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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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Tran VN, Strnad O, Šuman J, Veverková T, Sukupová A, Cejnar P, Hynek R, Kronusová O, Šach J, Kaštánek P, Ruml T, Viktorová J. Cannabidiol nanoemulsion for eye treatment - Anti-inflammatory, wound healing activity and its bioavailability using in vitro human corneal substitute. Int J Pharm 2023; 643:123202. [PMID: 37406946 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123202] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive component of the plant Cannabis sativa (L.) that has great anti-inflammatory benefits and wound healing effects. However, its high lipophilicity, chemical instability, and extensive metabolism impair its bioavailability and clinical use. Here, we report on the preparation of a human cornea substitute in vitro and validate this substitute for the evaluation of drug penetration. CBD nanoemulsion was developed and evaluated for stability and biological activity. The physicochemical properties of CBD nanoemulsion were maintained during storage for 90 days under room conditions. In the scratch assay, nanoformulation showed significantly ameliorated wound closure rates compared to the control and pure CBD. Due to the lower cytotoxicity of nanoformulated CBD, a higher anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated. Neither nanoemulsion nor pure CBD can penetrate the cornea after the four-hour apical treatment. For nanoemulsion, 94 % of the initial amount of CBD remained in the apical compartment while only 54 % of the original amount of pure CBD was detected in the apical medium, and 7 % in the cornea, the rest was most likely metabolized. In summary, the nanoemulsion developed in this study enhanced the stability and biological activity of CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Nguyen Tran
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Strnad
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jáchym Šuman
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Veverková
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Adéla Sukupová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Cejnar
- Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Radovan Hynek
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Kronusová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic; EcoFuel Laboratories Ltd., Ocelářská 392, 190 00 Prague 9, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Šach
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Teaching Hospital Královské Vinohrady Prague, Šrobárova 50, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kaštánek
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic; EcoFuel Laboratories Ltd., Ocelářská 392, 190 00 Prague 9, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Viktorová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technicka 3, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Alves P, Amaral C, Teixeira N, Correia-da-Silva G. Effects of a combination of cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on key biological functions of HTR-8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cells. Toxicology 2023; 495:153614. [PMID: 37567336 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153614] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, cannabis use has increased among pregnant women. In addition, the phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alone or in combination are being used for therapeutical applications. THC and CBD are able to cross the placenta and a lot remains unknown concerning their impact on angiogenesis and extravillous trophoblasts' (EVTs) migration and invasion, which are essential processes for placentation. Thus, in this study, the HTR-8/SVneo cell line was employed to evaluate the effects of CBD, THC and of their combination (1:1, 2 µM). Cannabinoids affected epithelial-mesenchymal transition, as showed by increased expression of the epithelial protein marker E-cadherin for CBD and CBD plus THC treatments, and decrease of mesenchymal intermediate filament vimentin for all treatments. The gene expression of the metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, and of their inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2 was increased, except the latter for THC treatment. Moreover, CBD reduced cell migration and invasion, an effect that was enhanced by its combination with THC. CBD with or without THC also upregulated the gene expression of PGF, while the anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 was increased for all treatments. VEGFA and FLT1 were not affected. Alone or combined CBD and THC also decreased tube segments' length. Additionally, ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation was increased in the CBD and CBD plus THC-treated cells, while THC only activated STAT3. AKT activation was only affected by CBD. This work demonstrates that the exposure to cannabinoid-based products containing CBD and/or THC, may interfere with key processes of EVTs differentiation. Therefore, crucial phases of placental development can be affected, compromising pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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Hayer S, Mandelbaum AD, Watch L, Ryan KS, Hedges MA, Manuzak JA, Easley CA, Schust DJ, Lo JO. Cannabis and Pregnancy: A Review. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2023; 78:411-428. [PMID: 37480292 PMCID: PMC10372687 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000001159] [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] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Importance Prenatal cannabis use is rising and is a major public health issue. Cannabis use in pregnancy and during lactation has been associated with increased maternal and offspring morbidity and mortality. Objective This review aims to summarize the existing literature and current recommendations for cannabis use during pregnancy or lactation. Evidence Acquisition A PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar literature search using the following terms was performed to gather relevant data: "cannabis," "cannabinoid," "delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol," "THC," "cannabidiol," "fetal outcomes," "perinatal outcomes," "pregnancy," and "lactation." Results Available studies on cannabis use in pregnancy and during lactation were reviewed and support an association with increased risk of preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age infants. Conclusion and Relevance There is a critical need for research on the effects of cannabis use in pregnancy and during lactation. This is a necessary first step before furthering patient education, developing interventions, and targeting antenatal surveillance to ameliorate the adverse impacts on maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarena Hayer
