You’ve read the title right, Endocannabinoid System (ECS) components are found in human testes. But is this a result of using cannabinoids? No, this is a system with natural substances produced by the body called endocannabinoid, which is similar to most cannabinoids that are found in cannabis.
Is this a reason to stop using cannabis? No. There is no concrete information on whether the use of cannabis directly interacts with cells found in the testes. However, a study lead by scientific Reports back on September 19, 2020, proved the existence of the ECS in the human testes. This means that the use of cannabis in principal can directly affect the male reproductive system. Even before this, extensive consumption of cannabinoids has been connected, without scientific data, with low sperm count, quality, and testicular germ cell cancers.
PolinaLishko who is a reproductive biologist from the University of California, Berkley, showed her take on the results of the study. Her point of view is unbiased as she wasn’t part of the research team. During an email to The Scientist, Lishko mentioned that the ECS has been confirmed to affect the function of the physiology of the nervous system. But only recently have we tried to elucidate its impacts on the metabolism of the human body and the reproductive system. Her email ended with acknowledging the research paper in playing a role in developing an in-depth understanding of the importance of the endocannabinoid system in the male gonads.
Another independent figure outside the research was Dr. JormaToppari, an endocrinologist from the University of Turku in Finland. He mentioned that the presence of the entire ECS in the human testes proves that it has a specific physiological importance. However, he also said that what that function is, is yet to be discovered or understood.
Due to the common psychoactive effects of cannabinoids, it was only associated with the proteins and pathways of the ECS that are present in the brain. Since the neural function of humans is regulated in the nervous system. But, recent studies such as the one made by Scientific Reports, showed proof of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids interacting in the various physiological processes around the body. Some of these include the immune system, appetite, and recently the reproductive system, specifically the male gonads.
The endocannabinoid system has three components, the endocannabinoid proteins, receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes. There are two types of endocannabinoid proteins, which are the 2-AG or 2-arachidonoyglyerol and the anandamide or AEA. Only the 2-AG endocannabinoids have been detected along with CB1 and CB2 receptors within the human sperm cells.
Niels Skakkebæk from the University of Copenhagen mentioned the association made of younger men that engage in cannabis consumption with lower sperm counts and quality. But, he highlighted that this hypothesis isn’t facts as no studies have been done to prove that ECS affects the spermatogenesis of human testes.
To further bridge the gap between ECS and the human testes, Skakkebæk along with his colleagues managed to perform their own research. Their research subjected fifteen men who were undergoing surgery for testicular cancer, donors of healthy organs were also included. They first tried to test the endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes with immunohistochemistry. However, it was not a success as endocannabinoids are lipid-based molecules making them incompatible with the process.
Skakkebæk’s team attempted again using a method called matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging analysis. This type of imaging analysis utilizes spectrometry on the thinner sections of the tissue. Components of ECS being present in both developing spermatozoa and to the supporting hormone-secreting cells of the testes was discovered with the results of the experiment. Hormone-secreting cells of the testes include the Leydig and Sertoli cells.
The results shocked Skakkebæk and his team, as he said, “We were quite surprised that it was so fully expressed.” He then added that it wasn’t evenly as it’s more strongly seen in the later stages of cell division of the germ cells. Meaning, Dr. JormaToppari was right in his hypothesis that it has a unique role, but with Skakkebæk’s research, it became more specific.
All of these medical terminologies may be terrifying for you. But as Raul Clavijo, a specialist in male reproductive medicine from the University of California, Davis, said that the results of these researches are still showing signs of “unknown significance” for fertility. It is important to take note that he was also an independent figure that isn’t part of the research team. He said that there is no need to worry too much as it would be “premature.”
A similar message was released by Sheena Lewis, an infertility expert from Queens University in Belfast. She wasn’t part of the research like Clavijo. Her message was to limit the use of cannabis as the presence of ECS in the human testes still shows that it can directly affect it. She said that the potential risk is something to keep in mind before taking too much cannabis. Because introducing an extensive amount of cannabinoids to the body would throw ECS into disarray.
Finally, Skakkebæk acknowledges that the research is still sprouting as they are still in the beginning phase of understanding the role of ECS in human testes. However, he wanted to remind everyone that we must realize the existence of the system in the testes that we previously thought only existed in the brain. When taking cannabis, he said that we need to assume that these substances react with the cells of the testes.
The same as you, we at Sativa Bliss Cannabis are surprised at these findings. But as everyone mentioned, there is no need to worry. Nonetheless, if you are worried about consuming too many cannabinoids in your system, Sativa Bliss offers you micro-dosed cannabis products. With our product, you can regulate the number of cannabinoids you ingest. Visit www.sativabliss.ca to know more information about cannabis products.
