A new study suggests that the myth about young blood may actually be true: young blood, specifically derived from bone marrow cells, could rejuvenate aging skin.
This research implies that young blood might contain the essential components needed to revolutionize anti-aging treatments. However, it is important to note that the presence of bone marrow cells is crucial to achieve these desired results.
The research, conducted by skin care company Beiersdorf AG, known for its brands such as NIVEA and Eucerin, sought to bridge a gap between the findings of previous heterochronic parabiosis studies and the ever-increasing demand for anti-aging solutions.
The study states that heterochronic parabiosis refers to a surgical procedure that joins an old and young animal by the circulatory system. Old mice exposed to juvenile circulation exhibited signs of tissue rejuvenation.
However, according to the study’s authors, the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon are still unknown. The insights gained from previous research have not yet allowed scientists to successfully apply these findings to humans—until now.
The potential for this research could be beyond groundbreaking, as anti-aging is predicted to grow substantially into a $381.2 billion industry by 2032.
A new era of anti-aging?
In the study, a team from Beiersdorf AG explained that they rejuvenated human skin “via systemic factors using a microphysiological system [MPS] including a 3D skin model and a 3D bone marrow model.”
MPS, “also known as organ-on-a-chip platforms, offer an innovative way to study human biological processes,” the studyauthors continued. They used it to translate heterochronic parabiosis experiments to an in vitro cell culture system to investigate two aspects of this research: human skin aging and rejuvenation.
The system contained two 3D human organoids: a full-thickness skin model and a bone marrow model, including stem cells that make blood cells. Seeking to understand the molecular mechanisms behind aging, they circulated young (under 30) and old (over 60) blood serum into this system to observe its effect.
They successfully reproduced the anti-aging effect researchers had seen possible in animal studies. “Interestingly,” authors noted, “this effect was only visible in the presence of bone-marrow-derived cells.”
The research described that “the young serum triggered bone marrow cells to secrete rejuvenating factors.”
Using the bone marrow model, they identified 55 potential systemic rejuvenating proteins produced by bone marrow-derived cells. Seven of these proteins allowed researchers to create a rejuvenating effect on human skin cells.
They observed “increased cell proliferation, reduced biological age, and improved mitochondrial (energy-producing) function in bone marrow cells.”
New skin care products?
It’s an ancient tale: blood can revitalize life as the substance that courses through human veins. Stories about vampires drinking young blood to maintain their youthful glow and ancient civilizations associating blood with having special powers have been circulating for a long time.
Even platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, a modern cosmetic technique of using a patient’s blood to stimulate collagen and cell renewal, demonstrates that blood might make groundbreaking headway in anti-aging.
Further research would be necessary, but Beiersdorf AG’s research pointed to the potential for a new class of ingredients in topical anti-aging products: proteins from young bone marrow.
The study has been published in the journal Aging.
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