Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Document Type
Poster
Abstract Category
Environmental and Occupational Health
Keywords
THC, Marijuana, Sperm Health, Reproductive Health, Men's Reproductive Health
Publication Date
Spring 2019
Abstract
Marijuana is one of the most common substances used in the United States with more men utilizing marijuana compared to women. The effects of marijuana on the brain are well known, however, there is limited research on its effects on human sperm parameters. We examined the association between THC and human sperm parameters in participants in the Washington D.C. area. Our preliminary results suggested that THC was associated with low sperm morphology.
Background: Marijuana has a long history of human usage for medicinal, ceremonial, and religious purposes. As of January 2018, nine states including Washington D.C. have legalized it for recreational usage. Marijuana is considered one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the United States with about 40-50% of adults having used it at least once. Estimates from 2017 suggest that 13% of men use marijuana regularly compared to 7% of women. While the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical found in marijuana, on the brain are well known; few studies have evaluated its effect on the male reproductive system. THC affects the endocannabinoid system, a biological system of endocannabinoids with receptors throughout the body responsible for maintaining homeostasis. Cannabinoids such as THC bind to cannabinoid receptors, altering their activity, and have been associated with low sperm concentration and sperm count that can ultimately lead to infertility.
Objective: Examine associations between THC concentrations and semen quality including sperm motility, morphology, and concentration in the Washington D.C. area.
Methods: Participants were recruited from the Men's Health Study in the Washington D.C. area. Participants provided a urine and semen sample; completed a comprehensive questionnaire on lifestyle, medical history, and cannabis use. Sixty-two urine samples were sent to the laboratory at the University of Utah for analysis of the COOH-THC, the main THC metabolite. Semen analysis was completed at The Perry Laboratory at GWSPH examining sperm parameters such as morphology, concentration, and motility.
Results: Our preliminary results show approximately 25% of samples had detectable levels of THC, and there is suggestive evidence that THC was associated with lower morphology.
Creative Commons License
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Open Access
1
Measuring the Effects of THC on Human Sperm Parameters Using Biomonitoring Analysis
Marijuana is one of the most common substances used in the United States with more men utilizing marijuana compared to women. The effects of marijuana on the brain are well known, however, there is limited research on its effects on human sperm parameters. We examined the association between THC and human sperm parameters in participants in the Washington D.C. area. Our preliminary results suggested that THC was associated with low sperm morphology.
Background: Marijuana has a long history of human usage for medicinal, ceremonial, and religious purposes. As of January 2018, nine states including Washington D.C. have legalized it for recreational usage. Marijuana is considered one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the United States with about 40-50% of adults having used it at least once. Estimates from 2017 suggest that 13% of men use marijuana regularly compared to 7% of women. While the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical found in marijuana, on the brain are well known; few studies have evaluated its effect on the male reproductive system. THC affects the endocannabinoid system, a biological system of endocannabinoids with receptors throughout the body responsible for maintaining homeostasis. Cannabinoids such as THC bind to cannabinoid receptors, altering their activity, and have been associated with low sperm concentration and sperm count that can ultimately lead to infertility.
Objective: Examine associations between THC concentrations and semen quality including sperm motility, morphology, and concentration in the Washington D.C. area.
Methods: Participants were recruited from the Men's Health Study in the Washington D.C. area. Participants provided a urine and semen sample; completed a comprehensive questionnaire on lifestyle, medical history, and cannabis use. Sixty-two urine samples were sent to the laboratory at the University of Utah for analysis of the COOH-THC, the main THC metabolite. Semen analysis was completed at The Perry Laboratory at GWSPH examining sperm parameters such as morphology, concentration, and motility.
Results: Our preliminary results show approximately 25% of samples had detectable levels of THC, and there is suggestive evidence that THC was associated with lower morphology.
Comments
Presented at Research Days 2019.