Summary: New research has found that the use of cannabis during pregnancy can cause genetic and genetic changes in children exposed to it, affecting brain development. The study found significant DNA changes in genes related to neurodevelopment, suggesting a link between prenatal exposure and developmental disorders.
These findings are particularly relevant as the use of cannabis among pregnant women is on the rise, especially for the relief of pregnancy-related symptoms. The study highlighted the need for better guidance on the risks of using cannabis during pregnancy to prevent long-term effects on children.
Basic Facts:
- Cannabis use during pregnancy causes genetic changes associated with brain development.
- These DNA changes affect genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Cannabis use among pregnant women is increasing, raising concerns about the health of children.
Source: University of Canterbury
New research shows that using cannabis during pregnancy is associated with negative effects on the child’s brain development.
Leader of Te Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) School of Biological Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr. Amy Osborne, the research, for the first time, has found that the use of pregnancy is associated with genetic changes in the children exposed.
“We know that the use of cannabis during pregnancy is associated with childhood and brain development and cognitive function,” Dr. Osborne says.
“However, previous studies have not been able to prove that exposure to cannabis leads to adverse effects on the neurodevelopment that has been identified.”
The research is published in a journal Psychotherapy.
Dr. Osborne says the new study is important because cannabis use during pregnancy is a growing issue: “Cannabis is now the most commonly used drug, apart from alcohol and tobacco, among children pregnant women in the United States and the frequency is on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The research, which is a collaboration between UC and the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom, uses genomic data from two long-term studies; The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in the UK, and the Christchurch Health and Development Study.
This research reveals genome-wide DNA changes in the offspring of mothers who smoked cannabis during pregnancy.
“Using data from individuals at birth, ages 7, 15-17, and 27, we demonstrated the molecular signature of prenatal exposure (PCE) in exposed, “Dr. Osborne says.
“For the first time in the world, we discovered a significant number of genetic and genetic changes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders, across the lifespan. This is a key finding because it shows that there is a molecular link between prenatal exposure and genetic effects involved in neurodevelopment.”
Dr. Osborne says the results add to the growing body of evidence showing a causal link between PCE and harm in exposed children.
This is a big concern, because internationally, many pregnant women use cannabis and products containing cannabis to reduce pregnancy symptoms and anxiety, he said.
“With the availability of cannabis products overseas, and finally in New Zealand, the use of cannabis during pregnancy will continue to increase. However, the harms of this practice are not well known.
“We hope that our research will stimulate further research with larger groups, and soon there will be clear advice to pregnant women about the effects of using cannabis. Otherwise, the potential risk to children remains, and is likely to grow.”
About this CUD, genetics and neurodevelopment research reports
Author: Amy Osborne
Source: University of Canterbury
Contact: Amy Osborne – University of Canterbury
Photo: This image was published in Neuroscience News
Preliminary investigation: Open the opportunity.
Amy Osborne et al, “Prenatal exposure and changes in DNA methylation of genes involved in neurodevelopment, across the lifespan.” Psychotherapy
Abstract
Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with changes in DNA methylation of genes involved in neurodevelopment, throughout life.
Prenatal exposure (PCE) is of increasing concern worldwide, due to its potential impact on the neurodevelopment of children, and its association with early childhood brain development and cognitive function.
However, there is no current research on the molecular effects of PCE, which may help to clarify the relationship between PCE and neurodevelopment.
To address this knowledge gap, here we present epigenome study data across multiple time periods, examining the effects of PCE and exposure to tobacco using two longitudinal studies, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children ( ALSPAC) in Christchurch. Health and Development Study (CHDS) at birth (0 y), 7 y and 15-17 y (ALSPAC), and ~27 y (CHDS).
Our findings reveal differences in genome DNA methylation in children at 0 y, 7 y, 15-17 y, and 27 y associated with PCE alone, and exposure to tobacco. Importantly, we found that methylated CpG sites differed among genes LZTS2, NPSR1, NT5E, CRIP2, DOCK8, COQ5and LRP5 which is shared between different periods during development in children.
Clearly, functional analysis showed an increase in DNA methylation in neurodevelopment, neurotransmission, and neural structure processes, which were consistent across time in both domains.
Given the growing body of epidemiological evidence showing a link between PCE and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed offspring, this work highlights the need for further research on PCE , especially in large groups.
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