Researchers have discovered that injecting a specific blood factor can mimic the brain benefits of exercise. The study found that platelets release a protein rejuvenating neurons in elderly mice, similar to exercise effects. This protein has potential therapeutic implications, especially for those who cannot exercise. While it’s not a direct replacement for physical activity, it offers hope for countering age-related cognitive decline.
Dr. Odette Leiter and Dr. Tara Walker from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute led a team that discovered platelets, the tiny blood cells critical for blood clotting, secrete a protein that rejuvenates neurons in aged mice in a similar way to physical exercise. Neural stem cells in a mouse hippocampus shown in green give rise to new mature neurons. Credit: The authorsThe researchers focused on exerkines, the biological compounds released into the bloodstream during exercise, which are believed to stimulate the exercise-induced response in the brain.or PF4, which is released from platelets after exercise, results in regenerative and cognitive improvements when injected into aged mice,” Dr. Leiter said.