Platelet-derived exerkine CXCL4/platelet factor 4 rejuvenates hippocampal neurogenesis and restores cognitive function in aged mice, 2023

[Sly Saint]

Abstract
The beneficial effects of physical activity on brain ageing are well recognised, with exerkines, factors that are secreted into the circulation in response to exercise, emerging as likely mediators of this response. However, the source and identity of these exerkines remain unclear. Here we provide evidence that an anti-geronic exerkine is secreted by platelets. We show that platelets are activated by exercise and are required for the exercise-induced increase in hippocampal precursor cell proliferation in aged mice. We also demonstrate that increasing the systemic levels of the platelet-derived exerkine CXCL4/platelet factor 4 (PF4) ameliorates age-related regenerative and cognitive impairments in a hippocampal neurogenesis-dependent manner. Together these findings highlight the role of platelets in mediating the rejuvenating effects of exercise during physiological brain ageing.

Platelet-derived exerkine CXCL4/platelet factor 4 rejuvenates hippocampal neurogenesis and restores cognitive function in aged mice | Nature Communications

 

[Sly Saint]

Study could lead to injections that replicate brain benefits of exercise

Scientists have found that an injection of molecules derived from blood can replicate the benefits of exercise in mice brains, an advance that may lead to new treatments for improving cognition in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

The study, published recently in the journal Nature Communications, discovered that platelets, the tiny cells behind blood clotting, secrete a protein that rejuvenates nerve cells in aged mice in a similar way to physical exercise.

“We know exercise increases the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, the part of the brain important for learning and memory, but the mechanism hasn’t been clear,” study co-author Odette Leiter from the University of Queensland in Australia said.

“Our previous research has shown platelets are involved, but this study shows platelets are actually required for this effect in the aged mice,” Dr Leiter said.

In the study, scientists focussed on the biological compounds exerkines released into the bloodstream during exercise and believed to stimulate exercise-induced response in the brain.

They found that the molecule exerkine CXCL4/Platelet factor 4 or PF4 released from platelets after exercise results in regenerative and cognitive improvements when injected into aged mice.

“We show that platelets are activated by exercise and are required for the exercise-induced increase in hippocampal precursor cell proliferation in aged mice,” scientists wrote in the study.

Researchers believe the new findings can have “significant implications” for the development of drug interventions for age-related cognitive decline such as seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

“For a lot of people with health conditions, mobility issues or of advanced age, exercise isn’t possible, so pharmacological intervention is an important area of research,” Tara Walker, another author of the study, said.

“We can now target platelets to promote neurogenesis, enhance cognition and counteract age-related cognitive decline,” Dr Walker said.

Study could lead to injections that replicate brain benefits of exercise (msn.com)

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

I prefer sloe gin.

 

[SNT Gatchaman]

Also noted in comments in thread: Platelet factors attenuate inflammation and rescue cognition in ageing (2023)