Scientists have actually found that injecting a particular blood element can mimic the brain benefits of exercise. The research study found that platelets release a protein revitalizing nerve cells in elderly mice, comparable to exercise impacts.
An injection of a particular blood element can replicate exercises brain benefits, using possible treatments for age-related cognitive decline.
Pre-clinical trials by University of Queensland scientists have discovered that an injection of a specific blood factor can duplicate the advantages of exercise in the brain.
Dr. Odette Leiter and Dr. Tara Walker from UQs Queensland Brain Institute led a group that found platelets, the tiny blood cells crucial for blood clotting, produce a protein that revitalizes nerve cells in aged mice in a similar way to physical workout.
” We know workout increases production of new nerve cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain essential for finding out and memory, but the mechanism hasnt been clear,” Dr. Leiter stated.
” Our previous research has shown platelets are included, however this research study reveals platelets are in fact needed for this result in the aged mice.”
Neural stem cells in a mouse hippocampus displayed in green (cell bodies displayed in blue) generate new fully grown nerve cells. Credit: The authors
The Role of Exerkines in Brain Health
The scientists concentrated on exerkines, the biological substances released into the blood stream throughout exercise, which are believed to promote the exercise-induced response in the brain.
” We discovered that the exerkine CXCL4/Platelet element 4 or PF4, which is released from platelets after exercise, results in cognitive and regenerative enhancements when injected into aged mice,” Dr. Leiter stated.
Dr. Walker stated the findings have considerable ramifications for the development of drug interventions.
” For a great deal of people with health conditions, mobility issues, or of advanced age, workout isnt possible, so pharmacological intervention is an important area of research,” she said.
” We can now target platelets to promote neurogenesis, enhance cognition, and counteract age-related cognitive decrease.”
Looking Ahead: Alzheimers and Human Trials
According to the research study team, the next action is to check the action in Alzheimers diseased mice, before moving towards human trials.
” Its important to note this is not a replacement for exercise,” Dr. Walker said.
” But it might help the really senior or somebody who has had a brain injury or stroke to enhance cognition.”
The study was published on August 16 in the journal Nature Communications.
Referral: “Platelet-derived exerkine CXCL4/platelet factor 4 rejuvenates hippocampal neurogenesis and brings back cognitive function in aged mice” by Odette Leiter, David Brici, Stephen J. Fletcher, Xuan Ling Hilary Yong, Jocelyn Widagdo, Nicholas Matigian, Adam B. Schroer, Gregor Bieri, Daniel G. Blackmore, Perry F. Bartlett, Victor Anggono, Saul A. Villeda and Tara L. Walker, 16 August 2023, Nature Communications.DOI: 10.1038/ s41467-023-39873-9.
Scientists have actually discovered that injecting a specific blood aspect can simulate the brain advantages of exercise. The research study found that platelets launch a protein invigorating neurons in senior mice, similar to work out results. This protein has potential therapeutic implications, especially for those who can not exercise. While its not a direct replacement for physical activity, it provides hope for countering age-related cognitive decline.