Researchers here demonstrate that the blood filtration methodology of plasmapheresis results in a temporary reduction in markers associated with aging in the bloodstream. Whether or not this is helpful is another question, and that was not assessed here. Frequently repeated plasmapheresis is an expensive proposition at the present time, far too costly to be worth it for any minor gain. It is, however, an interesting idea in the context of work on parabiosis, the linking of circulatory systems between an old and young animal, where at least one group seems convinced that benefits to the older animal result from dilution of harmful signals in old blood rather than delivery of helpful signals from young blood.

Setting aside the usually considered markers in old blood, what I would consider to be better and more proven targets for filtration based approaches include exhausted and senescent T cells, and molecular waste such as amyloid-β, which exists in the blood in equilibrium with its presence in the brain. It has been shown that clearing it from blood can produce benefits in Alzheimer's disease. Other possible targets include the various forms of oxidized lipid that contribute to atherosclerosis and other age-related issues.

This study is a large-sample cross-sectional study. Based on the comprehensive blood test and analysis, the ageing biomarkers were screened to establish the male and female biological age assessment formulas. From the perspective of prevention, the assessment of ageing is only the starting point. The purpose of the assessment is to screen out high-risk individuals, implement targeted interventions for high-risk individuals to achieve anti-ageing and longevity, and reduce the possibility of chronic diseases caused by ageing. Therefore, on the basis of assessing ageing, we explored the elimination of ageing biomarkers by double filtration plasmapheresis. Assessing ageing is only the beginning of solving the problem of ageing. The anti-ageing intervention program for high-risk individuals is the end point. In clinical treatment, double filtration plasmapheresis has been approved for the treatment of critically ill patients, but its use in disease prevention has not been reported. This study explored the potential application of double filtration plasmapheresis in anti-ageing. Nine hundred and fifteen subjects underwent biological age assessment before and after intervention. The results confirmed that the biological age of males and females decreased by 4.47 years and 8.36 years after intervention. It is suggested that double filtration plasmapheresis technology might have potential application value in anti-ageing.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12979-018-0140-9