Scientists at the University of Connecticut found that a drug pair often used in anti‑aging studies can hurt the brain. The combo, called dasatinib + quercetin (D+Q), damaged myelin – the thin coating that protects nerve fibers.
Myelin helps signals travel fast in the brain and body. When it is lost, people can feel numb, have pain, walk poorly, and struggle with memory or thinking. Loss of myelin is also a key sign of multiple sclerosis.
Why D+Q Is Popular
Researchers like D+Q because it can clear out old, damaged cells that cause inflammation. The mix is being tested for diseases such as type‑2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Some people even try it on their own, despite doctors’ warnings.
Very few studies have looked at how D+Q affects the brain. To fill that gap, two former students, now a neuroscience grad student at Dartmouth and a Ph.D. at Anna Maria College, ran tests on mice.
What the Tests Showed
Young mice (6‑9 months) and older mice (22 months) received the drug combo. After treatment, the protective myelin layers around brain nerves became much thinner. The younger mice showed even more damage than the older ones.
The researchers also saw trouble in the corpus callosum – the bridge that links the two halves of the brain. Similar damage is seen in people who have “chemo brain” after chemotherapy.
Cells Turned Back the Clock
When scientists looked closely, they found that the myelin‑making cells (oligodendrocytes) did not die. Instead, they reverted to a younger, less functional state and showed odd metabolism patterns. The team thinks the drugs may cut off the energy the cells need, forcing them to simplify.
These altered cells looked a lot like a special group of cells found in people with multiple sclerosis, giving researchers new clues about the disease.
Possible Hope for Repair
If the cells can be nudged back to a healthy state, they might help rebuild myelin and repair the brain. The scientists are now testing ways to revive the damaged cells.
Overall, the study warns that the anti‑aging drug pair may cause serious brain side effects, especially in younger subjects, and that more research is needed before using it outside strict medical settings.