational Disturbances Related to Striatal Epigenetic Dysregulation. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:127-138. [PMID: 34895699 PMCID: PMC8957623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis remains one of the most widely abused drugs during pregnancy. In utero exposure to its principal psychoactive component, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can result in long-term neuropsychiatric risk for the progeny. This study investigated epigenetic signatures underlying these enduring consequences. METHODS Rat dams were exposed daily to THC (0.15 mg/kg) during pregnancy, and adult male offspring were examined for reward and depressive-like behavioral endophenotypes. Using unbiased sequencing approaches, we explored transcriptional and epigenetic profiles in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain area central to reward and emotional processing. An in vitro CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) activation model coupled with RNA sequencing was also applied to study specific consequences of epigenetic dysregulation, and altered molecular signatures were compared with human major depressive disorder transcriptome datasets. RESULTS Prenatal THC exposure induced increased motivation for food, heightened learned helplessness and anhedonia, and altered stress sensitivity. We identified a robust increase specific to males in the expression of Kmt2a (histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A) that targets H3K4 (lysine 4 on histone H3) in cellular chromatin. Normalizing Kmt2a in the NAc rescued the motivational phenotype of prenatally THC-exposed animals. Comparison of RNA- and H3K4me3-sequencing datasets from the NAc of rat offspring with the in vitro model of Kmt2a upregulation revealed overlapping, significant disturbances in pathways that mediate synaptic plasticity. Similar transcriptional alterations were detected in human major depressive disorder. CONCLUSIONS These studies provide direct evidence for the persistent effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on transcriptional and epigenetic deviations in the NAc via Kmt2a dysregulation and associated psychiatric vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J. Ellis
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anissa Bara
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA,Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claudia A. Vargas
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy L. Frick
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eddie Loh
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Landry
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teddy O. Uzamere
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James E. Callens
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qammarah Martin
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Prashanth Rajarajan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen Brennand
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA,Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henrietta Szutorisz
- Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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9
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Olyaei AF, Campbell LR, Roberts VHJ, Lo JO. Animal Models Evaluating the Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Tobacco and Marijuana. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 65:334-346. [PMID: 35125391 PMCID: PMC9885625 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Within this review, the literature and outcomes from animal models of maternal marijuana use and cigarette smoking are summarized. The existing data demonstrate that prenatal marijuana and nicotine exposure both have multifaceted adverse effects on maternal, gestational, placental, and fetal outcomes. These include placental function and development, fetal growth and birth weight, and offspring neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lily R Campbell
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Victoria H J Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Jamie O Lo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon
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10
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Bailone RL, Fukushima HCS, de Aguiar LK, Borra RC. The endocannabinoid system in zebrafish and its potential to study the effects of Cannabis in humans. Lab Anim Res 2022; 38:5. [PMID: 35193700 PMCID: PMC8862295 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-022-00116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish is considered an unprecedented animal model in drug discovery. A review of the literature presents highlights and elucidates the biological effects of chemical components found in Cannabis sativa. Particular attention is paid to endocannabinoid system (eCB) and its main receptors (CB1 and CB2). The zebrafish model is a promising one for the study of cannabinoids because of the many similarities to the human system. Despite the recent advances on the eCB system, there is still the need to elucidate some of the interactions and, thus, the zebrafish model can be used for that purpose as it respects the 3Rs concept and reduced time and costs. In view of the relevance of cannabinoids in the treatment and prevention of diseases, as well as the importance of the zebrafish animal model in elucidating the biological effects of new drugs, the aim of this study was to bring to light information on the use of the zebrafish animal model in testing C. sativa-based medicines.
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11
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Effect of prenatal marijuana exposure on sleep wake cycles and amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG). J Perinatol 2021; 41:1355-1363. [PMID: 33462338 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether prenatal exposure to marijuana (THC) results in abnormal amplitude integrated encephalograms (aEEG). DESIGN This was a (2018-2020) prospective cohort study of prenatally THC-exposed newborns. Maternal and Infant demographics, urine (UDS) and umbilical cord drug screening (UCDS) were recorded. A limited channel continuous aEEG was obtained within 48 h of birth. Statistical analysis included univariate, multivariate, and logistical regression. RESULTS A total of 30 mother/infant dyads were enrolled. 60% (18/30) of neonates had abnormal aEEGs with sleep wake cycle (SWC) disturbances (p < 0.001). UCDS Carboxy-THC pg/g levels were similar in infants with abnormal [1758 (296,2838)] and normal aEEG [1589 (332,2794)], p = 0.82. CONCLUSIONS Absence of SWCs on aEEG is associated with prenatal THC exposure. While THC UCDS levels did not correlate to aEEG results future longitudinal studies are necessary to obtain detailed history of THC use and to evaluate its association with abnormal aEEG and the neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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12
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Medium-throughput zebrafish optogenetic platform identifies deficits in subsequent neural activity following brief early exposure to cannabidiol and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11515. [PMID: 34075141 PMCID: PMC8169761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90902-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In light of legislative changes and the widespread use of cannabis as a recreational and medicinal drug, delayed effects of cannabis upon brief exposure during embryonic development are of high interest as early pregnancies often go undetected. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) until the end of gastrulation (1-10 h post-fertilization) and analyzed later in development (4-5 days post-fertilization). In order to measure neural activity, we implemented Calcium-Modulated Photoactivatable Ratiometric Integrator (CaMPARI) and optimized the protocol for a 96-well format complemented by locomotor analysis. Our results revealed that neural activity was decreased by CBD more than THC. At higher doses, both cannabinoids could dramatically reduce neural activity and locomotor activity. Interestingly, the decrease was more pronounced when CBD and THC were combined. At the receptor level, CBD-mediated reduction of locomotor activity was partially prevented using cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptor inhibitors. Overall, we report that CBD toxicity occurs via two cannabinoid receptors and is synergistically enhanced by THC exposure to negatively impact neural activity late in larval development. Future studies are warranted to reveal other cannabinoids and their receptors to understand the implications of cannabis consumption on fetal development.
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13
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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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14
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Epigenetic Alterations of Maternal Tobacco Smoking during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105083. [PMID: 34064931 PMCID: PMC8151244 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking is the leading cause of birth complications in addition to being associated with later impairment in child’s development. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), miRNAs expression, and histone modifications, belong to possible underlying mechanisms linking maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes and later child’s development. The aims of this review were to provide an update on (1) the main results of epidemiological studies on the impact of in utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking on epigenetic mechanisms, and (2) the technical issues and methods used in such studies. In contrast with miRNA and histone modifications, DNAm has been the most extensively studied epigenetic mechanism with regard to in utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking. Most studies relied on cord blood and children’s blood, but placenta is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool, especially for markers of pregnancy exposures. Some recent studies suggest reversibility in DNAm in certain genomic regions as well as memory of smoking exposure in DNAm in other regions, upon smoking cessation before or during pregnancy. Furthermore, reversibility could be more pronounced in miRNA expression compared to DNAm. Increasing evidence based on longitudinal data shows that maternal smoking-associated DNAm changes persist during childhood. In this review, we also discuss some issues related to cell heterogeneity as well as downstream statistical analyses used to relate maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy and epigenetics. The epigenetic effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy have been among the most widely investigated in the epigenetic epidemiology field. However, there are still huge gaps to fill in, including on the impact on miRNA expression and histone modifications to get a better view of the whole epigenetic machinery. The consistency of maternal tobacco smoking effects across epigenetic marks and across tissues will also provide crucial information for future studies. Advancement in bioinformatic and biostatistics approaches is key to develop a comprehensive analysis of these biological systems.
