Prenatal Exposure to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Alters the Expression of miR-122-5p and Its Target Igf1r in the Adult Rat Ovary

This study investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the miRNA profile in adult rat ovaries, focusing on reproductive health. It found that THC exposure during gestation altered the expression of 12 miRNAs, with miR-122-5p being significantly upregulated. This upregulation was linked to the downregulation of its target, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r), confirmed by RT-qPCR. The study observed decreased IGF-1R-positive follicular cells and increased follicular apoptosis in THC-exposed ovaries, suggesting that these changes could lead to diminished ovarian health and fertility. The findings indicated that prenatal THC exposure might disrupt key ovarian pathways, potentially resulting in subfertility or premature reproductive aging.