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Lee K, Vanin S, Nashed M, Sarikahya MH, Laviolette SR, Natale DRC, Hardy DB. Cannabidiol Exposure During Gestation Leads to Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Early in Postnatal Life in Male Rat Offspring. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:781-796. [PMID: 38358335 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0213] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Studies indicate that ∼7% of pregnant individuals in North America consume cannabis in pregnancy. Pre-clinical studies have established that maternal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; major psychoactive component in cannabis) leads to fetal growth restriction and impaired cardiac function in offspring. However, the effects of maternal exposure to cannabidiol (CBD; major non-euphoric constituent) on cardiac outcomes in offspring remain unknown. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the functional and underlying molecular impacts in the hearts of offspring exposed to CBD in pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to either 3 or 30 mg/kg CBD or vehicle control i.p. daily from gestational day 6 to term. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function in male and female offspring at postnatal day (PND) 21. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunoblotting, and bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed on PND21 offspring hearts. Results: Despite no differences in the heart-to-body weight ratio, both doses of CBD led to reduced cardiac function exclusively in male offspring at 3 weeks of age. Underlying this, significant alterations in the expression of the endocannabinoid system (ECS; e.g., decreased cannabinoid receptor 2) were observed. In addition, bulk RNA-seq data demonstrated transcriptional pathways significantly enriched in mitochondrial function/metabolism as well as development. Conclusion: Collectively, we demonstrated for the first time that gestational exposure to CBD, a constituent perceived as safe, leads to early sex-specific postnatal cardiac deficits and alterations in the cardiac ECS in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sebastian Vanin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Nashed
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed Halit Sarikahya
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Hume C, Baglot SL, Javorcikova L, Lightfoot SHM, Scheufen J, Hill MN. Effects of prenatal THC vapor exposure on body weight, glucose metabolism, and feeding behaviors in chow and high-fat diet fed rats. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41366-024-01512-8. [PMID: 38528095 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4-20% of people report using cannabis during pregnancy, thereby it is essential to assess the associated risks. There is some evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) may be associated with increased risk for developing of obesity and diabetes later in life, however this has not been well explored under controlled conditions. The aim of this study was to use a translational THC vapor model in rodents to characterize the effects of PCE on adiposity, glucose metabolism, and feeding patterns in adulthood, with focus on potential sex differences. METHODS Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to vaporized THC (100 mg/ml) or control (polyethylene glycol vehicle) across the entire gestational period. Adult offspring from PCE (n = 24) or control (n = 24) litters were subjected to measures of adiposity, glucose metabolism and feeding behavior. Rats were then placed onto special diets (60% high-fat diet [HFD] or control 10% low fat diet [LFD]) for 4-months, then re-subjected to adiposity, glucose metabolism and feeding behavior measurements. RESULTS PCE did not influence maternal weight or food consumption but was associated with transient decreased pup weight. PCE did not initially influence bodyweight or adiposity, but PCE did significantly reduce the rate of bodyweight gain when on HFD/LFD, regardless of which diet. Further, PCE had complex effects on glucose metabolism and feeding behavior that were both sex and diet dependent. No effects of PCE were found on plasma leptin or insulin, or white adipose tissue mass. CONCLUSIONS PCE may not promote obesity development but may increase risk for diabetes and abnormal eating habits under certain biological and environmental conditions. Overall, this data enhances current understanding of the potential impacts of PCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hume
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy | Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Samantha L Baglot
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lucia Javorcikova
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Savannah H M Lightfoot
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Scheufen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew N Hill
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute | Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education | Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy | Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Moore BF. Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:154-166. [PMID: 38172481 PMCID: PMC10933144 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To consolidate information on the obesogenic and cardiometabolic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis. RECENT FINDINGS A PubMed search strategy updated from January 1, 2014, through 14 June 2023, produced a total of 47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is consistently associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. After birth, these offspring gain weight rapidly and have increased adiposity and higher glucose (fat mass percentage) in childhood. More preclinical and prospective studies are needed to deepen our understanding of whether these associations vary by sex, dose, timing, and composition of cannabis (e.g., ratio of delta-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC] to cannabidiol [CBD]). Addressing these gaps may help to solidify causality and identify intervention strategies. Based on the available data, clinicians and public health officials should continue to caution against cannabis use during pregnancy to limit its potential obesogenic and adverse cardiometabolic effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna F Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N Revere Ct, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA.