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Sagheddu C, Traccis F, Serra V, Congiu M, Frau R, Cheer JF, Melis M. Mesolimbic dopamine dysregulation as a signature of information processing deficits imposed by prenatal THC exposure. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110128. [PMID: 33031862 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the illicit drug most widely used by pregnant women worldwide. Its growing acceptance and legalization have markedly increased the risks of child psychopathology, including psychotic-like experiences, which lowers the age of onset for a first psychotic episode. As the majority of patients with schizophrenia go through a premorbid condition long before this occurs, understanding neurobiological underpinnings of the prodromal stage of the disease is critical to improving illness trajectories and therapeutic outcomes. We have previously shown that male rat offspring prenatally exposed to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a rat model of prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE), exhibit extensive molecular and synaptic changes in dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), converging on a hyperdopaminergic state. This leads to a silent psychotic-like endophenotype that is unmasked by a single exposure to THC. Here, we further characterized the VTA dopamine neuron and sensorimotor gating functions of PCE rats exposed to acute stress or a challenge of the D2 receptor agonist apomorphine, by using in vivo single-unit extracellular recordings and Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) analyses. At pre-puberty, PCE male rat offspring display a reduced population activity of VTA dopamine neurons in vivo, the majority of which are tonically active. PCE male progeny also exhibit enhanced sensitivity to dopamine D2 (DAD2) receptor activation and a vulnerability to acute stress, which is associated with compromised sensorimotor gating functions. This data extends our knowledge of the multifaceted sequelae imposed by PCE in the mesolimbic dopamine system of male pre-adolescent rats, which renders a neural substrate highly susceptible to subsequent challenges that may trigger psychotic-like outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Mauro Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.
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16
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Traccis F, Serra V, Sagheddu C, Congiu M, Saba P, Giua G, Devoto P, Frau R, Cheer JF, Melis M. Prenatal THC Does Not Affect Female Mesolimbic Dopaminergic System in Preadolescent Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041666. [PMID: 33562259 PMCID: PMC7914408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing worldwide along with permissive sociocultural attitudes toward it. Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE), however, is associated with adverse outcome among offspring, ranging from reduced birth weight to child psychopathology. We have previously shown that male rat offspring prenatally exposed to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a rat model of PCE, exhibit extensive molecular, cellular, and synaptic changes in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), resulting in a susceptible mesolimbic dopamine system associated with a psychotic-like endophenotype. This phenotype only reveals itself upon a single exposure to THC in males but not females. Here, we characterized the impact of PCE on female behaviors and mesolimbic dopamine system function by combining in vivo single-unit extracellular recordings in anesthetized animals and ex vivo patch clamp recordings, along with neurochemical and behavioral analyses. We find that PCE female offspring do not show any spontaneous or THC-induced behavioral disease-relevant phenotypes. The THC-induced increase in dopamine levels in nucleus accumbens was reduced in PCE female offspring, even when VTA dopamine activity in vivo and ex vivo did not differ compared to control. These findings indicate that PCE impacts mesolimbic dopamine function and its related behavioral domains in a sex-dependent manner and warrant further investigations to decipher the mechanisms determining this sex-related protective effect from intrauterine THC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Mauro Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Gabriele Giua
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Paola Devoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Joseph Francois Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (F.T.); (V.S.); (C.S.); (M.C.); (P.S.); (G.G.); (P.D.); (R.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-4322
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17
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Robbins LS, Blanchard CT, Sinkey RG, Harris SL, Tita AT, Harper LM. Prenatal Tobacco Exposure and Childhood Neurodevelopment among Infants Born Prematurely. Am J Perinatol 2021; 38:218-223. [PMID: 32862421 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nicotine is an established neuroteratogen, and prenatal tobacco exposure alters the structure of the developing nervous system. An association between prenatal tobacco exposure and impaired neurologic function is less well established. We examine the association between prenatal tobacco exposure and childhood neurodevelopment among infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial assessing the benefits of magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy in preterm infants. Women were included if they delivered a singleton and nonanomalous infant before 37 weeks. Exposure was any self-reported prenatal tobacco use. Primary outcome was the original trial composite outcome of moderate or severe cerebral palsy at 2 years of age, or stillbirth, or infant death by 1 year of age. Secondary outcomes included components of the composite and mild cerebral palsy at 2 years, Bayley Scales of Infant Development II motor and mental scores, death before two years, and use of auditory aids or corrective lenses. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Of 1,826 women included, 503 (27.5%) used tobacco. Tobacco users were more likely to be older, unmarried, and white; have a prior preterm birth; have received no prenatal care; and to use illicit drugs or alcohol. Gestational age at delivery, betamethasone exposure, and magnesium exposure were not different between groups. There were no differences in the composite primary outcome or in rates of cerebral palsy by tobacco use. Moderate developmental delay was more common among tobacco exposed in bivariate but not adjusted analysis (20.5 vs. 15.9%, p = 0.035). In adjusted analysis, tobacco exposure was associated with increased use of corrective lenses (5.0 vs. 2.9%, aOR: 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-4.07). CONCLUSION Prenatal tobacco exposure is not associated with neurodevelopmental impairment in infants born preterm. However, tobacco exposure may be associated with impaired vision. KEY POINTS · Tobacco exposure is not associated with impaired neurodevelopment in this preterm population.. · Prenatal tobacco exposure is associated with increased need for corrective lenses.. · Tobacco use in pregnancy may be a risk factor for poorer visual acuity in children..
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S Robbins
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Christina T Blanchard
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rachel G Sinkey
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Stacy L Harris
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Alan T Tita
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lorie M Harper
- Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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18
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Di Bartolomeo M, Stark T, Maurel OM, Iannotti FA, Kuchar M, Ruda-Kucerova J, Piscitelli F, Laudani S, Pekarik V, Salomone S, Arosio B, Mechoulam R, Maccarrone M, Drago F, Wotjak CT, Di Marzo V, Vismara M, Dell'Osso B, D'Addario C, Micale V. Crosstalk between the transcriptional regulation of dopamine D2 and cannabinoid CB1 receptors in schizophrenia: Analyses in patients and in perinatal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-exposed rats. Pharmacol Res 2021; 164:105357. [PMID: 33285233 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects brain development and might increase the incidence of psychopathology later in life, which seems to be related to a dysregulation of endocannabinoid and/or dopaminergic systems. We here evaluated the transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding for the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (Cnr1) and the dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2) in perinatal THC-(pTHC) exposed male rats, focusing on the role of DNA methylation analyzed by pyrosequencing. Simultaneously, the molecular and behavioral abnormalities at two different time points (i.e., neonatal age and adulthood) and the potential preventive effect of peripubertal treatment with cannabidiol, a non-euphoric component of Cannabis, were assessed. The DRD2 methylation was also evaluated in a cohort of subjects with schizophrenia. We observed an increase in both Cnr1 and Drd2 mRNA levels selectively in the prefrontal cortex of adult pTHC-exposed rats with a consistent reduction in DNA methylation at the Drd2 regulatory region, paralleled by social withdrawal and cognitive impairment which were reversed by cannabidiol treatment. These adult abnormalities were preceded at neonatal age by delayed appearance of neonatal reflexes, higher Drd2 mRNA and lower 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) brain levels, which persisted till adulthood. Alterations of the epigenetic mark for DRD2 were also found in subjects with schizophrenia. Overall, reported data add further evidence to the dopamine-cannabinoid interaction in terms of DRD2 and CNR1 dysregulation which could be implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, suggesting that cannabidiol treatment may normalize pTHC-induced psychopathology by modulating the altered dopaminergic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Oriana Maria Maurel
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vladimir Pekarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Beatrice Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & KO KG, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic, Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada; Joint International Unit on Chemical and Biomolecular Research on the Microbiome and its Impact on Metabolic Health and Nutrition (UMI-MicroMeNu), between Université Laval and Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Matteo Vismara
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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19
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Martin GI. Marijuana: the effects on pregnancy, the fetus, and the newborn. J Perinatol 2020; 40:1470-1476. [PMID: 32507859 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-0708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that there is an increased use of Marijuana (cannabis) during the perinatal period. This review summarizes pertinent legislation (past and present) and the physiology and pathophysiology of cannabis use during pregnancy. The literature which involves issues concerning cannabis and pregnancy is expanding but at present has many gaps and unanswered questions. The effects on the newborn are significant and treatment recommendations including breastfeeding are presented. Also included is a description of developmental delay during the first 2 years of life in infants exposed to prenatal marijuana. In addition, this commentary discusses the increase use of the newer "synthetic" cannabinoids which have greater psychotropic activity and can cause significant harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert I Martin
- Loma Linda's Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
- NICU, Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Campus, 1115 South Sunset Ave, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA.
