American researchers have visualized numerous epigenetic changes in the blood of cannabis users. The results could explain infections and certain mental disorders, although further studies will be needed to prove a causal link. A new study suggests that cannabis use can lead to epigenetic modifications of the genome. Researchers from American universities have observed numerous epigenetic changes in the blood of cannabis users. The results could explain the origin of infections and certain mental disorders, although further, more in-depth studies will be needed to prove a causal link. A new long-term study conducted on a sample of more than 1,000 adults suggests that cannabis use can lead to epigenetic modifications of the genome. Epigenetics does not alter the DNA sequence, but rather regulates gene activity through activation or deactivation, thus modifying the body’s functions. The addition or removal of methyl groups from DNA is one of the most studied epigenetic modifications. According to Professor Lifang Hou, an epidemiologist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine: “We had already identified associations between marijuana use (made from cannabis leaves) and the aging process as measured by DNA methylation. We then wanted to examine whether specific epigenetic factors were associated with marijuana use and whether these factors were linked to health outcomes.”The researchers analyzed blood samples containing biomarkers that allow, among other things, the visualization of DNA methylation.
A thousand participants, ranging in age from , participated in the study.
Participants aged 18 and 30
at the start of the study provided these samples twice, over a period of 20 years. In blood samples taken after 15 years,no fewer than 22 DNA methylation markers were associated with recent cannabis use and31 with cumulative cannabis use. In those taken after 20 years, researchers found 132 markers linked to recent use and 16 to cumulative use.
According to the epidemiologist: “Most of the epigenetic changes were found in pathways previously linked to cell proliferation, hormonal signaling, infections, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.” This suggests that long-term cannabis use could cause health problems, although current research has not yet proven this. These results should not be taken lightly, as these studies were conducted by leading cannabis specialists. They therefore suggest that heavy cannabis users think carefully before starting to consume cannabis. If they don’t, they risk developing numerous diseases related to marijuana use. Source: https://www.futura-sciences.com/sante/actualites/cannabis-consommation-cannabis-modifierait-expression-genes-106658
