Effects of cannabis on the sperm epigenome: a budding concern

This seminar will address the impacts of cannabis use on the sperm epigenome. We have a rudimentary understanding of the consequences of preconception exposure to cannabis. As the most commonly used illicit psychoactive drug, cannabis prevalence is rapidly increasing across the United States, and consumers are increasingly perceiving it as safe. Recreational cannabis use is especially common among American men, rendering the paternal preconception environment potentially vulnerable to deleterious effects. We have used in vitro and in vivo models to address questions about the impacts of exposure to THC and cannabis smoke extract on the sperm epigenome. Using human cohorts, we have investigated the impact of cannabis use on sperm DNA methylation. We further asked whether or not abstinence from cannabis use in men can ameliorate the cannabis-induced methylation changes.

Live Zoom presentation. Register to receive Zoom link at: https://duke.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArdOmurjIuG9fQglBsNt2pzhguWVSueX9X