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20
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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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21
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Smith A, Kaufman F, Sandy MS, Cardenas A. Cannabis Exposure During Critical Windows of Development: Epigenetic and Molecular Pathways Implicated in Neuropsychiatric Disease. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:325-342. [PMID: 32441004 PMCID: PMC7458902 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cannabis exposure during critical windows of development may have intergenerational physiological consequences disrupting epigenetic programming and marks. This review examines the literature relating to pre-gestational and prenatal cannabinoid exposure and its effect on genes and molecular pathways related to the development of psychiatric disease. RECENT FINDINGS Developmental cannabis exposure alters epigenetic processes with functional gene consequences. These include potentially heritable alterations in genes and molecular pathways critical for brain development and associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, addiction, and other psychiatric diseases. Cannabis consumption and mental health illness in adolescents and young adults are increasing in the United States (U.S.), and recent studies suggest that cannabis consumption during critical periods of brain development could contribute to mental health illness through epigenetic mechanisms. These findings warrant future studies and consideration by regulators and health communicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Farla Kaufman
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Martha S Sandy
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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22
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Stroud LR, Papandonatos GD, Jao NC, Vergara-Lopez C, Huestis MA, Salisbury AL. Prenatal tobacco and marijuana co-use: Sex-specific influences on infant cortisol stress response. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2020; 79:106882. [PMID: 32289444 PMCID: PMC7231630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2020.106882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although tobacco (TOB) and marijuana (MJ) are often co-used in pregnancy, little is known regarding the joint impact of MJ + TOB on offspring development, including the developing neuroendocrine stress system. Further, despite evidence for sex-specific impacts of prenatal exposures in preclinical models, the sex-specific impact of prenatal MJ + TOB exposure on offspring neuroendocrine regulation in humans is also unknown. In the current study, overall and sex-specific influences of MJ + TOB co-use on offspring cortisol regulation were investigated over the first postnatal month. 111 mother-infant pairs from a low-income, racially and ethnically diverse sample participated. Based on Timeline Followback data with biochemical verification, three groups were identified: (1) prenatal MJ + TOB, (2) TOB only, and (3) controls. Baseline cortisol and cortisol stress response were assessed at seven points over the first postnatal month using a handling paradigm in which saliva cortisol was assessed before, during, and following a standard neurobehavioral assessment (NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale). A significant exposure group by offspring sex interaction emerged for baseline cortisol over the first postnatal month (p = .043); MJ + TOB-exposed males showed 35-36% attenuation of baseline cortisol levels vs. unexposed and TOB-exposed males (ps ≤ .003), while no effects of exposure emerged for females. Both MJ + TOB and TOB-exposed infants showed a 22% attenuation of cortisol stress response over the first postnatal month vs. unexposed infants (ps < .03), with evidence for sex-specific effects in exploratory analyses. Although results are preliminary, this is the first human study to investigate the impact of prenatal MJ exposure on infant cortisol and the first to reveal a sex-specific impact of prenatal MJ + TOB on cortisol regulation in humans. Future, larger-scale studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms and consequences of sex-specific effects of MJ and MJ + TOB on the developing neuroendocrine stress system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Stroud
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-BH, Providence, RI 02912, United States; Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, United States.
| | - George D Papandonatos
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Room 703, Providence, RI 02903, United States.
| | - Nancy C Jao
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-BH, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Chrystal Vergara-Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-BH, Providence, RI 02912, United States; Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, United States.
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute for Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
| | - Amy L Salisbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-RIH, Hasbro 129, Providence, RI 02903, United States; Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, United States.
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23
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de Salas-Quiroga A, García-Rincón D, Gómez-Domínguez D, Valero M, Simón-Sánchez S, Paraíso-Luna J, Aguareles J, Pujadas M, Muguruza C, Callado LF, Lutz B, Guzmán M, de la Prida LM, Galve-Roperh I. Long-term hippocampal interneuronopathy drives sex-dimorphic spatial memory impairment induced by prenatal THC exposure. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:877-886. [PMID: 31982904 PMCID: PMC7075920 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0621-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most prominent active constituent of cannabis, alters neurodevelopmental plasticity with a long-term functional impact on adult offspring. Specifically, THC affects the development of pyramidal neurons and GABAergic interneurons via cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R). However, the particular contribution of these two neuronal lineages to the behavioral alterations and functional deficits induced by THC is still unclear. Here, by using conditional CB1R knockout mice, we investigated the neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal THC exposure in adulthood, as well as their potential sex differences. Adult mice that had been exposed to THC during embryonic development showed altered hippocampal oscillations, brain hyperexcitability, and spatial memory impairment. Remarkably, we found a clear sexual dimorphism in these effects, with males being selectively affected. At the neuronal level, we found a striking interneuronopathy of CCK-containing interneurons in the hippocampus, which was restricted to male progeny. This THC-induced CCK-interneuron reduction was not evident in mice lacking CB1R selectively in GABAergic interneurons, thus pointing to a cell-autonomous THC action. In vivo electrophysiological recordings of hippocampal LFPs revealed alterations in hippocampal oscillations confined to the stratum pyramidale of CA1 in male offspring. In addition, sharp-wave ripples, a major high-frequency oscillation crucial for learning and memory consolidation, were also altered, pointing to aberrant circuitries caused by persistent reduction of CCK+ basket cells. Taken together, these findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the long-term interneuronopathy responsible for the sex-dimorphic cognitive impairment induced by prenatal THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adán de Salas-Quiroga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Daniel García-Rincón
- 0000 0001 2157 7667grid.4795.fDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain ,0000 0004 1762 4012grid.418264.dCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gómez-Domínguez
- 0000 0001 2177 5516grid.419043.bInstituto Cajal, CSIC, Avda Dr Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Valero
- 0000 0001 2177 5516grid.419043.bInstituto Cajal, CSIC, Avda Dr Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Samuel Simón-Sánchez
- 0000 0001 2157 7667grid.4795.fDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain ,0000 0004 1762 4012grid.418264.dCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Paraíso-Luna
- 0000 0001 2157 7667grid.4795.fDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain ,0000 0004 1762 4012grid.418264.dCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Aguareles
- 0000 0001 2157 7667grid.4795.fDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain ,0000 0004 1762 4012grid.418264.dCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mitona Pujadas
- 0000 0004 1767 9005grid.20522.37Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Muguruza
- 0000000121671098grid.11480.3cDepartment of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Leioa, Spain
| | - Luis F. Callado
- 0000000121671098grid.11480.3cDepartment of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Leioa, Spain
| | - Beat Lutz
- grid.410607.4Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- 0000 0001 2157 7667grid.4795.fDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain ,0000 0004 1762 4012grid.418264.dCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28049, Madrid, Spain.