- Postgraduate Year 2, Obstetrics-Gynecology Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | - Ava D Mandelbaum
- MS2 Medical Student, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Lester Watch
- Postgraduate Year 1, Obstetrics-Gynecology Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | - Madeline A Hedges
- Research Assistant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Jennifer A Manuzak
- Assistant Professor, Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA
| | - Charles A Easley
- Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Jamie O Lo
- Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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5
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Gingrich J, Choudhuri S, Cournoyer P, Downey J, Muldoon Jacobs K. Review of the oral toxicity of cannabidiol (CBD). Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 176:113799. [PMID: 37088127 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Information in the published literature indicates that consumption of CBD can result in developmental and reproductive toxicity and hepatotoxicity outcomes in animal models. The trend of CBD-induced male reproductive toxicity has been observed in phylogenetically disparate organisms, from invertebrates to non-human primates. CBD has also been shown to inhibit various cytochrome P450 enzymes and certain efflux transporters, resulting in the potential for drug-drug interactions and cellular accumulation of xenobiotics that are normally transported out of the cell. The mechanisms of CBD-mediated toxicity are not fully understood, but they may involve disruption of critical metabolic pathways and liver enzyme functions, receptor-specific binding activity, disruption of testosterone steroidogenesis, inhibition of reuptake and degradation of endocannabinoids, and the triggering of oxidative stress. The toxicological profile of CBD raises safety concerns, especially for long term consumption by the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Gingrich
- Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA.
| | - Supratim Choudhuri
- Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Patrick Cournoyer
- Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Jason Downey
- Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Kristi Muldoon Jacobs
- Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
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6
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Rokeby ACE, Natale BV, Natale DRC. Cannabinoids and the placenta: Receptors, signaling and outcomes. Placenta 2023; 135:51-61. [PMID: 36965349 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing. The improvement of pregnancy-related symptoms including morning sickness and management of mood and stress are among the most reported reasons for its use. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most abundant cannabinoids found within the cannabis flower. The concentration of these components has drastically increased in the past 20 years. Additionally, many edibles contain only one cannabinoid and are marketed to achieve a specific goal, meaning there are an increasing number of pregnancies that are exposed to isolated cannabinoids. Both Δ9-THC and CBD cross the placenta and can impact the fetus directly, but the receptors through which cannabinoids act are also expressed throughout the placenta, suggesting that the effects of in-utero cannabinoid exposure may include indirect effects from the placenta. In-utero cannabis research focuses on short and long-term fetal health and development; however, these studies include little to no placenta analysis. Prenatal cannabinoid exposure is linked to small for gestational age and fetal growth-restricted babies. Compromised placental development is also associated with fetal growth restriction and the few studies (clinical and animal models) that included placental analysis, identify changes in placental vasculature and function in these cannabinoid-exposed pregnancies. In vitro studies further support cannabinoid impact on cell function in the different populations that comprise the placenta. In this article, we aim to summarize how phytocannabinoids can impact placental development and function. Specifically, the cannabinoids and their actions at the different receptors are described, with receptor localization throughout the human and murine placenta discussed. Findings from studies that included placental analysis and how cannabinoid signaling may modulate critical developmental processing including cell proliferation, angiogenesis and migration are described. Considering the current research, prenatal cannabinoid exposure may significantly impact placental development, and, as such, identifying windows of placental vulnerability for each cannabinoid will be critical to elucidate the etiology of fetal outcome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey C E Rokeby
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bryony V Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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7
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Emerging Roles of Endocannabinoids as Key Lipid Mediators for a Successful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065220. [PMID: 36982295 PMCID: PMC10048990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Cannabis use/misuse for treating pregnancy-related symptoms and other chronic conditions has increased among pregnant women, favored by decriminalization and/or legalization of its recreational uses in addition to its easy accessibility. However, there is evidence that prenatal Cannabis exposure might have adverse consequences on pregnancy progression and a deleterious impact on proper neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring. Maternal Cannabis use could interfere with the complex and finely controlled role performed by the endocannabinoid system in reproductive physiology, impairing multiple gestational processes from blastocyst implantation to parturition, with long-lasting intergenerational effects. In this review, we discuss current clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of endocannabinoids in development, function, and immunity of the maternal–fetal interface, focusing on the impact of Cannabis constituents on each of these gestational processes. We also discuss the intrinsic limitations of the available studies and the future perspectives in this challenging research field.
