Smoking marijuana complicates the course of pregnancy in the future
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A new study of scientists shows that cannabinoid compounds that are part of marijuana, and also produced in the human body, can provoke genetic mutations, cause biological disorders in the formation of the placenta during pregnancy and provoke preeclampsia - a severe form of late toxicosis in expectant mothers. In this condition, pregnant women have high blood pressure, and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus is limited. In addition, pre-eclampsia affects the condition of the liver, kidneys and brain of the mother.
The results of the study of scientists suggest that abnormal biological signals produced by endocannabinoids, which belong to endogenous lipid molecules and are produced by the body, disrupt the movement of early embryonic cells, which are important for a healthy pregnancy. In particular, these are trophoblast cells that form the placenta. Abnormal function of the placenta is widely known as preeclampsia - a medical condition of unknown nature, dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
The scientists conducted an experiment in mice. They carried out an analysis of rodent embryos whose cells were mutated under the influence of endocannabinoid signals. They found that both jamming and increasing the strength of endocannabinoid signals adversely affect the life of trophoblast stem cells.
"The results of our studies indicate a negative effect of cannabinoids on the development of the embryo," said lead researcher Professor Suhansu Day. "Considering that endocannabinoid signals play a key role in the central nervous system, it would be interesting to study the damaged embryonic cell at the stage of brain development."
In the current study, scientists conducted an analysis of DNA microarrays of embryos with anomalous signaling of endocannabinoids to determine the level of expression of genes important for the healthy development of the embryo.
Expression of numerous genes, important for the movement of cells and normal development of embryos, was lower than in the control group.
The authors of the survey believe that the data obtained can help in further studies of the causes of preeclampsia.
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