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24
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Moore BF, Shapiro AL, Wilkening G, Magzamen S, Starling AP, Allshouse WB, Adgate JL, Dabelea D. Prenatal Exposure to Tobacco and Offspring Neurocognitive Development in the Healthy Start Study. J Pediatr 2020; 218:28-34.e2. [PMID: 31759580 PMCID: PMC7042047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the associations between prenatal exposure to tobacco and neurocognitive development, in the absence of prematurity or low birth weight. STUDY DESIGN We followed mother-child pairs within Healthy Start through 6 years of age. Children were born at ≥37 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of ≥2500 g. Parents completed the Third Edition Ages and Stages Questionnaire (n = 246) and children completed a subset of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (n = 200). The Ages and Stages Questionnaire domains were dichotomized as fail/monitor and pass. Maternal urinary cotinine was measured at approximately 27 weeks of gestation. Separate logistic regression models estimated associations between prenatal exposure to tobacco (cotinine below vs above the limit of detection) and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire domains. Separate linear regression models estimated associations between prenatal exposure to tobacco and fully corrected T-scores for inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and receptive language, as assessed by the National Institutes of Health Toolbox. A priori covariates included sex, maternal age, maternal education, daily caloric intake during pregnancy, race/ethnicity, household income, maternal psychiatric disorders, and, in secondary models, postnatal exposure to tobacco. RESULTS Compared with unexposed offspring, exposed offspring were more likely to receive a fail/monitor score for fine motor skills (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5-10.3) and decreased inhibitory control (B: -3.0; 95% CI, -6.1 to -0.7). After adjusting for postnatal exposure, only the association with fine motor skills persisted. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal and postnatal exposures to tobacco may influence neurocognitive development, in the absence of preterm delivery or low birth weight. Increased developmental screening may be warranted for exposed children.
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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, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO, USA
| | - Allison L. Shapiro
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora CO, USA
| | - Greta Wilkening
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora CO, USA
| | - Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Anne P. Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO, USA,Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO, USA
| | - William B. Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO, USA
| | - John L. Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO, USA,Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora CO, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora CO, USA
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25
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Ao Z, Cai H, Havert DJ, Wu Z, Gong Z, Beggs JM, Mackie K, Guo F. One-Stop Microfluidic Assembly of Human Brain Organoids To Model Prenatal Cannabis Exposure. Anal Chem 2020; 92:4630-4638. [PMID: 32070103 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) influences human brain development, but it is challenging to model PCE using animals and current cell culture techniques. Here, we developed a one-stop microfluidic platform to assemble and culture human cerebral organoids from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) to investigate the effect of PCE on early human brain development. By incorporating perfusable culture chambers, air-liquid interface, and one-stop protocol, this microfluidic platform can simplify the fabrication procedure and produce a large number of organoids (169 organoids per 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm device area) without fusion, as compared with conventional fabrication methods. These one-stop microfluidic assembled cerebral organoids not only recapitulate early human brain structure, biology, and electrophysiology but also have minimal size variation and hypoxia. Under on-chip exposure to the psychoactive cannabinoid, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cerebral organoids exhibited reduced neuronal maturation, downregulation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptors, and impaired neurite outgrowth. Moreover, transient on-chip THC treatment also decreased spontaneous firing in these organoids. This one-stop microfluidic technique enables a simple, scalable, and repeatable organoid culture method that can be used not only for human brain organoids but also for many other human organoids including liver, kidney, retina, and tumor organoids. This technology could be widely used in modeling brain and other organ development, developmental disorders, developmental pharmacology and toxicology, and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ao
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Hongwei Cai
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Daniel J Havert
- Department of Physics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Zhuhao Wu
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Zhiyi Gong
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - John M Beggs
- Department of Physics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Ken Mackie
- Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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26
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Roncero C, Valriberas-Herrero I, Mezzatesta-Gava M, Villegas JL, Aguilar L, Grau-López L. Cannabis use during pregnancy and its relationship with fetal developmental outcomes and psychiatric disorders. A systematic review. Reprod Health 2020; 17:25. [PMID: 32066469 PMCID: PMC7027300 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-0880-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study analyze factors associated to cannabis use in pregnant women, its perceived availability, its risk perception and the relationship between prenatal exposure to cannabis and developmental and mental disorders. OBJECTIVES We present a review of the literature on cannabis use among pregnant women. The objective is to analyze factors associated to cannabis use during pregnancy and assess the potential effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis on the development of the fetus and the mental health of those exposed. METHODS Systematic review of studies on the maternal use of cannabis and the relationship between early exposure and the development of psychiatric disorders in the PubMed database until July 2018 in English and Spanish with the following keywords: Marijuana, Cannabinoids, Mental disorders, Pregnancy, Prenatal Cannabis Exposure, Risk factors. RESULTS The use of cannabis among pregnant women is frequent but it has not been extensively researched. Prenatal exposure to cannabis may be associated with affective symptoms and ADHD. CONCLUSIONS Mental healthcare professionals who treat women during their fertile life need to be able to explain the relationship between prenatal exposure to cannabis and the presence of developmental and mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Roncero
- Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex, Salamanca, Spain. .,Institute of Biomedicine of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Isabel Valriberas-Herrero
- Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marcela Mezzatesta-Gava
- Multidisciplinary Unit of Autism Spectrum Disorder (UnimTEA), Mental Health Department, Sant Joan de Deu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José L Villegas
- Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lourdes Aguilar
- Psychiatric Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lara Grau-López
- Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Unit, Psychiatric Service, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain.,Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomus University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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27
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Amin MR, Ahmed KT, Ali DW. Early Exposure to THC Alters M-Cell Development in Zebrafish Embryos. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8010005. [PMID: 31947970 PMCID: PMC7168183 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8010005] [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: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit recreational drugs that is often taken for medicinal purposes. The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, hereafter referred to as THC), which is an agonist at the endocannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R. Here, we exposed zebrafish embryos to THC during the gastrulation phase to determine the long-term effects during development. We specifically focused on reticulospinal neurons known as the Mauthner cells (M-cell) that are involved in escape response movements. The M- cells are born during gastrulation, thus allowing us to examine neuronal morphology of neurons born during the time of exposure. After the exposure, embryos were allowed to develop normally and were examined at two days post-fertilization for M-cell morphology and escape responses. THC treated embryos exhibited subtle alterations in M-cell axon diameter and small changes in escape response dynamics to touch. Because escape responses were altered, we also examined muscle fiber development. The fluorescent labelling of red and white muscle fibers showed that while muscles were largely intact, the fibers were slightly disorganized with subtle but significant changes in the pattern of expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, there were no overt changes in the expression of nicotinic receptor subunit mRNA ascertained by qPCR. Embryos were allowed to further develop until 5 dpf, when they were examined for overall levels of movement. Animals exposed to THC during gastrulation exhibited reduced activity compared with vehicle controls. Together, these findings indicate that zebrafish exposed to THC during the gastrula phase exhibit small changes in neuronal and muscle morphology that may impact behavior and locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ruhul Amin
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Kazi T. Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
| | - Declan W. Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, CW-405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (M.R.A.); (K.T.A.)
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-780-492-6094
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28
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Franks AL, Berry KJ, DeFranco DB. Prenatal drug exposure and neurodevelopmental programming of glucocorticoid signalling. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12786. [PMID: 31469457 PMCID: PMC6982551 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal neurodevelopment is dependent on precise functioning of multiple signalling pathways in the brain, including those mobilised by glucocorticoids (GC) and endocannabinoids (eCBs). Prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine and cannabis, has been shown to not only impact GC signalling, but also alter functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Such exposures can have long-lasting neurobehavioural consequences, including alterations in the stress response in the offspring. Furthermore, cannabis contains cannabinoids that signal via the eCB pathway, which is linked to some components of GC signalling in the adult brain. Given that GCs are frequently used in pregnancy to prevent complications of prematurity, and also that rates of cannabis use in pregnancy are increasing, the likelihood of foetal co-exposure to these compounds is high and may have additional implications for long-term neurodevelopment. Here, we present a discussion of GC signalling and the HPA axis, as well as the effects of prenatal drug exposure on these pathways and the stress response, and we explore the interactions between GC and EC signalling in the developing brain and potential for neurodevelopmental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis L Franks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kimberly J Berry
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donald B DeFranco
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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29
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Cecconi S, Rapino C, Di Nisio V, Rossi G, Maccarrone M. The (endo)cannabinoid signaling in female reproduction: What are the latest advances? Prog Lipid Res 2019; 77:101019. [PMID: 31862482 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis extracts like marijuana have the highest consumption rate worldwide. Yet, their societal acceptance as recreational and therapeutic drugs could represent a serious hazard to female human reproduction, because cannabis ingredients [termed (phyto)cannabinoids] can perturb an endogenous system of lipid signals known as endocannabinoids. Accumulated evidence on animal models and humans has demonstrated a crucial role of these endogenous signals on different aspects of female reproduction, where they act through an ensamble of proteins that synthesize, transport, degrade and traffic them. Several reports have recently evidenced the potential role of endocannabinoids as biomarkers of female infertility for disease treatment and prevention, as well as their possible epigenetic effects on pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of data collected in the last decade on the effects of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on female reproductive events, from development and maturation of follicles and oocytes, to fertilization, oviductal transport, implantation and labor. In this context, a particular attention has been devoted to the ovary and the production of fertilizable oocytes, because recent studies have addressed this hot topic with conflicting results among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Gianna Rossi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64 - 00143 Rome, Italy.
