Study finds that strong cannabis use leaves unique traces on DNA

Published in molecular psychiatrythis is the first study to suggest that use of high-potency cannabis leaves a clear imprint on DNA, providing valuable insight into the biological effects of cannabis use. High-potency cannabis is defined as having a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 10 percent or more.

The study also showed that cannabis use has different effects on DNA in people experiencing psychosis for the first time than in people who have never experienced psychosis, indicating characteristics of cannabis users at risk of developing psychosis. suggests that a DNA blood test may be helpful in revealing the Provides information useful for a preventive approach.

This research was funded by the Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Center (BRC), and the NIHR Exeter BRC.

Marta Di Forti, Professor of Drugs, Genes and Psychiatry at King's IoPPN and lead author, said: “As cannabis use becomes more widespread and high-potency cannabis becomes more available, its impact on mental health is particularly important. There is an urgent need to better understand the biological effects.” Our research shows for the first time that potent cannabis leaves unique imprints in DNA that are associated with mechanisms related to the immune system and energy production. Future research should investigate whether there are DNA traces of current cannabis use, particularly strong traces. Types can help identify users at highest risk of developing psychosis in both recreational and medical use settings. ”

Researchers investigated the effects of cannabis use on DNA methylation, a chemical process detected in blood samples that changes the function of genes (whether they are switched on or off). DNA methylation is a type of epigenetic change, meaning it changes gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence itself, and is considered an important factor in the interaction between risk factors and mental health. I am.

A team of researchers at the University of Exeter carried out a complex analysis of DNA methylation across the human genome using blood samples taken from both people who had experienced a first episode of psychosis and people who had never experienced psychosis. Researchers examined the effects of current cannabis use, including frequency and potency, on the DNA of a total of 682 participants.

Analysis shows that people who frequently use strong cannabis have lower levels of genes related to mitochondria and immune function, especially cabin 1 Genes that can affect energy and immune responses. These changes are not explained by the well-established effects of tobacco on DNA methylation, which is commonly contaminated by most cannabis users.

Dr Emma Dempster, senior lecturer at the University of Exeter and lead author of the study, said: 'This suggests that frequent use of potent cannabis leaves distinct molecular traces in your DNA, particularly in energy and energy-related genes. “This is the first study to show that it does.” Our findings provide important insights into how cannabis use alters biological processes. It bridges the gap between genetics and environmental factors and is an important mechanism that allows external influences, such as substance use, to influence gene activity. Epigenetic changes shaped by lifestyle and exposure provide a valuable perspective on how cannabis use affects mental health through biological pathways. ”

Dr. Emma Dempster conducted a meta-analysis of data from two cohorts. The GAP study comprised new cases of psychosis from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and the EU-GEI study comprised new cases of psychosis and healthy controls. All over the UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Brazil. This totaled 239 participants with an initial episode of psychosis and 443 healthy controls representing the general population at both study sites for whom DNA samples were available.

Most cannabis users in the study used high-potency cannabis at least once a week (defined as frequent use), and on average first used cannabis at age 16. High-potency cannabis was defined as having a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 10 percent or more. THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis.