Cannabis exposure changed the methylation of 3,679 DNA sites in human ovarian follicle cells, with some changes occurring in a dose-dependent manner, raising questions about potential effects on fertility and offspring.
Women of childbearing age, fertility specialists, and reproductive epigenetics researchers.
3,679 DNA methylation changes in cannabis-exposed ovarian cells
What the researchers found
Among 14 matched case-control patients, cannabis-exposed ovarian follicle cells showed 3,679 differentially methylated DNA sites, with two-thirds affecting coding genes. A hotspot on chromosome 9 involved a zinc-finger protein (ZFP37) and long non-coding RNA. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in G protein-coupled receptor signaling, cellular transport, immune response, and proliferation. Sixteen genomic features changed in a concentration-dependent manner.
Why it matters
This is the first DNA methylation profile of human ovarian follicle cells exposed to cannabis. With increasing cannabis use among women of childbearing age, understanding epigenetic effects on egg development is critical.
The numbers in context
14 matched case-control patients. 3,679 differentially methylated sites. 2,214 differentially methylated genomic features. 71 differentially methylated regions. 16 genomic features changed dose-dependently.
How the study worked
Case-control study measuring whole-genome DNA methylation in granulosa cells from 14 matched patients. Cannabis exposure determined by LC-MS/MS measurement of five phytocannabinoids in follicular fluid. Methylation measured using Illumina EPIC kit.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample size (14 patients). Cannot determine whether methylation changes affect fertility or offspring outcomes. Cross-sectional design cannot track changes over time.
How to read the evidence
First-of-its-kind study with rigorous molecular methods, but very small sample size and unknown functional significance.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
Epigenetic changes in ovarian follicle cells could potentially affect egg quality and, if heritable, could have consequences for offspring development.
Questions still open
- Are these methylation changes reversible if cannabis use stops? Could these epigenetic modifications be transmitted to offspring?
Common questions
What is DNA methylation and why does it matter?
Does this mean cannabis damages eggs?
Read the original research
Cannabis significantly alters DNA methylation of the human ovarian follicle in a concentration-dependent manner.
Molecular human reproduction, 28(7)
Citation
Fuchs Weizman, Noga; Wyse, Brandon A; Montbriand, Janice; Jahangiri, Sahar; Librach, Clifford L. (2022). Cannabis significantly alters DNA methylation of the human ovarian follicle in a concentration-dependent manner.. Molecular human reproduction, 28(7). https://doi.org/10.1093/molehr/gaac022
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