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Hurd YL, Manzoni OJ, Pletnikov MV, Lee FS, Bhattacharyya S, Melis M. Cannabis and the Developing Brain: Insights into Its Long-Lasting Effects. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8250-8258. [PMID: 31619494 PMCID: PMC6794936 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1165-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent shift in sociopolitical debates and growing liberalization of cannabis use across the globe has raised concern regarding its impact on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and adolescents. Epidemiological studies have long demonstrated a relationship between developmental cannabis exposure and later mental health symptoms. This relationship is especially strong in people with particular genetic polymorphisms, suggesting that cannabis use interacts with genotype to increase mental health risk. Seminal animal research directly linked prenatal and adolescent exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive component of cannabis, with protracted effects on adult neural systems relevant to psychiatric and substance use disorders. In this article, we discuss some recent advances in understanding the long-term molecular, epigenetic, electrophysiological, and behavioral consequences of prenatal, perinatal, and adolescent exposure to cannabis/delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Insights are provided from both animal and human studies, including in vivo neuroimaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin L Hurd
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029,
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- Aix Marseille University, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de neurobiologie de la méditerranée, 13273 Marseille, France, and Cannalab, Cannabinoids Neuroscience Research International Associated Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, 13273 Marseille, France
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Francis S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom, and
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Frau R, Miczán V, Traccis F, Aroni S, Pongor CI, Saba P, Serra V, Sagheddu C, Fanni S, Congiu M, Devoto P, Cheer JF, Katona I, Melis M. Prenatal THC exposure produces a hyperdopaminergic phenotype rescued by pregnenolone. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:1975-1985. [PMID: 31611707 PMCID: PMC6884689 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0512-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Increased legal availability of cannabis has led to a common misconception that it is a safe natural remedy for, amongst others, pregnancy-related ailments like morning sickness. Emerging clinical evidence, however, indicates that prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) predisposes offspring to various neuropsychiatric disorders linked to aberrant dopaminergic function. Yet, our knowledge of how cannabis exposure affects the maturation of this neuromodulatory system remains limited. Here, we show that male, but not female, offspring of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-exposed dams, a rat PCE model, exhibit extensive molecular and synaptic changes in dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area, including altered excitatory-to-inhibitory balance and switched polarity of long-term synaptic plasticity. The resulting hyperdopaminergic state leads to increased behavioral sensitivity to acute THC during pre-adolescence. The FDA-approved neurosteroid pregnenolone rescues synaptic defects and normalizes dopaminergic activity and behavior in PCE offspring, suggesting a therapeutic approach for offspring exposed to cannabis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Vivien Miczán
- Momentum Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sonia Aroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Csaba I Pongor
- Nikon Center of Excellence for Neuronal Imaging, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Claudia Sagheddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvia Fanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Mauro Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Devoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - István Katona
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy.
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Wanner NM, Colwell ML, Faulk C. The epigenetic legacy of illicit drugs: developmental exposures and late-life phenotypes. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2019; 5:dvz022. [PMID: 31777665 PMCID: PMC6875650 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The effects of in utero exposure to illicit drugs on adult offspring are a significant and widespread but understudied global health concern, particularly in light of the growing opioid epidemic and emerging therapeutic uses for cannabis, ketamine, and MDMA. Epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and expression of non-coding RNAs provide a mechanistic link between the prenatal environment and health consequences years beyond the original exposure, and shifts in the epigenome present in early life or adolescence can lead to disease states only appearing during adulthood. The current review summarizes the literature assessing effects of perinatal illicit drug exposure on adult disease phenotypes as mediated by perturbations of the epigenome. Both behavioral and somatic phenotypes are included and studies reporting clinical data in adult offspring, epigenetic readouts in offspring of any age, or both phenotypic and epigenetic measures are prioritized. Studies of licit substances of abuse (i.e. alcohol, nicotine) are excluded with a focus on cannabis, psychostimulants, opioids, and psychedelics; current issues in the field and areas of interest for further investigation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Wanner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Mathia L Colwell
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Natural Resource Sciences, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Christopher Faulk
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Natural Resource Sciences, 1988 Fitch Ave, 495B AnSc/VetMed, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Jouroukhin Y, Zhu X, Shevelkin AV, Hasegawa Y, Abazyan B, Saito A, Pevsner J, Kamiya A, Pletnikov MV. Adolescent Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure and Astrocyte-Specific Genetic Vulnerability Converge on Nuclear Factor-κB-Cyclooxygenase-2 Signaling to Impair Memory in Adulthood. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:891-903. [PMID: 30219209 PMCID: PMC6525084 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies have linked adolescent cannabis use to long-term cognitive dysfunction, there are negative reports as well. The fact that not all users develop cognitive impairment suggests a genetic vulnerability to adverse effects of cannabis, which are attributed to action of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a cannabis constituent and partial agonist of brain cannabinoid receptor 1. As both neurons and glial cells express cannabinoid receptor 1, genetic vulnerability could influence Δ9-THC-induced signaling in a cell type-specific manner. METHODS Here we use an animal model of inducible expression of dominant-negative disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DN-DISC1) selectively in astrocytes to evaluate the molecular mechanisms, whereby an astrocyte genetic vulnerability could interact with adolescent Δ9-THC exposure to impair recognition memory in adulthood. RESULTS Selective expression of DN-DISC1 in astrocytes and adolescent treatment with Δ9-THC synergistically affected recognition memory in adult mice. Similar deficits in recognition memory were observed following knockdown of endogenous Disc1 in hippocampal astrocytes in mice treated with Δ9-THC during adolescence. At the molecular level, DN-DISC1 and Δ9-THC synergistically activated the nuclear factor-κB-cyclooxygenase-2 pathway in astrocytes and decreased immunoreactivity of parvalbumin-positive presynaptic inhibitory boutons around pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA3 area. The cognitive abnormalities were prevented in DN-DISC1 mice exposed to Δ9-THC by simultaneous adolescent treatment with the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, NS398. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that individual vulnerability to cannabis can be exclusively mediated by astrocytes. Results of this work suggest that genetic predisposition within astrocytes can exaggerate Δ9-THC-produced cognitive impairments via convergent inflammatory signaling, suggesting possible targets for preventing adverse effects of cannabis within susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jouroukhin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexey V Shevelkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuto Hasegawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bagrat Abazyan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Atsushi Saito
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jonathan Pevsner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Atsushi Kamiya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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34
