Findings from a study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy suggested cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially minimize some effects associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Researchers affiliated with the Instituto de Neurociencias (UMH–CSIC) conducted a study to determine how CBD affects emotional behavior and vulnerability to addiction in animals exposed to alcohol during the perinatal period. The study focused on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of molecules and neural receptors that regulate processes involving emotion, motivation, learning, and stress responses. The research team aimed to build on previous research that found CBD can help regulate the endocannabinoid system. Past research studies indicated that prenatal alcohol exposure significantly altered the ECS and consequently contributed to emotional behavior challenges and increased vulnerability to addiction.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder occurs when a mother’s chronic and significant alcohol consumption during pregnancy hinders fetal brain development and increases the risk of learning disorders, emotional problems, anxiety, and depression.
The team first characterized the emotional effects of perinatal alcohol exposure in mice. The researchers identified brain and microbiota biomarkers of alcohol damage. They also tested the effects of chronic CBD administration starting at weaning. They found that FASD results in direct brain alterations and also triggers systemic effects on gut health. However, the study suggested that CBD improved gene alterations associated with the gut microbiota. Study author Dr. Francisco Navarrete explained, “In both health and disease, there is constant bidirectional communication between the digestive and nervous systems that influences physical and mental health. This communication occurs via neural, hormonal, and immune pathways and is strongly influenced by the gut microbiota.” The researchers found that developmental alcohol exposure induces intestinal dysbiosis, but CBD can potentially reverse such imbalances in microbial composition. The study pointed to the likelihood that CBD can help modulate key brain biomarkers such as dopamine D2/D3 receptors and other components of the ECS.
Although the study highlights CBD’s positive effects in reducing FASD effects, the researchers emphasized that avoiding alcohol during pregnancy is the most effective way to minimize the risk of FASD.
Sources: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Eureka News Alert, Instituto de Neurociencias