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Black T, Baccetto SL, Barnard IL, Finch E, McElroy DL, Austin-Scott FVL, Greba Q, Michel D, Zagzoog A, Howland JG, Laprairie RB. Characterization of cannabinoid plasma concentration, maternal health, and cytokine levels in a rat model of prenatal Cannabis smoke exposure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21070. [PMID: 38030657 PMCID: PMC10687022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47861-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis sativa has gained popularity as a "natural substance", leading many to falsely assume that it is not harmful. This assumption has been documented amongst pregnant mothers, many of whom consider Cannabis use during pregnancy as benign. The purpose of this study was to validate a Cannabis smoke exposure model in pregnant rats by determining the plasma levels of cannabinoids and associated metabolites in the dams after exposure to either Cannabis smoke or injected cannabinoids. Maternal and fetal cytokine and chemokine profiles were also assessed after exposure. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated daily from gestational day 6-20 with either room air, i.p. vehicle, inhaled high-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (18% THC, 0.1% cannabidiol [CBD]) smoke, inhaled high-CBD (0.7% THC, 13% CBD) smoke, 3 mg/kg i.p. THC, or 10 mg/kg i.p. CBD. Our data reveal that THC and CBD, but not their metabolites, accumulate in maternal plasma after repeated exposures. Injection of THC or CBD was associated with fewer offspring and increased uterine reabsorption events. For cytokines and chemokines, injection of THC or CBD up-regulated several pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to control or high-THC smoke or high-CBD smoke in placental and fetal brain tissue, whereas smoke exposure was generally associated with reduced cytokine and chemokine concentrations in placental and fetal brain tissue compared to controls. These results support existing, but limited, knowledge on how different routes of administration contribute to inconsistent manifestations of cannabinoid-mediated effects on pregnancy. Smoked Cannabis is still the most common means of human consumption, and more preclinical investigation is needed to determine the effects of smoke inhalation on developmental and behavioural trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Sarah L Baccetto
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ilne L Barnard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Emma Finch
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Faith V L Austin-Scott
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Deborah Michel
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Ayat Zagzoog
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 3B36, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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5
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Sarikahya MH, Cousineau SL, De Felice M, Szkudlarek HJ, Wong KKW, DeVuono MV, Lee K, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Gummerson D, Proud E, Ng THJ, Hudson R, Jung T, Hardy DB, Yeung KKC, Schmid S, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Prenatal THC exposure induces long-term, sex-dependent cognitive dysfunction associated with lipidomic and neuronal pathology in the prefrontal cortex-hippocampal network. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4234-4250. [PMID: 37525013 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
With increasing maternal cannabis use, there is a need to investigate the lasting impact of prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychotropic compound in cannabis, on cognitive/memory function. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which relies on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to function, plays a crucial role in regulating prefrontal cortical (PFC) and hippocampal network-dependent behaviors essential for cognition and memory. Using a rodent model of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE), we report that male and female offspring display long-term deficits in various cognitive domains. However, these phenotypes were associated with highly divergent, sex-dependent mechanisms. Electrophysiological recordings revealed hyperactive PFC pyramidal neuron activity in both males and females, but hypoactivity in the ventral hippocampus (vHIPP) in males, and hyperactivity in females. Further, cortical oscillatory activity states of theta, alpha, delta, beta, and gamma bandwidths were strongly sex divergent. Moreover, protein expression analyses at postnatal day (PD)21 and PD120 revealed primarily PD120 disturbances in dopamine D1R/D2 receptors, NMDA receptor 2B, synaptophysin, gephyrin, GAD67, and PPARα selectively in the PFC and vHIPP, in both regions in males, but only the vHIPP in females. Lastly, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS), we identified region-, age-, and sex-specific deficiencies in specific neural PUFAs, namely docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), and related metabolites, in the PFC and hippocampus (ventral/dorsal subiculum, and CA1 regions). This study highlights several novel, long-term and sex-specific consequences of PCE on PFC-hippocampal circuit dysfunction and the potential role of specific PUFA signaling abnormalities underlying these pathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed H Sarikahya
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Samantha L Cousineau
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Karen K W Wong
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Marieka V DeVuono
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care,, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Dana Gummerson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Emma Proud
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Tsun Hay Jason Ng
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Tony Jung
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care,, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Ken K-C Yeung
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada.