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Pinky PD, Bloemer J, Smith WD, Moore T, Hong H, Suppiramaniam V, Reed MN. Prenatal cannabinoid exposure and altered neurotransmission. Neuropharmacology 2019; 149:181-194. [PMID: 30771373 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs worldwide. In addition, use of synthetic cannabinoids is increasing, especially among adolescents and young adults. Although human studies have shown that the use of marijuana during pregnancy leads to adverse behavioral effects, such as deficiencies in attention and executive function in affected offspring, the rate of marijuana use among pregnant women is steadily increasing. Various aspects of human behavior including emotion, learning, and memory are dependent on complex interactions between multiple neurotransmitter systems that are especially vulnerable to alterations during the developmental period. Thus, exploration of neurotransmitter changes in response to prenatal cannabinoid exposure is crucial to develop an understanding of how homeostatic imbalance and various long-term neurobehavioral deficits manifest following the abuse of marijuana or other synthetic cannabinoids during pregnancy. Current literature confirms that vast alterations to neurotransmitter systems are present following prenatal cannabinoid exposure, and many of these alterations within the brain are region specific, time-dependent, and sexually dimorphic. In this review, we aim to provide a summary of observed changes to various neurotransmitter systems following cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy and to draw possible correlations to reported behavioral alterations in affected offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka D Pinky
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Jenna Bloemer
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Warren D Smith
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Timothy Moore
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Hao Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Vishnu Suppiramaniam
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
| | - Miranda N Reed
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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35
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Stroud LR, Papandonatos GD, McCallum M, Kehoe T, Salisbury AL, Huestis MA. Prenatal tobacco and marijuana co-use: Impact on newborn neurobehavior. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 70:28-39. [PMID: 30266574 PMCID: PMC6239899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco and marijuana are some of the most common prenatal substance exposures worldwide. The social acceptability and political landscape of marijuana and its potency have changed dramatically in the last two decades leading to increased use by pregnant women. Despite evidence for increasing marijuana use and high rates of co-use of tobacco (TOB) and marijuana (MJ) during pregnancy, the impact of prenatal exposure to each substance is typically studied in isolation. We investigated the influence of co-exposure to TOB and MJ on infant neurobehavioral development over the first postnatal month. Participants were 111 mother-infant pairs from a low-income, diverse sample (Mean age = 25 ± 5; 54% minorities). TOB and MJ use were assessed by Timeline Followback interview with biochemical confirmation. Three groups were identified: (a) prenatal MJ + TOB, (b) prenatal TOB only, (c) controls. Newborn neurobehavior was assessed at seven time points over the first postnatal month using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale. MJ + TOB-exposed infants showed decreased ability to self-soothe (Self-regulation) and attend to stimuli (Attention), and increased need for examiner soothing (Handling) and low motor activity (Lethargy) versus unexposed infants. Despite low levels of MJ use in MJ + TOB co-users, co-exposure was associated with nearly double the impact on infant self-soothing and need for examiner soothing versus TOB-exposure alone. Effects of MJ + TOB co-exposure appeared more pronounced for daughters than for sons. Although results are preliminary, they highlight additional risk from dual exposure to MJ + TOB vs. TOB exposure alone, particularly for daughters. Results also highlight the critical importance of investigating prenatal exposures in concert and the need for intervention efforts to address MJ co-use in pregnant TOB users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Stroud
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-BH, Providence, RI 02912, United States; Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, United States.
| | - George D Papandonatos
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Room 703, Providence, RI 02903, United States.
| | - Meaghan McCallum
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, United States.
| | - Tessa Kehoe
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, United States.
| | - Amy L Salisbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-RIH, Hasbro 129, Providence, RI 02903, United States; Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women & Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, United States.
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute for Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
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Gartstein MA, Skinner MK. Prenatal influences on temperament development: The role of environmental epigenetics. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:1269-1303. [PMID: 29229018 PMCID: PMC5997513 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417001730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge and outlines future directions relevant to questions concerning environmental epigenetics and the processes that contribute to temperament development. Links between prenatal adversity, epigenetic programming, and early manifestations of temperament are important in their own right, also informing our understanding of biological foundations for social-emotional development. In addition, infant temperament attributes represent key etiological factors in the onset of developmental psychopathology, and studies elucidating their prenatal foundations expand our understanding of developmental origins of health and disease. Prenatal adversity can take many forms, and this overview is focused on the environmental effects of stress, toxicants, substance use/psychotropic medication, and nutrition. Dysregulation associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disruptive disorders was noted in the context of maternal substance use and toxicant exposures during gestation, as well as stress. Although these links can be made based on the existing literature, currently few studies directly connect environmental influences, epigenetic programming, and changes in brain development/behavior. The chain of events starting with environmental inputs and resulting in alterations to gene expression, physiology, and behavior of the organism is driven by epigenetics. Epigenetics provides the molecular mechanism of how environmental factors impact development and subsequent health and disease, including early brain and temperament development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Gartstein
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4820, USA
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA-99164-4236, USA
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Ryan SA, Ammerman SD, O’Connor ME, Gonzalez L, Patrick SW, Quigley J, Walker LR, Meek JY, Johnston M, Stellwagen L, Thomas J, Ware J. Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Implications for Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes. Pediatrics 2018; 142:peds.2018-1889. [PMID: 30150209 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-1889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is one of the most widely used substances during pregnancy in the United States. Emerging data on the ability of cannabinoids to cross the placenta and affect the development of the fetus raise concerns about both pregnancy outcomes and long-term consequences for the infant or child. Social media is used to tout the use of marijuana for severe nausea associated with pregnancy. Concerns have also been raised about marijuana use by breastfeeding mothers. With this clinical report, we provide data on the current rates of marijuana use among pregnant and lactating women, discuss what is known about the effects of marijuana on fetal development and later neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes, and address implications for education and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl A. Ryan
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Seth D. Ammerman
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University and Teen Health Van, Stanford Children’s Health, Palo Alto, California
| | - Mary E. O’Connor
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; and
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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38
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Outcomes of developmental exposure to total particulate matter from cigarette smoke in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Neurotoxicology 2018; 68:101-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Motor neuron development in zebrafish is altered by brief (5-hr) exposures to THC (∆ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol) during gastrulation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10518. [PMID: 30002406 PMCID: PMC6043604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit recreational drugs and is widely used for medicinal purposes. The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), whereas the major non-psychoactive ingredient is cannabidiol (CBD). Here, we exposed zebrafish embryos to ∆9-THC or CBD for 5 hours during the critical stage of development known as gastrulation. Embryos were allowed to develop normally and were examined at 2 and 5 days post fertilization. THC and CBD treated embryos exhibited reduced heart rates, axial malformations and shorter trunks. Cannabinoid treatment altered synaptic activity at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and fluorescent labelling of primary and secondary motor neurons indicated a change in branching patterns and a reduction in the number of axonal branches in the trunk musculature. Furthermore, there were alterations in the α-bungarotoxin labelling of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at NMJs. Locomotion studies show that larvae exposed to THC or CBD during gastrulation exhibited drastic reductions in the number of C-start escape responses to sound stimuli, but not to touch stimuli. Together these findings indicate that zebrafish embryos exposed to ∆9-THC or CBD during the brief but critical period of gastrulation exhibited alterations in heart rate, motor neuronal morphology, synaptic activity at the NMJ and locomotor responses to sound.
