Summary: New research has revealed that using cannabis while pregnant can lead to chemical changes in the genes of children who are exposed, affecting mental development. Major DNA changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment were discovered in the study, indicating a direct connection between prenatal cannabis use and developmental issues.
These findings are mainly concerning because more pregnant women use cannabis, especially to lessen symptoms related to pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for better direction on the risks of using marijuana while pregnant to avoid possible long-term effects on children.
Important Facts:
- Genes involved in brain development undergo chemical changes as a result of hemp use during pregnancy.
- These DNA modifications have an impact on genes involved in neurocognitive disorders.
- Cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing, raising fears about infant health.
Origin: University of Canterbury
Recent research suggests that using cannabis while pregnant has a direct impact on a baby’s mental development.
For the first time, a study led by Te Whare Wnanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) School of Biological Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr. Amy Osborne has discovered that prenatal hemp use is linked to chemical changes in the chromosomes of revealed children.
” We know hemp use during , pregnancy , is associated with childhood and adolescent mental development and mental work”, Dr. Osborne says.
Yet, previous studies have failed to establish the specific link between hemp coverage and the negative effects on neurodevelopment that have been observed.
The study is , published , in the journal , Molecular Psychiatry.
Dr. Osborne says the new research is crucial because cannabis use during childbirth is a growing problem:” Cannabis is now the most widely used medicine, excluding alcohol and tobacco, among , female women , in the United States and the frequency has been rising since the COVID-19 pandemic”.
The study, which is a partnership between UC and the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom, uses , genetic data , from two , vertical reports, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in the UK, and the Christchurch Health and Development Study.
The research uncovers genome-wide, major DNA changes in the mother ‘ fetuses who smoked marijuana while pregnant.
” Using data from individuals at birth, aged seven, 15-17, and 27, we showed a molecular signature of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE ) in exposed individuals”, Dr. Osborne says.
” In a world-first, we identified a major amount of , chemical changes , in chromosomes involved in neurodevelopment and developmental disorder, across the life course. This is a significant finding because it demonstrates that prenatal cannabis coverage has an impact on neurodevelopmental genes.
Dr. Osborne claims that the findings add to growing evidence that there is a causal relationship between PCE and undesirable results in babies who are exposed.
This is of major concern, because globally, some expectant women are using cannabis and cannabis-containing products to reduce pregnancy symptoms and anxiety, she says.
The use of hemp during pregnancy may continue to rise as the wider presence of cannabis products abroad, and later in New Zealand. However, the affects of this exercise are not well known.
We hope that our analysis will lead to larger cohort studies and that pregnant women will quickly receive clearer guidance regarding the effects of cannabis use. Then, the potential danger to children remains, and may likely grow.”
About this information about CUD, genetics, and neurodevelopment studies
Author: Amy Osborne
Source: University of Canterbury
Contact: Amy Osborne – University of Canterbury
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Start entry.
By Amy Osborne et al.,” Prenatal hemp exposure is associated with adaptations in descendants DNA methylation at genes involved in neurodevelopment, across the living sure.” Chemical Psychotherapy
Abstract
Over the life course, alterations in descendants DNA methylation at genes involved in neurodevelopment are a result of antenatal cannabis coverage.
Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE ) is of increasing concern globally, due to the potential impact on offspring neurodevelopment, and its association with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function.
But, there is currently not enough research to understand the molecular basis of PCE, which might aid in establishing a causal link between PCE and neurodevelopment.
To address this knowledge gap, here we present epigenome-wide association study data across multiple time points, examining the effect of PCE and co-exposure with tobacco using two longitudinal studies, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children ( ALSPAC ) and the Christchurch Health and Development Study ( CHDS ) at birth ( 0 y ), 7 y and 15–17 y ( ALSPAC ), and ~27 y ( CHDS ).
Our findings reveal genome-wide major DNA methyl differences in descendants at 0 con, 7 y, 15–17 con, and 27 con associated with PCE only, and co-exposure with tobacco. Importantly, we identified significantly differentially methylated CpG sites within the genes , LZTS2, NPSR1, NT5E,  , CRIP2, DOCK8, COQ5, and , LRP5 , that are shared between different time points throughout development in offspring.
Notably, functional pathway analysis showed enrichment for differential DNA methylation in neurodevelopment, neurotransmission, and neuronal structure pathways, and this was consistent across all timepoints in both cohorts.
This study emphasizes the need for further investigation into PCE, particularly in larger cohorts, given the growing body of epidemiological evidence that links a link between PCE and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed offspring.
