A Surprising Link Between Cannabis and Tobacco: Shared Epigenetic Regulation

Photo Source - Google

A study implies cannabis usage might alter the human epigenome.

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Dr. Hou reports associations between chronic marijuana use and numerous epigenetic markers.

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Hou's team studied DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, in blood samples taken over 20 years.

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Earlier, Hou's team linked marijuana usage to the aging process via DNA methylation.

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The research identifies many DNA methylation markers related to both recent and chronic cannabis use.

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The study found a common marker with tobacco use, hinting at shared epigenetic regulation.

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Observed epigenetic changes are linked to cellular proliferation, hormone signaling, infections, and neurological disorders.

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Hou emphasized that the study doesn't confirm cannabis directly causes these changes or health problems.

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Dr. Nannini suggests further research on marijuana's effect on age-related health to understand its long-term impact.

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