Cannabinoids and other drugs that block inflammation in neurons could help thwart the progression of Alzheimer‘s disease. One of the hallmarks of this neurodegenerative disorder is the accumulation of clumps of amyloid-β protein within brain cells. Researchers led by David Schubert of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the USA used a tissue culture model to study the toxic effects of these protein aggregates. They determined that the production of amyloid-β initiates an inflammatory response that ultimately leads to neuronal death. However, the researchers also identified important protective mechanisms. For example, the brain produces compounds called endocannabinoids that help eliminate amyloid-β. Treatment with related chemical compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol–the active ingredient in marijuana–also reduced inflammation and prevented cell death, suggesting a potential avenue for preventing neurological damage from this devastating disease.
Clinical Trials, Studies and Publications (click to access):
Amyloid proteotoxicity initiate and inflammatory response blocked by cannabinoids