Anti-Aging Therapy Linked to Brain Damage in Animal Studies
A widely studied anti-aging therapy has demonstrated detrimental effects on brain structure in animal trials, according to research published this week by scientists at the University of Connecticut. The treatment, a combination of dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q), is designed to gradual the aging process but has been shown to cause significant changes in the brains of mice, raising concerns about its potential impact on the nervous system.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), revealed that both young (6-9 months) and older (22 months) mice experienced myelin loss after being administered D+Q. Myelin is a lipid-rich protective layer surrounding nerve fibers, crucial for rapid nerve impulse transmission. Researchers used dosages commonly investigated in studies related to age-related inflammation and metabolic disorders.
Further analysis conducted by a team at UCLA on cultured brain cells, specifically oligodendrocytes responsible for myelin production and maintenance, corroborated the findings. Results showed a substantial reduction in myelin around axons in treated animals. The damage was notably more severe in younger mice, according to the research.
The study also identified the near-complete disappearance of the corpus callosum – a brain structure connecting the two cerebral hemispheres and supporting vital functions – in animals exposed to the treatment. These changes mirror those observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy, a phenomenon known as “chemo brain,” characterized by memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
“The combination of dasatinib and quercetin produces essential changes at the brain level in mice,” stated the report published by News.ro on March 21, 2026. The findings suggest a potential downside to therapies aimed at eliminating senescent cells, which are often targeted in anti-aging research.
Researchers at the RepublicaNews.ro reported that the treatment, while effective at removing aging cells, has a destructive effect on essential structures of the nervous system. The study highlights the complex interplay between cellular rejuvenation and neurological health, suggesting that interventions designed to extend lifespan may have unintended consequences.
While separate research, published by Descopera.ro, indicates that the diabetes medication metformina may have anti-aging effects on the brain in monkeys, slowing the aging process and improving cognitive function, the current study on D+Q presents a cautionary tale regarding the potential neurological risks of anti-aging interventions.
No immediate response has been issued by pharmaceutical companies currently investigating D+Q as a potential anti-aging treatment. Further research is planned to determine the long-term effects of the treatment and to explore potential mitigation strategies.