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Villeda SA, Plambeck KE, Middeldorp J, Castellano JM, Mosher KI, Luo J, Smith LK, Bieri G, Lin K, Berdnik D, Wabl R, Udeochu J, Wheatley EG, Zou B, Simmons DA, Xie XS, Longo FM, Wyss-Coray T. Young blood reverses age-related impairments in cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in mice. Nat Med. 2014 Jun;20(6):659-63. Epub 2014 May 4 PubMed.
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Johns Hopkins
The new findings of Villeda et al. are remarkable and thought-provoking, as they suggest the possibility that transfusion of blood/plasma from young humans can restore cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. Indeed, in a previous study it was reported that cognitive function was improved in Alzheimer’s disease patients who underwent plasma exchange (Boada et al., 2009). It will be critical to identify the presumptive factor(s) in the plasma of young animals that stimulate(s) neuroplasticity in the brains of old animals. Possibilities range from a neurotrophic factor to a protein that promotes removal of toxic molecules from the brain.
References:
Boada M, Ortiz P, Anaya F, Hernández I, Muñoz J, Núñez L, Olazarán J, Roca I, Cuberas G, Tárraga L, Buendia M, Pla RP, Ferrer I, Páez A. Amyloid-targeted therapeutics in Alzheimer's disease: use of human albumin in plasma exchange as a novel approach for Abeta mobilization. Drug News Perspect. 2009 Jul-Aug;22(6):325-39. PubMed.
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