The Impact of Young and/or Exercised Plasma Transfusions in Neurodegenerative Conditions: A Scoping Review

The objectives of this scoping review were to examine, synthesise and present the current research literature on the impacts of transfusions of plasma from young (YPTs) and/or exercised (EPTs) individuals in clinical studies and pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative conditions. We also identify gaps in the existing literature and pinpoint areas for future research. Research literature that investigated YPTs/EPTs in neurodegenerative conditions, written in English, and published between January 2004 and June 2024 were considered for inclusion. Published and unpublished articles were located through databases including PubMed Central, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, ProQuest, SPORTDiscus, and PROSPERO. Studies that included adults or animal models with neurodegenerative conditions were considered. Nineteen eligible studies investigated either YPTs (n=13), EPTs (n=3), or both plasma types (n=3). The available evidence suggests that both YPTs and EPTs may have beneficial impacts on neurodegenerative conditions. While beneficial impacts on cognition (n=11), neuroinflammation (n=6), neurogenesis (n=5), apoptosis (n=2) and synaptic function/synaptic proteins (n=6) are commonly reported, findings across studies remain inconsistent. Differences in the length of intervention, dosages and plasma type may explain the variation in results. However, more research is needed to conclusively determine the specific impacts and mechanisms of YPTs and EPTs. All included studies that assessed safety (n=5), concluded YPTs and EPTs to be safe and well tolerated. Overall, the available evidence regarding the impacts of YPTs and EPTs on neurodegenerative conditions is promising. However, further investigation is needed to ascertain the exact impacts, safety, mechanisms, and feasibility of YPTs and EPTs in neurodegenerative conditions.