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40
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Aagaard SK, Larsen A, Andreasen MF, Lesnikova I, Telving R, Vestergaard AL, Tørring N, Uldbjerg N, Bor P. Prevalence of xenobiotic substances in first-trimester blood samples from Danish pregnant women: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e018390. [PMID: 29502084 PMCID: PMC5855249 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of xenobiotic substances, such as caffeine, nicotine and illicit drugs (eg, cannabis and cocaine), in blood samples from first-trimester Danish pregnant women unaware of the screening. DESIGN A cross-sectional study examined 436 anonymised residual blood samples obtained during 2014 as part of the nationwide prenatal first-trimester screening programme. The samples were analysed by ultra performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry. SETTING An antenatal clinic in a Danish city with 62 000 inhabitants, where >95% of pregnant women joined the screening programme. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The prevalence and patterns of caffeine, nicotine, medication and illicit drug intake during the first trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS The prevalence of prescription and over-the-counter drug detection was 17.9%, including acetaminophen (8.9%) and antidepressants (3.0%), of which citalopram (0.9%) was the most frequent. The prevalence of illegal drugs, indicators of smoking (nicotine/cotinine) and caffeine was 0.9%, 9.9%, and 76.4%, respectively. Only 17.4% of women had no substance identified in their sample. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasises the need for further translational studies investigating lifestyle habits during pregnancy, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms through which xenobiotic substances may affect placental function and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sissel Kramer Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Findal Andreasen
- Section for Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Rasmus Telving
- Section for Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Louise Vestergaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Tørring
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pinar Bor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
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Szutorisz H, Hurd YL. High times for cannabis: Epigenetic imprint and its legacy on brain and behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:93-101. [PMID: 28506926 PMCID: PMC5682234 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extensive debates continue regarding marijuana (Cannabis spp), the most commonly used illicit substance in many countries worldwide. There has been an exponential increase of cannabis studies over the past two decades but the drug's long-term effects still lack in-depth scientific data. The epigenome is a critical molecular machinery with the capacity to maintain persistent alterations of gene expression and behaviors induced by cannabinoids that have been observed across the individual's lifespan and even into the subsequent generation. Though mechanistic investigations regarding the consequences of developmental cannabis exposure remain sparse, human and animal studies have begun to reveal specific epigenetic disruptions in the brain and the periphery. In this article, we focus attention on long-term disturbances in epigenetic regulation in relation to prenatal, adolescent and parental germline cannabinoid exposure. Expanding knowledge about the protracted molecular memory could help to identify novel targets to develop preventive strategies and treatments for behaviors relevant to neuropsychiatric risks associated with developmental cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Szutorisz
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Mantovani CDC, Silva JPE, Forster G, Almeida RMD, Diniz EMDA, Yonamine M. Simultaneous accelerated solvent extraction and hydrolysis of 11-nor-Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid glucuronide in meconium samples for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1074-1075:1-7. [PMID: 29329090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis misuse during pregnancy is associated with severe impacts on the mother and baby health, such as newborn low birth weight, growth restriction, pre-term birth, neurobehavioral and developmental deficits. In most of the cases, drug abuse is omitted or denied by the mothers. Thus, toxicological analyzes using maternal-fetal matrices takes place as a suitable tool to assess drug use. Herein, meconium was the chosen matrix to evaluate cannabis exposure through identification and quantification of 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic (THCCOOH). Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was applied for sample preparation technique to simultaneously extract and hydrolyze conjugated THCCOOH from meconium, followed by a solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure. The method was developed and validated for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), reaching hydrolysis efficiency of 98%. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were, respectively, 5 and 10 ng/g. The range of linearity was LOQ to 500 ng/g. Inter and intra-batch coefficients of variation were <8.4% for all concentration levels. Accuracy was in 101.7-108.9% range. Recovery was on average 60.3%. Carryover effect was not observed. The procedure was applied in six meconium samples from babies whose mothers were drug users and showed satisfactory performance to confirm fetal cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia de Carvalho Mantovani
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 13B, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Pereira E Silva
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 13B, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Forster
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 13B, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Menck de Almeida
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 13B, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 13B, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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43
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Fa S, Larsen TV, Bilde K, Daugaard TF, Ernst EH, Lykke-Hartmann K, Olesen RH, Mamsen LS, Ernst E, Larsen A, Nielsen AL. Changes in first trimester fetal CYP1A1 and AHRR DNA methylation and mRNA expression in response to exposure to maternal cigarette smoking. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 57:19-27. [PMID: 29169084 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking increases the risk of intrauterine growth retardation, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and diseases later in life. Exposure can result in postnatal global and gene-specific DNA methylation changes, with the latter well documented for the CYP1A1 and AHRR genes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotic substances. This study assessed the impact of exposure to maternal smoking on first trimester fetal CYP1A1 and AHRR mRNA expression and DNA methylation for CpG-sites displaying maternal smoking during pregnancy-mediated methylation changes at birth. The analyses included first trimester (6-12 weeks) placentas (N=39) and livers (N=43). For AHRR, exposure to maternal smoking was associated with increased DNA methylation in the placentas of female fetuses; mRNA expression, however, was unchanged. While exposure to maternal smoking was not associated with AHRR DNA methylation changes in fetal livers; mRNA expression was increased. For CYP1A1, exposure to maternal smoking was not associated with fetal DNA methylation changes whereas mRNA expression increased in placentas and male fetal livers. These results show that first trimester exposure to maternal smoking is associated with CYP1A1 and AHRR DNA methylation and mRNA expression changes. However, the results also indicate that maternal smoking during pregnancy-mediated postnatal CYP1A1 and AHRR DNA methylation changes are not imprinted during the first trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Fa
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Katrine Bilde
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Emil H Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Karin Lykke-Hartmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Linn S Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Erik Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Aarhus, Skejby Sygehus, Denmark
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
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Obiorah IV, Muhammad H, Stafford K, Flaherty EK, Brennand KJ. THC Treatment Alters Glutamate Receptor Gene Expression in Human Stem Cell-Derived Neurons. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2017; 3:73-84. [PMID: 29230395 DOI: 10.1159/000477762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Given the cognitive and behavioral effects following in utero Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure that have been reported in humans and rodents, it is critical to understand the precise consequences of THC on developing human neurons. Here, we utilize excitatory neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and report that in vitro THC exposure reduced expression of glutamate receptor subunit genes (GRIA1, GRIA2, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B). By expanding these studies across hiPSC-derived neurons from individuals with a variety of genotypes, we believe that a hiPSC-based model will facilitate studies of the interaction of THC exposure and the genetic risk factors underlying neuropsychiatric disease vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeanyi V Obiorah
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hamza Muhammad
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Khalifa Stafford
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erin K Flaherty
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Fransquet PD, Hutchinson D, Olsson CA, Allsop S, Elliott EJ, Burns L, Mattick R, Saffery R, Ryan J. Cannabis use by women during pregnancy does not influence infant DNA methylation of the dopamine receptor DRD4. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2017; 43:671-677. [PMID: 28448718 PMCID: PMC5706968 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2017.1314488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Maternal cannabis use in pregnancy is linked with long-term adverse behavioral outcomes in offspring. Epigenetic processes established in utero that affect dopaminergic (reward) signaling may mediate risks. Associations between cannabis use and offspring DNA methylation have not been investigated; however, maternal tobacco smoking in pregnancy is associated with distinct patterns of DNA methylation at birth and beyond. Objectives: To determine whether maternal cannabis use is associated with methylation of the dopamine receptor gene DRD4 promoter in infants. Methods: Mothers in the Triple B study provided detailed information on drug use in each trimester of pregnancy. Buccal swabs were collected from neonates at 8 weeks (n = 804, 51.7% male, and 48.3% female). DRD4 promoter DNA methylation was measured using SEQUENOM MassARRAY. Results: Fifty-seven of the women in the study reported drug use during pregnancy, of whom 44 used cannabis. Of 19 cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotides (CpG) units tested in DRD4, gestational cannabis use was associated with offspring methylation at 1 CpG unit in multivariate models (β + 1.48, CI: 0.02 to 2.93, and p = 0.047). At another site there was weak evidence that both cannabis and other drug use were independently associated with increased methylation, while the association with tobacco was in the reverse direction (cannabis use β + 0.67, CI: −0.12 to 1.46, and p = 0.09; other drug use β + 1.11, CI: 0.17 to 2.05, and p = 0.02; tobacco use β −0.41, CI: −0.85 to 0.03, and p = 0.07). None of the associations would remain significant after correction for multiple testing. Conclusion: There is no strong evidence that maternal cannabis use in pregnancy is associated with offspring DRD4 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Fransquet
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,h School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Delyse Hutchinson
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,c Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health , Deakin University , Melbourne , Australia.,d National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,c Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health , Deakin University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Steve Allsop
- e National Drug Research Institute , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- f Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health , The University of Sydney, The Sydney Children's Hospital's Network (Westmead) , Sydney , Australia
| | - Lucinda Burns
- b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Richard Mattick
- d National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- a Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.,g Inserm U1061 , Montpellier , France.,h School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
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Melis M, Frau R, Kalivas PW, Spencer S, Chioma V, Zamberletti E, Rubino T, Parolaro D. New vistas on cannabis use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2017; 124:62-72. [PMID: 28373077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa preparations are the most consumed illicit drugs for recreational purposes worldwide, and the number of people seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder has dramatically increased in the last decades. Due to the recent decriminalization or legalization of cannabis use in the Western Countries, we may predict that the number of people suffering from cannabis use disorder will increase. Despite the increasing number of cannabis studies over the past two decades, we have gaps of scientific knowledge pertaining to the neurobiological consequences of long-term cannabis use. Moreover, no specific treatments for cannabis use disorders are currently available. In this review, we explore new research that may help fill these gaps. We discuss and provide a solution to the experimental limitation of a lack of rodent models of THC self-administration, and the importance this model can play in understanding the neurobiology of relapse and in providing a biological rationale for potential therapeutic targets. We also focus our attention on glial cells, commenting on recent preclinical evidence suggesting that alterations in microglia and astrocytes might contribute to the detrimental effects associated with cannabis abuse. Finally, due to the worrisome prevalence rates of cannabis use during pregnancy, we highlight the associations between cannabis use disorders during pregnancy and congenital disorders, describing the possible neuronal basis of vulnerability at molecular and circuit level. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "A New Dawn in Cannabinoid Neurobiology".