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Mulligan MK, Hamre KM. Influence of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on early development and beyond. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10981. [PMID: 38389825 PMCID: PMC10880766 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Public perception surrounding whether cannabis use is harmful during pregnancy often diverges greatly from the recommendations of doctors and healthcare providers. In contrast to the medical guidance of abstinence before, during, and after pregnancy, many women of reproductive age believe cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with little potential harm. Legalization and social cues support public perceptions that cannabis use during pregnancy is safe. Moreover, pregnant women may consider cannabis to be a safe alternative for treating pregnancy related ailments, including morning sickness. Compounding the problem is a lack of medical and federal guidance on safe, low, or high-risk levels of cannabis use. These issues mirror the continuing debate surrounding alcohol use and health, in particular, whether there are safe or lower risk levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Clinical studies to date suffer from several limitations. First, most human studies are correlative in nature, meaning that causal associations cannot be made between in utero cannabis exposure and health and behavioral outcomes later in life. Due to obvious ethical constraints, it is not possible to randomly assign pregnant mothers to cannabis or other drug exposure conditions-a requirement needed to establish causality. In addition, clinical studies often lack quantitative information on maternal exposure (i.e., dose, frequency, and duration), include a small number of individuals, lack replication of outcome measures across cohorts, rely on self-report to establish maternal drug use, and suffer from unmeasured or residual confounding factors. Causal associations between maternal cannabis exposure and offspring outcomes are possible in preclinical cohorts but there is a large amount of heterogeneity across study designs and developmental differences between rodents and humans may limit translatability. In this review, we summarize research from human and preclinical models to provide insight into potential risks associated with prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE). Finally, we highlight gaps in knowledge likely to contribute to the growing divide between medical guidance and public attitudes regarding cannabis use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Kristin M Hamre
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis, TN, United States
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In utero exposure to cannabidiol disrupts select early-life behaviors in a sex-specific manner. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:501. [PMID: 36470874 PMCID: PMC9722662 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main components of cannabis, is generally considered safe. CBD crosses the placenta and its use during pregnancy is steadily increasing, the impact of gestational CBD's effects on prenatal life and neurodevelopment are poorly understood. Here, we combined behavioral approaches and deep learning analysis to assess the sex-dependent neonatal behavior of CBD exposed progeny. Gestating C57BL6/J dams were exposed daily with vehicle or CBD (3 mg/Kg, s.c.), from gestational day 5 to 18. Body weight, pup ultrasound vocalizations (USVs, PND 10) and homing behavior (PND 13) were quantified in the progeny. Thus, male (but not female) pups from CBD-treated dams gained more weight than sham. There were sex-dependent differences in the coarse characteristics of ultrasonic vocalizations. Prenatally-CBD exposed male pups emitted shorter calls, whereas CBD females made more high frequency calls when compared with their control counterparts. There were significant qualitative changes in the syllabic USV repertoire reflected in call typologies and communication patterns. Finally, the homing behavior test showed that CBD-exposed females presented a greater vulnerability to gestational CBD than males. Only CBD-exposed female pups showed reduced motor and discriminatory abilities. Together the results suggest a sexual divergence in the consequences of in utero CBD exposure on neonates at early developmental ages, which may be predictive of adult psychopathology. Given the extent of cannabis and CBD use worldwide, these findings challenge the idea that CBD is a universally safe compound and reveal the need for additional studies on the effect of perinatal CBD exposure.
