“Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline, with pathological features including amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and inflammation. Despite recent approvals of anti-amyloid antibodies, there remains a need for disease-modifying and easily accessible therapies. The endocannabinoid system presents a promising target for AD treatment, as it regulates various processes implicated in AD pathogenesis.

Aims: This study assesses the effects of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 on AD pathology and behavior deficits in aged 5XFAD mice, a well-established AD model.

Methods: Male 9-month-old 5XFAD mice received either 0.2 mg/kg WIN 55,212-2 or a vehicle solution for 42 days. Memory, anxiety, and motor tests were conducted at 10 months to identify potential changes in behavior and cognition following WIN 55,212-2 treatment. Additionally, the effects of prolonged WIN 55,212-2 treatment on Aβ pathology and neuroinflammation in the brain were quantified immunohistochemically.

Results: Therapeutic WIN 55,212-2 treatment improved the motor performance of 5XFAD mice on the rotarod and rescued memory deficits in the water maze. However, WIN 55,212-2 treatment did not significantly affect anxiety-like behavior in 5XFAD mice. Additionally, prolonged treatment with WIN 55,212-2 reduced Aβ plaque pathology and astrogliosis in the cortex and hippocampus.

Conclusions: This study highlights the therapeutic potential of WIN 55,212-2 in AD by ameliorating cognitive and motor deficits and reducing neuropathology. These findings support a cannabinoid-based therapy as a promising strategy for AD treatment, with WIN 55,212-2 emerging as a potential candidate.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39675388/

“Natural and synthetic cannabinoids exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-proliferative and analgesic properties. The synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2, an agonist of both CB1 and CB2 receptors, has been shown to possess neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties. Furthermore, it has been shown to promote neurogenesis, reduce beta-amyloid and tau in vitro and in vivo“

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305724002387?via%3Dihub