Elsevier

Autoimmunity Reviews

Volume 12, Issue 6, April 2013, Pages 674-677
Autoimmunity Reviews

Review
The circulatory systemic environment as a modulator of neurogenesis and brain aging

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2012.10.014Get rights and content

Abstract

The ability of the adult brain to generate newly born neurons dramatically declines during aging, and has even been proposed to contribute, in part, to age-related cognitive impairments. While intrinsic molecular mechanisms underlying decreased neurogenesis during aging have begun to be elucidated, relatively little is still known as to the contribution of the systemic environment. Interestingly, immune signaling has quickly emerged as a key negative regulator of adult neurogenesis, and has more recently been functionally linked to the aging circulatory systemic environment. In this review we examine the role of the aging systemic environment in regulating adult neurogenesis and cognitive function. We discuss recent work from our group using the aging model of heterochronic parabiosis – in which the circulatory system of two animals is connected – to highlight the contribution of circulatory immune factors to age-related impairments in adult neurogenesis and associated cognitive processes. Finally, we propose the possibility of combating brain aging by tapping into the ‘rejuvenating’ potential inherent in a young circulatory systemic environment.

Section snippets

Take-home messages

  • The aging circulatory systemic environment impairs neurogenesis and cognitive functions.

  • Increased levels of immune signaling molecules comprise the aging systemic environment.

  • Increasing systemic chemokine levels mimic the effects of aging on neurogenesis and cognitive functions.

  • Rejuvenating factors exist in the young systemic environment.

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