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Asadi F, Fernandez Andrade JA, Gillies R, Lee K, Dhanvantari S, Hardy DB, Arany EJ. Sex-dependent Effect of In-utero Exposure to Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Glucagon and Stathmin-2 in Adult Rat Offspring. Can J Diabetes 2022; 46:851-862. [PMID: 35985923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) to pregnant rats results in glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and reduced islet mass in female, but not male, offspring. The effects of Δ9-THC on other islet hormones is not known. One downstream target of the cannabinoid receptor, stathmin-2 (Stmn2), has recently been shown to suppress glucagon secretion, thereby suggesting Δ9-THC may also affect alpha-cell function. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of in-utero Δ9-THC exposure on the profile of glucagon, insulin and Stmn2 in the rat offspring islet and serum. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rat dams were injected with Δ9-THC (3 mg/kg per day, intraperitoneally) or vehicle from gestational day 6 to birth. Offspring were euthanized at postnatal day 21 (PND21) or at 5 months (adult) to collect blood and pancreata. RESULTS At PND21, control and Δ9-THC-exposed offspring showed that Stmn2 had a strong colocalization with glucagon (Pearson's correlation coefficient ≥0.6), and a weak colocalization with insulin (Pearson's correlation coefficient <0.4) in both males and females, with no changes by either treatment or sex. In adult female offspring in the Δ9-THC group, intensity analysis indicated an increased insulin-to-glucagon (I/G; p<0.05) ratio and a decreased glucagon-to-Stmn2 (G/S; p<0.01) ratio, and no changes in these ratios in adult males. Furthermore, Δ9-THC did not alter fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels in either male or female adult offspring. However, female Δ9-THC-exposed offspring exhibited an increased I/G ratio (p<0.05) and decreased G/S ratio in serum by adulthood (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, the reduced G/S ratio in both islet and serum in association with an increased serum I/G ratio has direct correlations with early glucose intolerance and insulin resistance observed exclusively in females' offspring in this prenatal cannabinoid model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Asadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Andres Fernandez Andrade
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan Gillies
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Barry Hardy
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edith Juliana Arany
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Chen D, Wang YY, Li SP, Zhao HM, Jiang FJ, Wu YX, Tong Y, Pang QF. Maternal propionate supplementation ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolic disturbance in hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction. Food Funct 2022; 13:10724-10736. [PMID: 36177734 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo01481e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), one of the major complications of pregnancy, is characterized by low birth weight and results in higher risks for long-term problems including developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionate, have been reported to correct glucose and lipid disorders in metabolic diseases. We hypothesized that maternal propionate supplementation could prevent glucose and lipid metabolic disturbance in hypoxia-induced IUGR. Here, in our study, maternal hypoxia was induced from gestational day (GD) 11 to GD 17.5 to establish an IUGR mouse model. Maternal propionate treatment reversed reduced birth weight in male IUGR offspring. Hepatic transcriptomics demonstrated that SP treatment significantly lowered glucose and lipid metabolism-related genes (Scd1, G6pc, Pck1 and Fasl) in IUGR offspring. KOG enrichment analysis showed that propionate-induced down-regulated differential expressed genes (DEGs) mainly belonged to lipid transport and metabolism. KEGG enrichment results showed that the down-regulated DEGs were mostly enriched in PPAR and FoxO signaling pathways. We also found that maternal oral administration of SP decreased serum lipid content, attenuated hepatic insulin resistance and liver lipid accumulation, reduced hepatic key gene expressions of gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis, increased energy expenditure and improved liver function in 11-week-old male IUGR offspring. These results indicate that maternal propionate supplementation increases birth weight and corrects hepatic glucose and lipid metabolic disturbance and energy expenditure in male mice born with IUGR, which may provide a basis for using propionate to treat IUGR disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Sheng-Peng Li
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Hui-Min Zhao
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Feng-Juan Jiang
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Ya-Xian Wu
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Ying Tong
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Qing-Feng Pang
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Binhu District, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
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10
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Hryciw DH. Early Life Nutrition and the Development of Offspring Metabolic Health. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158096. [PMID: 35897668 PMCID: PMC9330842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deanne H. Hryciw
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
- Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
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11
