Alcohol, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana Exposure Have Distinct Effects on the Human Placenta

Carter, R. Colin; Wainwright, Helen; Molteno, Christopher D.; Georgieff, Michael; Dodge, Neil C.; Warton, Fleur L.; Meintjes, Ernesta M.; Jacobson, Joseph L.; Jacobson, Sandra W.

doi:10.1111/acer.13022

Cited by 64 publications

(76 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…In order to eliminate the effects of other potential confounding factors, we selected only three marijuana smokers without tobacco or alcohol addiction. Previously, studies focused on placental pathological characteristics reported that marijuana exposure was associated with larger placenta [30] and no significant differences in the placental villi between controls and marijuana using mothers [31], while potential effects of marijuana exposure on placental development were still largely unknown. Their findings were not consistent with our present results.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suppression of STAT3 Signaling by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Induces Trophoblast Dysfunction

Chang¹,

Bian²,

He³

et al. 2017

Cell Physiol Biochem

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Aims: Marijuana is a widely used illicit drug and its consumption during pregnancy has been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chronic intake of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major component of marijuana, on trophoblast function, placental development, and birth outcomes. Methods: The pathological characteristics and distribution of cannabinoid receptors in placenta were observed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Cell migration in response to THC was measured by transwell assays. The levels of cannabinoid receptors and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) were detected by western blot. Results: We found the placenta expressed two main cannabinoid receptors, suggesting that THC induced biological responses in placental cells. Supporting this hypothesis, we observed dramatic alterations of placental morphology in marijuana users. Using THC and inhibitors of cannabinoid receptors, we demonstrated that THC impaired trophoblast cell migration and invasion partly via cannabinoid receptors. Additionally, pregnant mice injected with THC showed adverse reproductive events including reduced number of fetuses, lower maternal and placental weights. Mechanistically, STAT3 signaling pathway was involved in the THC-induced suppression of trophoblast cell motility and pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the STAT3 signaling pathway plays a critical role in THC-induced trophoblast dysfunction.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suppression of STAT3 Signaling by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Induces Trophoblast Dysfunction

Chang¹,

Bian²,

He³

et al. 2017

Cell Physiol Biochem

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“…In a new, recently recruited Cape Town cohort, we found that maternal alcohol consumption is associated by guest on May 9, 2018 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/ Downloaded from with reductions in placental weight. 29 Given the critical role of the placenta in fetal growth, alcoholrelated reductions in placental size may mediate the effects of alcohol exposure on growth in utero. By contrast, the postnatal growth restriction seen in children with the heaviest exposure may reflect different mechanisms, such as alterations in fetal programming, endocrinologic development, postnatal metabolism, and/or feeding behaviors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fetal Alcohol Growth Restriction and Cognitive Impairment

Carter

Jacobson

Molteno³

et al. 2016

Pediatrics

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“…In that study, smoking pregnant women were protected against eclampsia (Conde‐Agudelo and Belizán, ). A study focused on placental pathological changes in smoking pregnant women, revealed that cigarette use was not associated with chorioamnionitis, villitis, or deciduitis (Carter et al, ). On the contrary, another study evidenced that maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower placental and birth weight, and with a higher placenta‐to‐birth weight ratio, when compared with non‐smoking mothers (Wang et al, ).…”

Section: Maternal Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fetal programming of neuropsychiatric disorders

Faa

Manchia

Pintus

et al. 2016

Birth Defects Research Pt C

137

109

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Starting from the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypotheses proposed by David Barker, namely fetal programming, in the past years, there is a growing evidence of the major role played by epigenetic factors during the intrauterine life and the perinatal period. Furthermore, it has been assessed that these factors can affect the health status in infancy and even in adulthood. In this review, we focus our attention on the fetal programming of the brain, analyzing the most recent literature concerning the epigenetic factors that can influence the development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders, and schizophrenia. The perinatal epigenetic factors have been divided in two main groups: maternal factors and fetal factors. The maternal factors include diet, smoking, alcoholism, hypertension, malnutrition, trace elements, stress, diabetes, substance abuse, and exposure to environmental toxicants, while the fetal factors include hypoxia/asphyxia, placental insufficiency, prematurity, low birth weight, drugs administered to the mother or to the baby, and all factors causing intrauterine growth restriction. A better comprehension of the possible mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases may help researchers and clinicians develop new diagnostic tools and treatments to offer these patients a tailored medical treatment strategy to improve their quality of life. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:207-223, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Alcohol, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana Exposure Have Distinct Effects on the Human Placenta

Cited by 64 publications

References 51 publications

Suppression of STAT3 Signaling by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Induces Trophoblast Dysfunction

Suppression of STAT3 Signaling by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Induces Trophoblast Dysfunction

Fetal Alcohol Growth Restriction and Cognitive Impairment

Fetal programming of neuropsychiatric disorders

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