New technology.. Nasal spray reduces effects of brain aging

SadaNews - Researchers at Texas A&M University have revealed promising results from an experimental treatment that could potentially help mitigate the effects of brain aging in the future, using a nasal spray designed to reduce chronic inflammation in the brain. The study showed that the treatment helped restore memory and improve brain cell functions while lowering inflammation levels after just two doses.

Researchers believe these results may open the door to developing new treatments for cognitive decline associated with aging, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to a report by Science Daily citing the journal Extracellular Vesicles.

Meanwhile, scientists pointed out that aging is often accompanied by a state of low-level chronic inflammation in the brain known as "neuroinflammatory aging," which negatively impacts memory, thinking, and the brain's ability to adapt to changes, and is associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

The study was led by Dr. Ashok Shetty, a professor at Texas A&M University and associate director of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, in collaboration with researchers Dr. Madhu Leelavati Narayana and Dr. Mahidar Kodali, who confirmed that these age-related changes may not be as permanent as previously thought.

The treatment relies on extracellular vesicles, which are microscopic biological particles that naturally transport genetic material between cells. The researchers loaded them with microRNA molecules, which play an important role in regulating many vital processes within the brain.

Improving Brain Functions

Dr. Narayana stated that these molecules act as key regulators that help fine-tune gene pathways and neural signaling, contributing to improved brain functions.

To deliver the treatment, the researchers used a nasal spray, allowing the vesicles to reach brain tissues directly and bypass the protective barrier that makes it difficult for many drugs to reach the brain. Dr. Kodali explained that this method represents one of the main advantages of the treatment, as it enables direct targeting of the brain without the need for surgical interventions.

The results also showed that the treatment helped restore mitochondrial activity, which are the energy production centers within cells. Aging and chronic inflammation weaken the efficiency of these organelles, affecting the performance of brain cells and their ability to function normally.

The study indicated that improving mitochondrial functions positively impacted the brain cells' ability to process and store information, while behavioral tests showed a noticeable improvement in memory and recognition of familiar and new objects, along with the ability to detect changes in the surrounding environment compared to untreated models.

One of the most significant findings of the study was that the therapeutic effects appeared rapidly and lasted for several months after receiving just two doses.

Researchers believe this therapeutic approach may have broad applications in the future. Dr. Shetty stated that developing the treatment could make a simple nasal spray with just two doses a viable alternative to some surgical procedures or long-term drug therapies.

He also noted that the treatment may potentially help stroke patients regain some brain functions and could contribute to slowing down cognitive decline associated with aging.