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Martínez-Peña AA, Lee K, Pereira M, Ayyash A, Petrik JJ, Hardy DB, Holloway AC. Prenatal Exposure to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Alters the Expression of miR-122-5p and Its Target Igf1r in the Adult Rat Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148000. [PMID: 35887347 PMCID: PMC9323798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As cannabis use during pregnancy increases, it is important to understand its effects on the developing fetus. Particularly, the long-term effects of its psychoactive component, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on the offspring’s reproductive health are not fully understood. This study examined the impact of gestational THC exposure on the miRNA profile in adult rat ovaries and the possible consequences on ovarian health. Prenatal THC exposure resulted in the differential expression of 12 out of 420 evaluated miRNAs. From the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-122-5p, which is highly conserved among species, was the only upregulated target and had the greatest fold change. The upregulation of miR-122-5p and the downregulation of its target insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r) were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Prenatally THC-exposed ovaries had decreased IGF-1R-positive follicular cells and increased follicular apoptosis. Furthermore, THC decreased Igf1r expression in ovarian explants and granulosa cells after 48 h. As decreased IGF-1R has been associated with diminished ovarian health and fertility, we propose that these THC-induced changes may partially explain the altered ovarian follicle dynamics observed in THC-exposed offspring. Taken together, our data suggests that prenatal THC exposure may impact key pathways in the developing ovary, which could lead to subfertility or premature reproductive senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annia A. Martínez-Peña
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.A.M.-P.); (A.A.)
| | - Kendrick Lee
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.L.); (D.B.H.)
| | - Madison Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.P.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Ahmed Ayyash
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.A.M.-P.); (A.A.)
| | - James J. Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (M.P.); (J.J.P.)
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (K.L.); (D.B.H.)
| | - Alison C. Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.A.M.-P.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(905)-525-9140 (ext. 22130)
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12
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Song YP, Lv JW, Zhao Y, Chen X, Zhang ZC, Fan YJ, Zhang C, Gao L, Huang Y, Wang H, Xu DX. DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming of β-oxidation genes mediates early-life arsenic-evoked hepatic lipid accumulation in adult mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128511. [PMID: 35739688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic disorders are becoming an epidemic disease endangering public health in countries. Environmental factors are mainly reason for the growth of metabolic disorders. Previous research suggests that DNA methylation is a potential mechanism. Recently, it has been reported that DNA hydroxymethylation is also a stable marker of epigenetic reprogramming. Hence, the study aims to investigate whether DNA hydroxymehylation mediates early-life environmental stress-evoked metabolic disorder in adulthood. Mice were orally administered with arsenic (As), an environmental stressor, throughout pregnancy. We show that early-life As exposure induces glucose intolerance and hepatic lipid accumulation in adulthood. Early-life As exposure alters epigenetic reprogramming and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes including β-oxidation-specific genes in adulthood. Of interest, early-life As exposure alters epigenetic reprogramming of hepatic lipid metabolism partially through reducing DNA hydroxymethylation modification of β-oxidation-related genes in developing liver. Mechanistically, early-life As exposure suppresses ten-eleven translocation (TET) activity through downregulating isocitrate dehydrogenases (Idh) and reducing alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) content in the developing liver. In addition, early-life As exposure inhibits TET1 binding to CpG-rich fragments of β-oxidation-related genes in developing liver. This study provide novel evidence that early-life environmental stress leads to later life metabolic disorders by altering hepatic DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Song
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jin-Wei Lv
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yi-Jun Fan
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yichao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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13
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Lee K, Hardy DB. Metabolic Consequences of Gestational Cannabinoid Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9528. [PMID: 34502436 PMCID: PMC8430813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 20% of pregnant women ages 18-24 consume cannabis during pregnancy. Moreover, clinical studies indicate that cannabis consumption during pregnancy leads to fetal growth restriction (FGR), which is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type II diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease in the offspring. This is of great concern considering that the concentration of Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), a major psychoactive component of cannabis, has doubled over the last decade and can readily cross the placenta and enter fetal circulation, with the potential to negatively impact fetal development via the endocannabinoid (eCB) system. Cannabis exposure in utero could also lead to FGR via placental insufficiency. In this review, we aim to examine current pre-clinical and clinical findings on the direct effects of exposure to cannabis and its constituents on fetal development as well as indirect effects, namely placental insufficiency, on postnatal metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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