Science rejuvenation by young blood

Old mice were significantly rejuvenated by the infusion of young blood

05/05/2014

Three recent studies suggest that old mice undergo a true rejuvenation by injecting the blood of younger animals. However, the researchers warn of experiments with the infusion of young blood in humans. Although aging in the muscles and brain of old mice was reversed in the experiments, the results were limited to a genetic strain of mice and are not readily transmissible to humans.

Already last year the team had Richard Lee from Harvard University published a study that concluded that a protein called GDF11 in the blood of young mice has a rejuvenating effect on the heart of old mice. Like the US newspaper „The Boston Globe“ reported, knew then, however „No one, whether the effect is specific for the heart or even applies to the aging in other tissues.“Two recent, in the journal „Science“ Published studies now confirm the rejuvenation effect for the brain and muscles, the US paper continues.

Old mice fit again after the blood infusion
According to the newspaper, after infusing the protein, the older mice were able to run on a treadmill for almost twice as long as untreated mice. In addition, the first study of Harvard University „profound changes in the muscle stem cells of older mice“ detected, the cells appeared younger and „also changes to the structure of the muscle“ were reported „The Boston Globe“. In young mice, the injection of the protein had no effect. In a second study, Dr. Lee Rubin, director of translational medicine at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, found that infusion of young mice's blood into older animals also causes an increase in brain branching and brain cell proliferation. The treated animals were more sensitive to odors, indicating that the treatment had an impact on their ability. ruby.

Rejuvenation in the heart, muscles and brain
The third study was in the journal „Nature Medicine“ published by researchers from the University of California. The scientists observed changes in gene activity in the brain of older mice after infusion of the blood of young animals. In particular, the researchers noted changes in the activity of genes as well as the connectivity of brain cells in the hippocampus. The older animals would have been able to solve certain memory tasks much better after the treatment. Saul Villeda from the University of California explained „The Boston Globe“, that the three current works, despite their different approach, reinforce each other in their results. The proven effects on the heart, muscles and brain are particularly promising, according to Amy Wagers, a professor of stem cell and regenerative biology at Harvard University, as these tissue structures are most affected by advancing age. „Changes in these tissues are responsible for the changes that people worry most about - loss of cognitive ability and motor-independent function“, so Wagers on.

Although researchers still have many questions about the mechanism of the protein and the best therapeutic strategies, researchers are already working on the commercialization of the discovered protein. In addition, a comparable protein has been detected in human blood, which gives hope for further therapeutic options for the future. Before vampire cases with blood infusions, the researchers have opposite „The Boston Globe“but explicitly warned. (Fp)