A recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has shed light on the potential risks of consuming THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) during pregnancy. The study, published in the journal Clinical Epigenetics, explores the impact of THC on fetal development and highlights the potential long-term health consequences for offspring.
As cannabis use becomes more prevalent, particularly among pregnant women seeking relief from symptoms like morning sickness, the effects of prenatal cannabis use on fetal development have remained uncertain due to a lack of safety data. To address this gap, OHSU researchers utilized a non-human primate model to investigate the effects of THC exposure during pregnancy.
The findings revealed that exposing pregnant subjects to THC led to significant alterations in the placental and fetal epigenome. Epigenetic changes refer to modifications in DNA that influence gene regulation and expression. Notably, these changes were found to be consistent with those observed in various neurobehavioral conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.
Lead author Lyndsey Shorey-Kendrick, Ph.D., emphasized the need for better understanding of the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. Despite the common perception that cannabis is safe, it carries health risks, particularly for certain populations like pregnant women. By gaining a deeper understanding of the impacts, healthcare professionals can effectively communicate the risks to patients and promote safer practices during the vulnerable prenatal period.
Using a nonhuman primate model, the researchers administered THC via daily edibles and compared the effects to a placebo group. They focused on evaluating epigenetic changes in crucial areas related to healthy prenatal development, such as the placenta, fetal lung, brain, and heart. The analyses revealed that THC exposure led to alterations in the epigenome, potentially affecting the proper functioning of genes associated with neurobehavioral disorders.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of considering the potential risks of THC use during pregnancy and its impact on gene regulation during critical developmental stages. Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been linked to adverse health outcomes in childhood and adolescence, including cognitive impairments and behavioral issues.
The research team, comprising experts such as Dr. Eliot Spindel, Dr. Elinor Sullivan, Dr. Owen McCarty, and Dr. Jason Hedges, aims to contribute to the existing limited knowledge on THC use during pregnancy. Their hope is that these findings will inform patient counseling and shape future public health policies related to cannabis use.
Dr. Jamie Lo, the corresponding author of the study and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to initiate conversations about cannabis use with patients who are pregnant or planning to conceive. By fostering open dialogue, medical professionals can help improve children’s long-term health outcomes by raising awareness of the potential risks associated with cannabis use in the preconception and prenatal periods.