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, USA
| | - Sade Spencer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, USA
| | - Vivian Chioma
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, USA
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy; Zardi Gori Foundation, Milan, Italy.
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Beggiato S, Borelli AC, Tomasini MC, Morgano L, Antonelli T, Tanganelli S, Cuomo V, Ferraro L. Long-lasting alterations of hippocampal GABAergic neurotransmission in adult rats following perinatal Δ 9-THC exposure. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 139:135-143. [PMID: 28104530 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The long-lasting effects of gestational cannabinoids exposure on the adult brain of the offspring are still controversial. It has already been shown that pre- or perinatal cannabinoids exposure induces learning and memory disruption in rat adult offspring, associated with permanent alterations of cortical glutamatergic neurotransmission and cognitive deficits. In the present study, the risk of long-term consequences induced by perinatal exposure to cannabinoids on rat hippocampal GABAergic system of the offspring, has been explored. To this purpose, pregnant rats were treated daily with Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; 5mg/kg) or its vehicle. Perinatal exposure to Δ9-THC induced a significant reduction (p<0.05) in basal and K+-evoked [3H]-GABA outflow of 90-day-old rat hippocampal slices. These effects were associated with a reduction of hippocampal [3H]-GABA uptake compared to vehicle exposed group. Perinatal exposure to Δ9-THC induced a significant reduction of CB1 receptor binding (Bmax) in the hippocampus of 90-day-old rats. However, a pharmacological challenge with either Δ9-THC (0.1μM) or WIN55,212-2 (2μM), similarly reduced K+-evoked [3H]-GABA outflow in both experimental groups. These reductions were significantly blocked by adding the selective CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to cannabinoids induces long-term alterations of hippocampal GABAergic system. Interestingly, previous behavioral studies demonstrated that, under the same experimental conditions as in the present study, perinatal cannabinoids exposure induced cognitive impairments in adult rats, thus resembling some effects observed in humans. Although it is difficult and sometimes misleading to extrapolate findings obtained from animal models to humans, the possibility that an alteration of hippocampus aminoacidergic transmission might underlie, at least in part, some of the cognitive deficits affecting the offspring of marijuana users, is supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Lucia Morgano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Antonelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sergio Tanganelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cuomo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Abstract
Nicotine is the primary pharmacologic component of tobacco, and users of tobacco products seek out its effects. The highly addictive nature of nicotine is responsible for its widespread use and difficulty with quitting. This technical report focuses on nicotine and discusses the stages of use in progression to dependence on nicotine-containing products; the physiologic characteristics, neurobiology, metabolism, pharmacogenetics, and health effects of nicotine; and acute nicotine toxicity. Finally, some newer approaches to cessation are noted.
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49
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Fa S, Larsen TV, Bilde K, Daugaard TF, Ernst EH, Olesen RH, Mamsen LS, Ernst E, Larsen A, Nielsen AL. Assessment of global DNA methylation in the first trimester fetal tissues exposed to maternal cigarette smoking. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:128. [PMID: 27924165 PMCID: PMC5123323 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0296-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of negative health consequences for the exposed child. Epigenetic mechanisms constitute a likely link between the prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and the increased risk in later life for diverse pathologies. Maternal smoking induces gene-specific DNA methylation alterations as well as global DNA hypermethylation in the term placentas and hypomethylation in the cord blood. Early pregnancy represents a developmental time where the fetal epigenome is remodeled and accordingly can be expected to be highly prone to exposures with an epigenetic impact. We have assessed the influence of maternal cigarette smoking during the first trimester for fetal global DNA methylation. METHODS AND RESULTS We analyzed the human fetal intestines and livers as well as the placentas from the first trimester pregnancies. Global DNA methylation levels were quantified with ELISA using a methylcytosine antibody as well as with the bisulfite pyrosequencing of surrogate markers for global methylation status, LINE-1, and AluYb8. We identified gender-specific differences in global DNA methylation levels, but no significant DNA methylation changes in exposure responses to the first trimester maternal cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS Acknowledging that only examining subsets of global DNA methylation markers and fetal sample availability represents possible limitations for the analyses, our presented results indicate that the first trimester maternal cigarette smoking is not manifested in immediate aberrations of fetal global DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Fa
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Trine Vilsbøll Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Katrine Bilde
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Tina F Daugaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Emil H Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rasmus H Olesen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Linn S Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Ernst
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Aarhus, Skejby Sygehus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agnete Larsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders L Nielsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholin building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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50
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Richardson KA, Hester AK, McLemore GL. Prenatal cannabis exposure - The "first hit" to the endocannabinoid system. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 58:5-14. [PMID: 27567698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As more states and countries legalize medical and/or adult recreational marijuana use, the incidences of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) will likely increase. While young people increasingly view marijuana as innocuous, marijuana preparations have been growing in potency in recent years, potentially creating global clinical, public health, and workforce concerns. Unlike fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, there is no phenotypic syndrome associated with PCE. There is also no preponderance of evidence that PCE causes lifelong cognitive, behavioral, or functional abnormalities, and/or susceptibility to subsequent addiction. However, there is compelling circumstantial evidence, based on the principles of teratology and fetal malprogramming, suggesting that pregnant women should refrain from smoking marijuana. The usage of marijuana during pregnancy perturbs the fetal endogenous cannabinoid signaling system (ECSS), which is present and active from the early embryonic stage, modulating neurodevelopment and continuing this role into adulthood. The ECSS is present in virtually every brain structure and organ system, and there is also evidence that this system is important in the regulation of cardiovascular processes. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) undergird a broad spectrum of processes, including the early stages of fetal neurodevelopment and uterine implantation. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, enters maternal circulation, and readily crosses the placental membrane. THC binds to CB receptors of the fetal ECSS, altering neurodevelopment and possibly rewiring ECSS circuitry. In this review, we discuss the Double-Hit Hypothesis as it relates to PCE. We contend that PCE, similar to a neurodevelopmental teratogen, delivers the first hit to the ECSS, which is compromised in such a way that a second hit (i.e., postnatal stressors) will precipitate the emergence of a specific phenotype. In summary, we conclude that perturbations of the intrauterine milieu via the introduction of exogenous CBs alter the fetal ECSS, predisposing the offspring to abnormalities in cognition and altered emotionality. Based on recent experimental evidence that we will review here, we argue that young women who become pregnant should immediately take a "pregnant pause" from using marijuana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberlei A Richardson
- Howard University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, 520 W Street, NW, Suite 3408, Washington, DC 20059, United States.
| | - Allison K Hester
- Howard University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, 520 W Street, NW, Suite 3408, Washington, DC 20059, United States.
| | - Gabrielle L McLemore
- Morgan State University, Department of Biology-SCMMS, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, United States.
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