Extremely low levels of the compound
in marijuana known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, may slow or halt
the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, a recent study from neuroscientists at
the University of South Florida shows.
Findings from the experiments, using
a cellular model of Alzheimer’s disease, were reported online in the Journal of
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Researchers from the USF Health Byrd
Alzheimer’s Institute showed that extremely low doses of THC reduce the
production of amyloid beta, found in a soluble form in most aging brains, and
prevent abnormal accumulation of this protein — a process considered one of the
pathological hallmarks evident early in the memory-robbing disease. These low
concentrations of THC also selectively enhanced mitochondrial function, which
is needed to help supply energy, transmit signals, and maintain a healthy
brain.
“THC is known to be a potent
antioxidant with neuroprotective properties, but this is the first report that
the compound directly affects Alzheimer’s pathology by decreasing amyloid beta
levels, inhibiting its aggregation, and enhancing mitochondrial function,” said
study lead author Chuanhai Cao, PhD and a neuroscientist at the Byrd
Alzheimer’s Institute and the USF College of Pharmacy.
“Decreased levels of amyloid beta
means less aggregation, which may protect against the progression of
Alzheimer’s disease. Since THC is a natural and relatively safe amyloid
inhibitor, THC or its analogs may help us develop an effective treatment in the
future.”
The researchers point out that at
the low doses studied, the therapeutic benefits of THC appear to prevail over
the associated risks of THC toxicity and memory impairment.
Neel Nabar, a study co-author and
MD/PhD candidate, recognized the rapidly changing political climate surrounding
the debate over medical marijuana.
“While we are still far from a
consensus, this study indicates that THC and THC-related compounds may be of
therapeutic value in Alzheimer’s disease,” Nabar said. “Are we advocating that
people use illicit drugs to prevent the disease? No. It’s important to keep in
mind that just because a drug may be effective doesn’t mean it can be safely used
by anyone. However, these findings may lead to the development of related
compounds that are safe, legal, and useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s
disease.”
The body’s own system of cannabinoid
receptors interacts with naturally-occurring cannabinoid molecules, and these
molecules function similarly to the THC isolated from the cannabis (marijuana)
plant.
Dr. Cao’s laboratory at the Byrd
Alzheimer’s Institute is currently investigating the effects of a drug cocktail
that includes THC, caffeine as well as other natural compounds in a cellular
model of Alzheimer’s disease, and will advance to a genetically-engineered
mouse model of Alzheimer’s shortly.
“The dose and target population are
critically important for any drug, so careful monitoring and control of drug
levels in the blood and system are very important for therapeutic use,
especially for a compound such as THC,” Dr. Cao said.
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