FOREVER YOUNG: Scientist discovers method of BLOCKING the ageing process

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Scientists have found a way to block the ageing process

Ageing may soon be a thing of the past after researchers found a way to block a specific protein that contributes to getting older.

As a person ages, there is a build up of a protein known as VCAM1 in the blood which leads to inflammation in the brain and fewer brain cells being regenerated, according to new research from Stanford University in California.

People over the ages of 65 tend to have 30 per cent higher levels of VCAM1 than those who are under 25.

Researcher Hanadie Yousef injected young mice with blood plasma of older mice and discovered that the youthful rodents did show characteristics of ageing, such as inflammation in the brain.

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Ms Yousef injected the younger mice with older blood

However, Ms Yousef now claims to have identified a compound that appeared to block VCAM1.

She found that when the compound was given to the rodents at the same time as they were given old mouse blood, then they were protected against the effects of the protein.

Ms Yousef told New Scientist: “When we age, we all have decreased cognitive function, decreased neurogenesis, and more inflammation in the brain.

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VCAM1 builds up on the brain

“If we can figure out the mechanisms and reverse that, then we could promote healthy ageing. That’s what I truly believe will come out of this research eventually.”

Previously, researchers have found that by injecting young plasma into older mice, it had a similar rejuvenating affect.

But Ms Yousef says that taking a compound in a drug form is more accessible, cheaper and safer.

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She continued: “At the end of the day, nobody wants blood transfusions.

“We want rejuvenating proteins and antibodies to help people age in a healthy manner.”

The scientist is now in the process of patenting her compound.

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