Fountain of Youth? How young blood could extend life to elders

How does the transfusion of young blood affect the elderly??

Is it possible that a transfer of the blood of young people in old people can revitalize the lack of health? Researchers have already succeeded in such a process, but for the time being only in mice. Are the results transferable to humans??

Can we improve our health in the future by transferring the blood of young people to the elderly? The scientists at University College London looked into this topic and published the results of their analysis in the English language journal Nature..

Can transfusion of the blood of younger people really contribute to improving the health of older people? (Image: StudioLaMagica / fotolia.com)

Results have to be transferred to humans

Such transmission of blood could become a tool for improving health in old age in the future, says study author Professor Linda Partridge of the UCL Institute of Healthy Aging. Her work is part of the research on optimizing the care of the elderly and how to better address the global challenge of aging. As people get older, the likelihood of many health problems and illnesses increases. Physicians have been trying for some time to understand if and how aging can be influenced. The results obtained on mice are promising, but they still need to be reviewed in humans. Research done in this area has already shown that when blood is transferred from a young mouse to a diseased older mouse, it can help maintain vitality.

Blood infusions can affect cognitive and neurological impairments

In 2014, Stanford University researchers, led by neuroscientist Tony Wyss-Coray, found that blood infusions in young mice affect cognitive and neurological impairments in older mice. The first clinical applications are already in progress today. The American study called Ambrosia offers older volunteers a transfusion of young blood. 2.5 liters of blood cost about $ 8,000. Another program called Elvian has invested a handsome $ 5.5 million.

Blood protein GDFII could be the key

The analysis looks at how people can benefit from blood transfusions. In particular, the question of whether a blood protein called GDFII might be the key to improving health through a transfer of blood is now the focus of research.

Can young intestinal bacteria improve microbiomes of older people?

While it is still too early to say if the blood-exchange offerings could benefit the patient, Professor Partridge says that other forms of intervention are needed to treat typical aging diseases that are currently at high costs of health services to lead. Not only the blood of older people can be used to maintain good health. The professor points out that even the bacteria that are deprived of a young person's gut could improve malfunctioning microbiomes of older people. (As)