A research team led at Texas A&M University reports a nasal spray therapy that reverses signs of brain aging in preclinical models. Age-related brain inflammation, sometimes called neuroinflammaging, can harm memory and increase risk of disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The spray delivers millions of extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying microRNAs directly to the brain through intranasal delivery. This route lets the EVs bypass the brain’s protective barrier and enter brain tissue. In two doses the treatment reduced inflammation, reactivated neuronal mitochondria and lowered oxidative stress, which improved the brain’s ability to process and store information.
Tests showed treated models did better at recognising familiar objects and detecting new objects or changes, and the results were similar in both sexes. The team published the findings in a scientific journal, filed a US patent, and received support from the National Institute on Aging. Further work is needed to assess safety, dosing and effects in humans.
Difficult words
- preclinical — before human testing, done in lab or animals
- neuroinflammaging — long-term inflammation in the brain with aging
- extracellular vesicle — small particles released by cells that carry moleculesextracellular vesicles
- microRNA — tiny pieces of genetic material that control genesmicroRNAs
- intranasal delivery — giving medicine through the nose to the brain
- mitochondrion — cell part that makes energy for nerve cellsmitochondria
- oxidative stress — cell damage caused by reactive oxygen molecules
- recognise — see or remember something seen beforerecognising
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Discussion questions
- What concerns would you have about using this nasal spray in people? Explain briefly.
- Why is it important to study safety, dosing and effects in humans before using a new treatment?
- If this treatment worked in people, how could it change life for older adults?
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