A new study published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology by researchers at the University of Ottawa found that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD do not impact estrogen production in human granulosa cells, which play a crucial role in female reproductive health.
“As cannabis becomes more accessible globally, its use among women of reproductive age has increased, yet the implications for reproductive endocrinology remain poorly understood and contradictory”, states the study’s abstract. “In this study, we investigated whether cannabinoids modulate basal or stimulated estradiol secretion in the human granulosa cell line KGN.”
Using the human granulosa cell line KGN, researchers first confirmed the presence of endocannabinoid system components through a meta-analysis of publicly available RNA sequencing data. The cells were then exposed to cannabinoids in both normal conditions and in the presence of activators for protein kinases PKA, PKB, and PKC—molecules involved in hormone signaling.
Estradiol levels were measured using ELISA testing, and results showed no significant changes in hormone secretion after exposure to either THC or CBD. Further genetic analysis using RT-qPCR also revealed no changes in the expression of CYP19A1, the gene responsible for producing aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens.
While previous animal and human studies have reported that cannabis use may influence sex hormone levels, this study suggests those effects likely occur outside the granulosa cells, if they occur at all.
Researchers conclude:
Although cannabinoids have been shown to influence sex hormones in vivo, our data suggest that these effects are not mediated at the granulosa cell level. This study contributes to a better understanding of how cannabinoids may interact with ovarian steroidogenesis and reproductive function.
