Outre ses effets aigus, le cannabis/THC par des modifications épigénétiques peut affecter ses consommateurs et leur progéniture

Abstract

Epigenetics is at the origin of modifications of the phenotype in the absence of modifications of the genotype, i.e. of the DNA of the genes. They occur under various influences, such as exposure to certain xenobiotics, involving different mechanisms, including the grafting of methyl groups onto certain DNA cytosines, or onto the di-amino acids of histones, or even by the grafting of acetyl groups onto these histones, around which the DNA of the genes wraps. These modifications affect the exposure of these DNA segments to RNA polymerases which copy it into messenger RNAs, to end up with the support proteins of each of our characters. The expression of these genes can be repressed or, on the contrary, increased. Tetrahydrocannabinol/THC, the major psychotropic and addictive principle of cannabis, induces epigenetic effects in its consumers which could permanently affect some of their characteristics. If they are of childbearing age or if they are pregnant women, they will be able to transmit these epigenetic marks to their offspring. This transmission may result in malformations of the conceived child, reductions in its height and birth weight, a delay in its staturo-ponderal and psychic development, an increased risk of sudden death, hyperactivity with deficit of attention, vulnerability to autism, addictions, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, and immune deficiencies.