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A low dose of Δ9-THC improves cognitive functions and synaptogenesis in old mice through an epigenetic mechanism

ABSTRACT: THC, the active ingredient of cannabis has been reported to impair learning and memory in humans and in laboratory animals when administered acutely. Unfortunately, most studies have been performed with young individuals although the activity of the endocannabinoid system changes during the aging process. Here we report that low doses of Δ9-THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) improves learning and memory in old mice, enhances synaptic density, increases the expression of anti-ageing genes and decreases expression of pro-ageing genes in old but not in young animals. Δ9-THC elicited its beneficial effect through the CB1 receptors and increased histone acetylation was crucial for the long lasting effect. Elevation of the cannabinoid signaling may thus represent an exciting new approach to improve brain functions in old individuals.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE57823 | GEO | 2017/05/08

SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA248276

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:The study describes miRNA expression in colon tissue following delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) administration to chronically SIV-infected rhesus macaques. To identify the underlying molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects, we simultaneously profiled miRNA and mRNA expression in colon of chronically simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) administered either vehicle (VEH/SIV; n=9) or Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; THC/SIV; n=8). Relative to controls, differentially expressed miRNAs were ~2 fold higher in VEH/SIV than THC/SIV RMs. Proinflammatory miR-130a, miR-222 and miR-29b, Lipopolysaccharide-responsive miR-146b-5p and SIV-induced miR-190b were significantly upregulated in VEH/SIV RMs. Compared to VEH/SIV RMs, 10 miRNAs were significantly upregulated in THC-SIV RMs, among which miR-204 was confirmed to directly target MMP8, an extracellular matrix-degrading collagenase that was significantly downregulated in THC/SIV RMs. Moreover, THC/SIV RMs failed to upregulate proinflammatory miR-21, miR-141 and miR-222 and alpha/beta defensins, suggesting attenuated intestinal inflammation. Further, THC/SIV RMs showed higher expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-3), anti-inflammatory MUC13, keratin-8 (stress protection), PROM1 (epithelial proliferation) and anti-HIV CCL5. Trichrome mason staining detected significant collagen deposition (fibrosis) in the paracortex and B cell follicular zones of axillary lymph nodes from all VEH/SIV but none of the THC/SIV RMs, thus demonstrating the ability of THC to prevent lymph node fibrosis, a serious irreversible consequence of HIV induced chronic inflammation. Furthermore, using flow cytometry, we showed that THC suppressed intestinal T cell proliferation/activation (Ki67/HLADR) and exhaustion (PD1) and increased the percentages of anti-inflammatory CD163+ macrophages. Finally, while THC did not affect CD4+ T cell levels, it significantly reduced CD8+ T cell percentages in blood at 150 and 180 days post SIV infection. These translational findings strongly support a role for differential miRNA/gene induction and T cell activation in THC-mediated suppression of intestinal inflammation in HIV/SIV and potentially other chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine.

Project description:Background: The regular use of cannabis by young men has been associated with an increased incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). TGCT, the most common cancer in young adults, is believed to arise from an alteration of testicular fetal germ cells differentiation during development, with a possible subsequent environmental trigger (eg drugs or other chemicals) during puberty or adulthood leading to cancer. Cannabis consumption by pregnant women is currently increasing worldwide, and legalization for its recreational and therapeutic purposes is debated in numerous countries. In this context, we aimed to determine whether cannabis exposure can affect development of the fetal testis. Methods: Since phytocannabinoids act on an endogenous system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), we first investigated these signaling pathways in the human fetal testis, from 6 to 17 developmental weeks. We next investigated the effects of the two main components of cannabis, (−)-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), on the human fetal testis ex vivo. Results: We show the presence of two key endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA), albeit with lower levels. The human fetal testis also expressed several enzymes and receptors of this signaling pathway. Human fetal testicular explants collected from first trimester were exposed to CBD, THC or CBD/THC [ratio 1:1] at concentrations ranging from 10-7 to 10-5M during 72h to 14 days. Phytocannabinoids treatments affected fetal testicular cell proliferation and viability, as well as testosterone secretion by Leydig cells and AMH secretion by Sertoli cells. Transcriptomic analysis performed by BRB-seq on exposed versus unexposed fetal testis explants showed 187 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), some of which involved in toxic substances response and steroid synthesis. Conclusions: Our study provides the first evidence of the presence of ECS in human fetal testis and support a potential adverse effect of cannabis consumption in pregnant women on the male reproductive function development.

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A low dose of Δ9-THC improves cognitive functions and synaptogenesis in old mice through an epigenetic mechanism

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