Obese plasma transfer accelerates cellular aging in the C57BL/6 mouse model.
Shabnam Shahabi Nejad1,2, Hamid Zand2, Samira Rastgoo2
1Student Research Committee, Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, National Nutrition & Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Immunity & Ageing : I & A
|December 30, 2025
Summary
Obese plasma transfers cellular senescence and inflammation to healthy mice, impacting immune function. This highlights potential therapeutic targets for obesity-related aging and dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolic research
- Aging research
Background:
- Obesity is linked to chronic inflammation and cellular senescence, impairing metabolic and immune functions.
- Investigating the impact of obese plasma on senescence and inflammation markers is crucial for understanding obesity-related health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if plasma from obese mice induces senescence and inflammation in healthy recipient mice.
- To assess the transferability of obesity-induced cellular aging and immune dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Recipient mice received weekly injections of plasma from obese or non-obese donors for four weeks.
- Senescence markers (SA-β-gal activity, p16 expression) and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) were measured in tissues and cells.
- Body weight, adiposity, and thymus index were monitored.
Main Results:
- Obese plasma significantly increased senescence markers in epididymal white adipose tissue and PBMCs.
- Elevated expression of p16, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed in PBMCs of recipients of obese plasma.
- No significant changes in body weight, adiposity, or thymus index were noted.
Conclusions:
- Obese plasma actively transfers pro-inflammatory and pro-senescence effects to healthy recipients.
- These findings suggest that obesity-associated aging and immune dysfunction can be transmitted via plasma.
- Further research into therapeutic interventions targeting plasma-mediated effects is warranted.
