Grant: Project Grant

Drug use during pregnancy is increasing in Canada. This trend is concerning for healthcare providers because it is known that drug use in pregnancy can cause babies to be born small and underdeveloped. Currently, we do not know exactly how this outcome happens. One possible explanation is these drugs such as marijuana and opioids (heroine, morphine) may affect the function of the placenta (afterbirth). The placenta is important for a healthy pregnancy and changes to how it works can prevent babies from developing properly. Previous research in laboratory animals suggests that drugs may change how the placenta works and transports nutrients to the developing baby. Drug use may also cause the cells of the placenta to become unhealthy but this work has yet to be confirmed in humans. Also, we do not know if using opioids and marijuana at the same time during pregnancy has a greater effect on the placenta than using only one drug. In this project, we will examine the effect of marijuana and opioids on placental health using different scientific technologies and experiments. First, we will compare the tissue from placentas from pregnancies with different drug exposures to see how unhealthy the placenta becomes. Next, we will look gene expression in the placentas from these pregnancies to determine the effects of these drugs on nutrient transport and placental cell health. Finally, to understand the effects of these gene changes on how the placenta works, we will use a mouse model of drug use to uncover the pathways that lead to these changes. We have assembled an experienced team of scientists, doctors and midwives to perform this work and ensure its success. At the end of this project, we will know if certain drugs are more harmful to the placenta than others or if using more than one drug during pregnancy causes more placental damage. This information can help pregnant individuals make informed choices about drug use during pregnancy.