Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by connecting the circulatory systems of old and young mice, resulting in significant improvements in the older animals’ health and lifespan. In a study conducted by Duke Health, researchers surgically linked young mice aged four months with older mice aged two years. The goal was to investigate whether sustained exposure to young blood could enhance the aging process even further than occasional transfusions.
The surgical procedure, known as heterochronic parabiosis, allowed the scientists to assess the health of the mice over a period of 12 weeks, equivalent to approximately 10% of a mouse’s lifespan. To put it into human terms, this duration would be similar to pairing an 18-year-old with a 50-year-old for around eight years. Following the separation of the mice, the researchers monitored them for an additional two months to observe the lasting effects.
The results were astonishing. The older mice showed improved overall health and lived longer compared to control mice. Although the increase in lifespan was modest, averaging between 6 to 9%, the epigenetic age of their blood and liver tissue was significantly reduced. Furthermore, their gene expression resembled anti-aging patterns observed during processes such as caloric restriction.
During the two-month monitoring period, the scientists noticed that some of the benefits experienced by the old mice persisted. Conversely, the young mice rapidly recovered from any molecular damage they had previously incurred from their older counterparts.
Vadim Gladyshev, co-lead author of the study, explained, When the mice develop a joint circulatory system, the damage from the old mice goes to the young mice and increases their biological age. But in the case of the old mouse, this process dilutes their damage. After detachment, the damage transferred to the young mice from the old can be cleared over time, whereas in the old mice, this damage is diluted permanently.
While it may not be feasible to connect the circulatory systems of old and young humans, the researchers believe that identifying the specific molecules responsible for conferring these benefits could pave the way for the development of new anti-aging therapies. James White, senior author of the study, added, The elements that are driving this are what’s important, and they are not yet known. Are they proteins or metabolites? Is it new cells that the young mouse is providing, or does the young mouse simply buffer the old, pro-aging blood? This is what we hope to learn next.
This groundbreaking research offers new possibilities for understanding the aging process and potentially finding ways to slow it down. By unlocking the secrets of the circulatory system’s impact on aging, scientists may find innovative solutions to enhance human health and extend lifespan. The future of anti-aging therapies looks promising, with the potential for remarkable advancements in the field.
