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Maia J, Almada M, Midão L, Fonseca BM, Braga J, Gonçalves D, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. The Cannabinoid Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Disrupts Estrogen Signaling in Human Placenta. Toxicol Sci 2021; 177:420-430. [PMID: 32647869 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis consumption is increasing worldwide either for recreational or medical purposes. Its use during gestation is associated with negative pregnancy outcomes such as, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased risk of miscarriage, though the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Cannabis sativa main psychoactive compound, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is highly lipophilic, and as such, readily crosses the placenta. Consequently, THC may alter normal placental development and function. Here, we hypothesize alterations of placental steroidogenesis caused by THC exposure. The impact on placental estrogenic signaling was examined by studying THC effects upon the enzyme involved in estrogens production, aromatase and on estrogen receptor α (ERα), using placental explants, and the cytotrophoblast cell model BeWo. Aromatase expression was upregulated by THC, being this effect potentiated by estradiol. THC also increased ERα expression. Actions on aromatase were ERα-mediated, as were abolished by the selective ER downregulator ICI-182780 and dependent on the cannabinoid receptor CB1 activation. Furthermore, the presence of the aromatase inhibitor Exemestane did not affect THC-induced increase in ERα expression. However, THC effects on ERα levels were reversed by the antagonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors AM281 and AM630, respectively. Thus, we demonstrate major alterations in estrogen signaling caused by THC, providing new insight on how cannabis consumption leads to negative pregnancy outcomes, likely through placental endocrine alterations. Data presented in this study, together with our recently reported evidence on THC disruption of placental endocannabinoid homeostasis, represent a step forward into a deeper comprehension of the puzzling actions of THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Maia
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Almada
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Midão
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Química, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Braga
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, 4050-371 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Gonçalves
- Departamento da Mulher e da Medicina Reprodutiva, Serviço de Obstetrícia, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte-Centro Hospitalar do Porto, 4050-371 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Hansen TM, Sabourin BC, Oketola B, Bernstein CN, Singh H, Targownik LE. Cannabis Use in Persons With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vulnerability to Substance Misuse. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:1401-1406. [PMID: 31725152 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izz272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unknown whether cannabis users self-medicating their inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms are more likely to have comorbid mental health or personality risk factors associated with an increased potential for substance misuse compared with recreational cannabis users. METHODS We surveyed individuals with IBD about their cannabis use, their mental health symptoms, and personality risk factors associated with substance misuse. We compared risk factors for substance misuse between individuals using cannabis to manage IBD symptoms and those using cannabis recreationally. RESULTS Of 201 persons with IBD who completed the questionnaire, 108 reported lifetime cannabis use. Of those, a larger proportion of Crohn's disease patients used cannabis to manage IBD symptoms (53% [34/64] vs 28% [12/43]; P = 0.010). Individuals self-medicating with cannabis were more likely to use cannabis for coping reasons (P = 0.016) and demonstrated higher levels of impulsivity (P = 0.004) and depressive symptoms (P = 0.012) when compared with individuals using cannabis recreationally. Logistic regression revealed that cannabis was 4.1 times (P = 0.05) and 3.7 times (P = 0.05) more likely to be used for IBD symptoms by smokers and individuals with moderate-severe depressive symptoms, respectively. Individuals high in impulsivity were 4.1 times more likely to use cannabis for their IBD symptoms than those low in impulsivity (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Persons with IBD self-medicating with cannabis have characteristics associated with increased vulnerability to substance misuse when compared with those using cannabis recreationally. Screening for mental health comorbidities and vulnerability to substance misuse should be undertaken if cannabis is to be used to treat IBD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawnya M Hansen
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brigitte C Sabourin
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Banke Oketola
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Harminder Singh
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Laura E Targownik
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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