A chemical found in marijuana could soon be used as a treatment for Alzheimer’s patients if a group of American researchers gets their way. The discovery came to light as a sort of accident when the scientists were trying to come up with new treatments by studying how Alzheimer’s disease progresses within the body. The main point of the study showed that the amyloid-beta protein plays a role in its development way before any physical symptoms materialized. Researchers believe that the protein accumulates inside neurons and causes inflammation of the brain that eventually causes a decline in brain function.
To further prove their theory the team researched cells that were known for producing amyloid-beta protein under certain conditions. Once they had started to grow the cells, they studied them to see if any problems were likely to arise. The first thing the team noticed was the rise in inflammation. Chemicals that were known to kill pathogens increased while the immune system picked up on this and intervened when necessary. They also noted during the reaction to the accumulation of amyloid protein that caspase-3 was also activated suggesting that the cell knew there was a problem and went about solving it by killing itself. If this is what takes place in the brain, it may explain the decline in mental function that’s evident in Alzheimer’s patients.
One more observation that led to this amazing discovery was the rise in arachidonic acid levels as is another known trigger for cell death. The structure of this acid is similar to that of endocannabinoids and depending on the type of cannabinoid, determines how it behaves. The cell may either start inflaming like arachidonic acid or reduce the stress levels within the body like one particular molecule called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which also an active ingredient found in marijuana. As part of the research, the team tested whether THC had any effect on cells during the time of the amyloid-beta accumulation.
The results from the study clearly showed that by adding THC to the cells, they had effectively reduced the inflammation levels and reduced the level of amyloid-beta protein as well. Essentially, what this means is that not only did he THC protect the cell, it helped it heal itself too. Several other endocannabinoids were also tested during the research, but none were able to achieve the same results as THC. However, there is still a long way to go before THC is used as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s patients. But, it’s a step in the right direction and gives hope to those suffering from the disease that we are getting closer to finding a cure.
Related Links;
- A Molecular Link Between the Active Component of Marijuana and Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
- Endogenous cannabinoids in the brain and peripheral tissues: regulation of their levels and control of food intake
- 2016 Alzheimer’s Statistics
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