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Paternal activation of CB2 cannabinoid receptor impairs placental and embryonic growth via an epigenetic mechanism.


ABSTRACT: The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is the peripheral receptor for cannabinoids, involved in the homeostatic control of several physiological functions. Male mitotic germ cells express a high level of CB2, whose activation promotes their differentiation in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, controlling the correct progression of spermatogenesis. However, it remains elusive if CB2 activation in spermatogonia could affect reproductive success in terms of fertility and healthy pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we explored the effects of male CB2 activation on sperm number and quality and its influence on next generation health. We show that exposure of male mice to JWH-133, a selective CB2 agonist, decreased sperm count, impaired placental development and reduced offspring growth. These defects were associated with altered DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation levels at imprinted genes in sperm and conserved in placenta. Our findings reveal that paternal selective activation of CB2 alters the sperm epigenome and compromises offspring growth. This study demonstrates, for the first time, a new role of CB2 signaling in male gametes in causing epigenetic alterations that can be transmitted to the next generation by sperm, highlighting potential risks induced by recreational cannabinoid exposure.

SUBMITTER: Innocenzi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6863860 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Paternal activation of CB<sub>2</sub> cannabinoid receptor impairs placental and embryonic growth via an epigenetic mechanism.

Innocenzi Elisa E   De Domenico Emanuela E   Ciccarone Fabio F   Zampieri Michele M   Rossi Gabriele G   Cicconi Rosella R   Bernardini Roberta R   Mattei Maurizio M   Grimaldi Paola P  

Scientific reports 20191119 1


The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB<sub>2</sub>) is the peripheral receptor for cannabinoids, involved in the homeostatic control of several physiological functions. Male mitotic germ cells express a high level of CB<sub>2</sub>, whose activation promotes their differentiation in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, controlling the correct progression of spermatogenesis. However, it remains elusive if CB<sub>2</sub> activation in spermatogonia could affect reproductive success in terms of fert  ...[more]

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