Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) as a Potential Target for Anti-Aging: Role of Therapeutic Apheresis.

Natalia Jarzebska, Roman N Rodionov, Karin Voit-Bak, Richard Straube, Anna Mücke, Sergey Tselmin, Ronny Rettig, Ulrich Julius, Richard Siow, Jürgen Gräßler, Jens Passauer, Yannick Kok, Philip Mavberg, Norbert Weiss, Stefan R Bornstein, Andrew Aswani

Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are large structures composed of chromatin, histones and granule-derived proteins released extracellularly by neutrophils. They are generally considered to be a part of the antimicrobial defense strategy, preventing the dissemination of pathogens. However, overproduction of NETs or their ineffective clearance can drive various pathologies, many of which are associated with advanced age and involve uncontrolled inflammation, oxidative, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative stress as underlying mechanisms. Targeting NETs in the elderly as an anti-aging therapy seems to be a very attractive therapeutic approach. Therapeutic apheresis with a specific filter to remove NETs could be a promising strategy worth considering.

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Research summary

The paper discusses the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the context of aging and proposes therapeutic apheresis as a potential anti-aging strategy. This aligns with the exploration of underlying mechanisms of aging and inflammation, making it relevant to longevity research. However, the concept of targeting NETs as a therapeutic approach is still in its early stages and lacks substantial empirical evidence, limiting its immediate impact on the field. Thus, it represents a solid but incremental advance rather than a significant breakthrough.

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