Association of Urinary THC Concentrations and Sperm Abnormalities in US Urban Men

Abstract

Background: The use of marijuana in the US has increased as more states have legalized sales. While smoking marijuana is associated with several negative outcomes, little is known about its effects on the male reproductive system. The endocannabinoid system, a target of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to impact the male reproductive system. However, epidemiological information about the potential risks of THC on sperm are limited. Three human studies have found conflicting evidence of an influence on motility, morphology, and concentration. One study has found evidence of increased aneuploidy.Aim: We sought to determine the association between urinary THC concentrations and semen parameters and aneuploidy among urban men living in the United States. Methods: Semen and urine samples, from men recruited at an urban health center and in the community, were provided by participants on the same day. Semen were assessed for abnormal sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Sperm sex chromosomes were identified using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Sex chromosome aneuploidy was determined using a semi-automated scoring method. Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine COOH-THC (metabolite of THC) concentrations in urine samples. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the association between COOH-THC concentrations and abnormal concentration, motility and morphology. Multivariable Poisson regression (SAS GENMOD procedure) was used to model the association between COOH-THC and sex chromosome disomy.Results: 179 samples were included in the analyses and 15% tested positive for COOH-THC. Mean age was 38.8 years and 55.7% of participants were white. The odds of abnormal semen concentration, morphology, and motility were not significantly associated with increasing concentrations of COOH-THC. A significant inverse association was seen between XX18 disomy and total disomy and increasing COOH-THC concentrations in adjusted models (p <0.0001).Conclusion: This study demonstrates a relationship between urinary THC concentrations and sex chromosome disomy in sperm.