Stanford Researchers Investigate Umbilical Cord Blood for Cognitive Enhancement
Understanding Cognitive Decline with Age
Researchers at Stanford University are exploring whether umbilical cord blood or its components can enhance memory and learning in the aging brain. Cognitive function significantly declines as we age, a hallmark of various neurological disorders. The hippocampus, a brain region crucial for long-term memory and learning, is particularly vulnerable to age-related deterioration. Ageing adversely affects synapses, the tiny gaps between nerve cells that transmit signals, and leads to a decrease in genes activated by various cellular stimuli in the aging brain.
Revitalization of Aging Tissue Systems
Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that various aging tissue systems, including cardiac, skeletal, pancreas, and bone, can be revitalized using young cells or their factors. For instance, research conducted decades ago showed that fusing the circulatory systems of young and old mice resulted in the rejuvenation of the older mouse through the benefits of young blood. However, similar rejuvenating cells or factors for the brain remain unidentified.
Exploring Blood Plasma for Cognitive Insights
Tony Wyss-Coray’s research group posited that using blood plasma from younger developmental stages could unveil essential factors for revitalizing the aging brain and enhancing cognitive function. Their recent findings, published in Nature, have been highlighted by several online platforms, including Science Magazine.
Enhanced Learning and Memory Performance
In their experiments, the team administered human umbilical cord plasma to mice at various life stages. The plasma was injected into the hippocampus every four days over two weeks. Following these injections, the aging mice, along with non-injected controls, underwent maze navigation and other learning and memory assessments. The results indicated that mice receiving umbilical cord blood plasma exhibited significantly improved performance in these cognitive tests.
Identifying Key Proteins with Anti-Aging Properties
What accounts for these improvements? The research team conducted numerous experiments that identified a protein called tissue metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP2) as vital for rejuvenating the aging brain. When old mice were administered TIMP2, their performance on memory and learning tests matched that of those treated with human umbilical cord plasma.
Current research continues to uncover additional factors in human umbilical cord blood plasma that may possess revitalizing properties. This suggests that the enhancement of memory and cognitive function may not hinge on a single element, but rather a combination of factors. The study implies that components available in early life could play a significant role in revitalizing the aging brain.
Conclusion
As investigations into the potential of umbilical cord blood continue, the findings highlight the promising direction of research aimed at combating age-related cognitive decline.
References
(1) Kaiser, J. (2017, April 19). Protein isolated from human cord blood has antiaging effects on memory in mice. Science Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/04/protein-isolated-human-cord-blood-has-antiaging-effects-memory-mice-0.
(2) Castellano, J.M., et al. 2017. Human umbilical cord blood plasma proteins revitalize hippocampal function in aged mice. Nature. 544(7651): 488-492.