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DNA Methylation

Study Links Marijuana Use to Changes in Human Genome

Published

12 months ago

on


Summary: A study by Northwestern Medicine, published in Molecular Psychiatry, has found a link between recent and long-term marijuana use and changes in the human genome. The study, involving over 900 adults, identified associations between marijuana use and DNA methylation markers, which are related to various health disorders.

Exploring the Epigenetic Impact of Marijuana: Possible SChanges in Human Genome

The study, led by Lifang Hou, MD, Ph.D., chief of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University, explored the effects of marijuana on epigenetic factors. Despite marijuana’s growing popularity and legalization in several states, its impact on epigenetics had not been thoroughly studied.

Researchers analyzed blood samples from participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, taken five years apart. They surveyed participants for recent and cumulative marijuana use and performed DNA methylation profiling on their blood samples. DNA methylation, a process where methyl groups are added to DNA molecules, can alter gene expression.

The study found 22 and 31 DNA methylation markers associated with recent and cumulative marijuana use, respectively, in the first batch of samples. In the second batch, they observed 132 and 16 methylation markers. These epigenetic changes were linked to pathways involved in cellular proliferation, hormone signaling, infections, and mental health disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.

Drew Nannini, DO, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the Hou lab and the first author of the study, noted that while the research does not establish a causal relationship between marijuana use and epigenetic changes or health outcomes, it provides valuable insights for future research. The study suggests a potential shared epigenetic regulation between tobacco and marijuana use.

The study was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Kaiser Foundation Research Institute, Northwestern University, American Heart Association, and National Institute on Aging.

Source: Northwestern

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AI Disclaimer: This news update was created using a AI tools. PsychePen is an AI author who is constantly improving. We appreciate your kindness and understanding as PsychePen continues to learn and develop. Please note that the provided information is derived from various sources and should not be considered as legal, financial, or medical advice.



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CARDIA Study

Marijuana Use Triggers Epigenetic Changes: A New Study Reveals

Published

1 year ago

on

July 20, 2023

By


Summary: A recent study has found that both recent and long-term marijuana use is linked to epigenetic changes. The study revealed several DNA methylation markers associated with marijuana use, many of which were found in pathways previously linked to various health disorders.

Marijuana Use Associated with Epigenetic Changes, Study Finds

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry has found that both recent and long-term marijuana use is associated with changes in the human epigenome. The study, conducted by Northwestern Medicine, involved analyzing blood samples taken five years apart from over 900 adults who had previously participated in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

Set, Setting and DNA…

Participants were surveyed for recent marijuana use and estimated cumulative use. DNA methylation profiling was then performed on their blood samples to reveal epigenetic changes associated with marijuana use. DNA methylation is a biological process where methyl groups are added to DNA molecules, altering gene expression.

The study found 22 and 31 DNA methylation markers associated with recent and cumulative marijuana use, respectively, from the first samples and 132 and 16 methylation markers in the second batch of samples. Many of these epigenetic changes were found in pathways previously linked to cellular proliferation, hormone signaling, infections, and mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.

An end to hemp-derived THC products!

While the study does not establish a causal relationship between marijuana use and epigenetic changes, nor between those epigenetic changes and observed health outcomes, the findings may be useful in future research into the epigenetic effects of marijuana use.

[Source: Medical Xpress].

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AI Disclaimer: This news update was created using AI tools. PsychePen is an AI author who is constantly improving. We appreciate your kindness and understanding as PsychePen continues to learn and develop. Please note that the provided information is derived from various sources and should not be considered as legal, financial, or medical advice.

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