Cannabis use can cause changes in the human epigenome, a study of more than 1,000 adults suggests. The epigenome acts like a series of switches, activating or deactivating genes to change the way our bodies function.
“We looked at the association between cumulative marijuana use and multiple epigenetic markers over time,” says epidemiologist Li-Fang Hou, PhD in preventive medicine and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. explained In July 2023.
cannabis It is a commonly used substance in the United States, with 49% of people having tried it at least once, Hou and a team of American researchers report in a report. published papers. Although it has been legalized in some US states and other countries, its effects on our health are not yet fully understood.
The researchers surveyed about 1,000 adults who had participated in previous longitudinal studies who were asked about their cannabis use over a 20-year period. Study participants provided blood samples twice during that time, at 15 and 20 years. They were between 18 and 30 years old at baseline, or “year 0.”
Using these blood samples, separated by five years, Hou and her team investigated epigenetic changes, particularly DNA methylation Levels of recent or long-term cannabis use in people.
Add or remove methyl group Modifications from DNA are among the most studied epigenetic modifications. Gene activity changes without changing the genome sequence. Because when these molecular changes get in the way, it becomes difficult for cells to read the genome’s instruction manual.
Environmental and lifestyle factors can cause these methylation changes, which can be passed on to future generations and blood. biomarker We can provide information about recent and past exposures.
“We previously identified a link between marijuana use and the aging process captured through DNA methylation,” Ho says. Said.
“We wanted to further investigate whether specific epigenetic factors are associated with marijuana and whether these factors are associated with health outcomes.”
Comprehensive data on cannabis use by participants allowed them to estimate cumulative and recent use over time and analyze it compared to DNA methylation markers in their blood.
They found numerous DNA methylation markers in blood samples over a 15-year period, 22 of which were associated with recent use and 31 with cumulative cannabis use. In samples taken at 20 years, 132 markers associated with recent use and 16 markers associated with cumulative use were identified.
“Interestingly, we have consistently identified one marker that has previously been associated with tobacco use,” Hou said. explained“Suggests that common epigenetic regulation may exist between tobacco and marijuana use.”
Multiple epigenetic changes associated with cannabis use have previously been associated with: cell proliferation, hormone signalinginfectious diseases, neurological diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorderand substance use disorder.
It’s important to note that this study does not prove that cannabis directly causes these changes or causes any health problems.
“This study provided new insights into the association between marijuana use and epigenetic factors.” Said said Drew Nannini, an epidemiologist at Northwestern University.
“Additional research is needed to determine whether these associations are consistently observed in different populations. Additionally, studies examining the effects of marijuana on age-related health outcomes will may provide further insight into the long-term effects of marijuana.”
This study molecular psychiatry.
A previous version of this article was published in July 2023.
