A hormone seems to have promising psychotherapeutic properties and on the aging of certain brain cells. A study, published on February 2 in the journal Nature Aging and conducted under the supervision of Institut Pasteur researchers Pierre-Marie Lledo and Lida Katsimpardi, highlights the properties of this hormone called GDF11.
It all started in 2005, when they appeared in Nature the results of a strange experiment in which two mice, one old, the other young, were sewn together in order to unify their blood circulation. After several days, a form of rejuvenation was observed in the aged mouse. The question then was to understand this phenomenon, but above all to characterize the blood compounds possibly responsible.
Nearly ten years later, researchers found one of the culprits: the GDF11 hormone, naturally present in living beings and whose quantity in the blood decreases with age. Research has continued, gradually allowing its various properties to be discovered, without, however, fully revealing the secrets of its functioning. To finally understand the mechanism of action of the hormone, Lida Katsimpardi and her colleagues administered a certain amount of GDF11 to mice, then observed the effects on the functioning of neurons. The key to this phenomenon lies in the cell cleaning system, called autophagy. As we age, this system tends to deteriorate, which has detrimental effects on neurons. GDF11 stimulates autophagy, limiting neuron degradation and associated damage.
Ensure the well-being of the elderly
The researchers also analyzed the GDF11 content in the blood of 108 people, including 57 with severe depressive disorders. At the same age, the GDF11 content of depressed individuals is lower than in those in good health. This suggests a possible use of this hormone as a new class of antidepressant. To verify this hypothesis, the researchers looked at the impact of GDF11 on the mental health of mice. The results are striking. The hormone would improve the neuronal activity of the hippocampus, an area of the brain linking memory and mood changes. Once treated, the mice saw their depressive symptoms lessen, but also other effects of aging, such as memory decline.
It is therefore difficult not to see in it a molecule of miraculous youth that could increase our life expectancy. “One could believe in a real project of transhumanism”even suggests Pierre-Marie Lledo, who nevertheless specifies: “Our goal is to increase healthy life expectancy. » Eric Gilson, professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Nice, nevertheless recalls that the main challenge behind this type of research is to maintain the functional capacities which ensure the well-being of the elderly, and not to live longer.
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