THC, the main psychoactive molecule in cannabis, possesses a surprising duality. On one hand, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the brain. On the other, it is frequently linked to memory and learning disorders. This contradiction complicates its therapeutic use in pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease.
To circumvent this hurdle, a team from the University of Texas at San Antonio explored a novel approach. Led by Professor Chu Chen, the scientists evaluated the effect of a combination associating a low dose of THC with a targeted anti-inflammatory drug, celecoxib. The goal is to preserve the benefits of the compound while limiting its negative impacts on cognition.
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Inflammation represents a central element of this mechanism. An enzyme named COX-2 is often involved in these cerebral inflammatory processes. The administration of THC increases COX-2 levels, which could be the origin of memory problems. By selectively blocking this enzyme with celecoxib, the researchers hope to mitigate these harmful consequences. This precise approach also helps avoid the cardiovascular risks associated with high-dose COX-2 inhibitors.
Published in
Aging and Disease, this work was conducted on mice models for Alzheimer's disease. The animals received daily low quantities of THC and celecoxib for a month. The observations are encouraging: the combination improved cognitive performance, reduced beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, while decreasing inflammatory markers. Genetic analyses confirmed a shift back toward a more favorable profile for genes associated with the synapse and pathology.
This strategy presents a major advantage: both compounds are already approved for human use. Synthetic THC is used against chemotherapy-induced nausea, and celecoxib is prescribed for arthritis. This situation could accelerate the setup of clinical trials, sparing the many years of development usually required for a new drug. The scientists indicate that this avenue opens a fast track toward concrete applications.
The next steps will consist of examining whether this combination can also slow the progression of the disease or reverse symptoms once they are established. A simple delay in the onset of Alzheimer's would already have major consequences for patients and healthcare systems. Future studies will explore these avenues on more advanced models.