Khaberni - Schizophrenia is considered one of the most severe mental disorders, as it is characterized by psychotic episodes that render the sufferer incapable of distinguishing between reality and imagination, affecting their behavior, relationships, and quality of life.
Despite the numerous factors that increase the risk of schizophrenia - such as poor nutrition or exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy, family history, childhood trauma, and growing up in urban environments, precise biomarkers capable of early prediction of the disease are still unavailable, which represents a significant gap, as early diagnosis allows for better treatment opportunities and more stable health outcomes.
Placenta under the microscope
In this context, researchers are turning to the placenta as a potential source of early indicators of the risk of schizophrenia.
This hypothesis is based on what is known as the “placenta-brain axis,” which assumes that the placenta not only nourishes the fetus but also “records” healthy and unhealthy conditions during pregnancy, which may reflect on brain development in the short and long term.
Extensive clinical studies have shown that some genetic indicators in the placenta change in pregnancies that result in low birthweight babies, and these changes are linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and other behavioral disorders later on, such as autism and cognitive impairments.
Cannabis during pregnancy
Concerns are growing about the impact of cannabis use during pregnancy on the development of the fetal brain, as previous research has linked pre-birth cannabis exposure to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
Despite cannabis being linked to reduced birth weight, it was unclear whether it also affects placental biomarkers associated with the risk of schizophrenia.
These findings carry important clinical implications. Despite repeated medical advice to avoid using cannabis during pregnancy, some women may find it difficult to stop due to habituation or psychological dependence, meaning some fetuses are exposed to it without choice.
Researchers believe that identifying placental markers associated with cannabis exposure and risk of schizophrenia could open the door to early interventions, whether psychological or nutritional, to mitigate negative behavioral outcomes in early stages of life.
It is noted that schizophrenia is typically diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30, making the capability to assess risks from birth a promising step in the path of prevention. Additionally, examining the placenta after birth could serve as a practical means of estimating future risk of disease.