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De Genna NM, Kennon-McGill S, Goldschmidt L, Richardson GA, Chang JC. Factors associated with ever using cannabidiol in a cohort of younger pregnant people. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 96:107162. [PMID: 36717004 PMCID: PMC9992243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
One in four Americans have used cannabidiol (CBD) products in the past year, and use has become prevalent in many Western countries with recent deregulation from a controlled or illicit substance to an unrestricted product. CBD is also marketed to pregnant people to treat common medical conditions. However, preclinical work has linked cannabidiol exposure to embryotoxicity, as well as neuroendocrine, reproductive, and behavioral effects in offspring. No studies have examined the prevalence or correlates of CBD use among pregnant people. Demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of cannabidiol use were examined in the YoungMoms study, a cohort of pregnant people under the age of 22, a population that is at high risk for cannabis use during pregnancy. Few of the participants (n = 186; 75% Black or Biracial) reported use of cannabidiol during pregnancy, but one in five had tried these products. Participants who reported ever using CBD were more likely to report alcohol and other drug use prior to pregnancy, controlling for race.As the use of CBD among people of reproductive age is increasingly prevalent, more research on CBD use in pregnant human populations is needed to investigate the effects of CBD on fetal development and infant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha M De Genna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Stefanie Kennon-McGill
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences School of Public Health, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States of America.
| | - Lidush Goldschmidt
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Program in Epidemiology, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Gale A Richardson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
| | - Judy C Chang
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Medicine, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America.
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9
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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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10
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Gheasuddin Y, Galea GL. Cannabidiol impairs neural tube closure in mouse whole embryo culture. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:1186-1193. [PMID: 35416425 PMCID: PMC9790336 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive constituent of cannabis widely available as a dietary supplement. Previous reports that it impairs the retinoid, sonic hedgehog, and folate metabolism pathways raise concern that it may impair closure of the embryonic neural tube (NT), producing NT defects including spina bifida and exencephaly. METHODS We undertook teratogenicity testing of CBD in mouse whole embryo culture. RESULTS At concentrations that do not diminish embryo viability, growth, or axial rotation, CBD dose-dependently impairs cranial NT closure, increasing the proportion of embryos that develop exencephaly. It concomitantly diminishes closure of the spinal NT, the posterior neuropore (PNP), producing longer neuropores at the end of culture which is a hallmark of spina bifida risk. Exposure to CBD does not disrupt the formation of long F-actin cables in surface ectoderm cells flanking the PNP or folding of the neuroepithelium at predictable hinge points. At the cellular level, CBD exposure does not alter proliferation or apoptosis of the spinal neuroepithelium. DISCUSSION Thus, CBD acts selectively as a neuroteratogen predisposing to spina bifida and exencephaly in mouse whole embryo culture at exposure levels not associated with overt toxicity. Large-scale testing of CBD's effects on NT closure, particularly in at-risk groups, is warranted to inform its marketing to women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuf Gheasuddin
- Developmental Biology and CancerUCL GOS Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Gabriel L. Galea
- Developmental Biology and CancerUCL GOS Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
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11
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Liu W, Li S, Zhou Q, Fu Z, Liu P, Cao X, Xi S. 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether induces placental toxicity via activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 244:114034. [PMID: 36063615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is one of the most important polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners, and epidemiological studies have shown that it can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of placental injury in BDE-47-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes through in vivo and in vitro models. From day 0.5 to day 16.5 of pregnancy of ICR mice, BDE-47 oral doses of 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day were administered. Immunohistochemical staining found that BDE-47 inhibited the expression of CD34 in mouse placenta, and ELISA results showed that BDE-47 reduced the levels of VEGF and PlGF in the serum of pregnant mice. Western blot assays found that the expression levels of VEGF-A and invasion-related factors were decreased in the placentas of BDE-47-treated group, which indicated that BDE-47 could impair placental angiogenesis. Furthermore, BDE-47 inhibited proliferation, increased apoptosis and autophagy, and activated p38 MAPK signaling pathway in mouse placental tissue. In vitro, HTR-8/SVneo cells were treated with 0, 5, 10, 20 μM BDE-47 for 24 h. Wound healing assays and Transwell assays showed that BDE-47 inhibited the migration and invasion ability of HTR-8/SVneo cells. We also found that BDE-47 inhibited the proliferation of HTR-8/SVneo cells and increased apoptosis and autophagy. BDE-47 activated p38 MAPK signaling pathway in HTR-8/SVneo cells, and inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling pathway in HTR-8/SVneo cells restored the effects caused by BDE-47. In conclusion, BDE-47 impairs placental angiogenesis by inhibiting cell migration and invasion, and induces placental toxicity by inhibiting proliferation, increasing apoptosis and autophagy. In vitro, activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the processes of placental injury by BDE-47.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijue Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Rood, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sihao Li
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Rood, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Rood, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhushan Fu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Rood, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pinya Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Rood, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiyue Cao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Rood, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuhua Xi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Rood, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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