Fountain of Youth Revisited

In February, we reported the results of a recent study on the use of teenage human plasma to reverse symptoms of aging in mice. At that time we mentioned that studies were already underway to conduct similar tests on humans, and indeed, a number of controlled clinical investigations are currently being run to assess the effects of young blood on older individuals.

One trial that has received recent attention released some promising preliminary results. However, it is important to note that this particular study has been the target of some controversy due to a lack of peer review and the fact that participants were required to pay $8,000 to be included.

Approximately 100 subjects between the ages of 35 and 92 were given plasma transfusions taken from donors between the ages of 16 and 25. Blood tests taken before and after treatment revealed an approximately 20 percent drop in carcinoembryonic antigens (a potential indicator of cancer), a 10 percent drop in blood cholesterol and a 20 percent reduction in the level of amyloids (proteins related to the formation of plaque in the brain) in the blood.

Without a complete medical history, the significance of these findings is difficult to assess. Although positive anecdotal evidence has been reported by some of the participants, without a randomized, placebo-controlled study it is not possible to evaluate the placebo effects. In addition, it appears that the effects may wear off over time, requiring repeated treatments.

Finally, investigators are a long way from being able to determine precisely which mechanisms or pathways are influenced by the young plasma, since inflammatory factors from fat and muscle tissue can also have an effect on brain function. Once again, it seems as though the more we learn, the more we realize how much we don’t understand!