Prenatal cannabinoid exposure altered reproductive cell development differently in male and female offspring | Research

The takeaway

In an animal model, prenatal exposure to a CB2 receptor agonist produced sex-specific changes in offspring germ cells through histone modifications, suggesting cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy may affect reproductive development.

Reproductive biologists, epigenetics researchers, and those studying prenatal cannabis exposure effects on offspring.

Prenatal CB2 activation caused sex-specific germ cell changes via histone modification

What the researchers found

Prenatal CB2 receptor activation caused sex-specific changes in germ cell development in offspring, with effects mediated through histone modifications (epigenetic changes). Male and female germ cells were affected differently.

Why it matters

Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing, and potential effects on offspring reproductive development are poorly understood. This study identifies a specific mechanism (epigenetic changes in germ cells) through which prenatal cannabinoid exposure could affect fertility in the next generation.

The numbers in context

Prenatal CB2 agonist exposure. Sex-specific effects on germ cells. Histone modification changes identified in offspring reproductive cells.

How the study worked

Animal study exposing pregnant animals to a CB2 receptor agonist. Examined effects on male and female offspring germ cells using epigenetic (histone modification) analysis.

What this study cannot tell us

Animal study using a specific CB2 agonist, not whole cannabis. Doses may not reflect human exposure levels. Germ cell changes may not translate to functional fertility effects. Sex-specific effects need replication. Transgenerational implications are speculative.

How to read the evidence

Animal study identifying an epigenetic mechanism. Important signal but distant from human clinical relevance.

When this study was published

Published 2023.

The bigger picture

Epigenetic effects of prenatal exposures can potentially extend across generations. If cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy alters germ cells in offspring, it could theoretically affect the fertility and health of grandchildren.

Questions still open

Do these epigenetic changes in germ cells persist into adulthood? Would they affect actual fertility or offspring health in the next generation?

Common questions

Can cannabis use during pregnancy affect children's fertility?

This animal study found that activating cannabinoid receptors during pregnancy changed the development of reproductive cells in offspring. Whether this translates to human fertility effects is unknown. The finding raises a theoretical concern that needs human research to evaluate.

What are histone modifications?

Histones are proteins around which DNA wraps. Chemical modifications to histones (like methylation or acetylation) change which genes are turned on or off without changing the DNA sequence itself. This type of epigenetic change can be passed to daughter cells and potentially to future generations.

Read the original research

Prenatal exposure to CB2 receptors agonist differentially impacts male and female germ cells via histone modification.

Mechanisms of ageing and development, 213, 111840

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Zucchi, Alice; Innocenzi, Elisa; Onorato, Angelo; Dolci, Susanna; Colopi, Ambra; Balistreri, Carmela Rita; Grimaldi, Paola. (2023). Prenatal exposure to CB2 receptors agonist differentially impacts male and female germ cells via histone modification.. Mechanisms of ageing and development, 213, 111840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2023.111840