Popular Anti-Aging Treatment Linked to Brain Damage, Study Finds

A widely researched combination of drugs used in anti-aging research may have a concerning side effect: damage to the brain. A modern study from the University of Connecticut (UConn) reveals that dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q) can lead to the loss of myelin, the protective insulation around nerve fibers, in mice.

What is D+Q and Why is it Used?

Dasatinib and quercetin are a popular combination of medicines in anti-aging research, often referred to as senolytics. These drugs are intended to selectively kill off senescent cells – often called “zombie cells” – that accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation and age-related diseases [1]. D+Q is being investigated for potential benefits in conditions like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease [1]. Some individuals are even using this combination off-label, despite discouragement from the medical community.

The UConn Study: What Did Researchers Locate?

Researchers at UConn published their findings in the March 16 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) [1]. The study showed that administering D+Q to both young and old mice resulted in damage to myelin, leading to its disappearance. The damage was more pronounced in younger animals.

Specifically, the researchers observed a reduction in myelin around the axons (nerve fibers) and a loss of part of the corpus callosum – a critical structure connecting the two hemispheres of the brain [1]. This type of myelin loss is a primary characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

How Does D+Q Affect Brain Cells?

Further analysis revealed that the oligodendrocytes – the cells responsible for producing and maintaining myelin – didn’t die, but instead reverted to a more immature state [1]. These cells also exhibited abnormal metabolism, suggesting that the drugs may limit the energy available to them, causing them to simplify their structure and become less functional.

Implications for Multiple Sclerosis Research

Interestingly, the researchers found that these reverted cells closely resembled a distinct population of cells identified in people with multiple sclerosis [1]. This suggests that, in multiple sclerosis, myelin-producing cells may be under stress and revert to an earlier stage of development. The study also indicates these cells may have the potential to repair themselves, opening avenues for potential therapies.

What Does This Mean for Anti-Aging Treatment?

The UConn researchers caution against the prophylactic use of D+Q, suggesting that the potential risks to the brain warrant further investigation [3]. “When we give this combination to an animal, whether it’s young or old, the myelin is damaged and ends up disappearing. It’s even worse in young animals,” said UConn School of Medicine immunologist Stephen Crocker [1].

Additional Research on D+Q and Immune Response

A separate study published in Aging Cell in 2025 investigated the impact of D+Q treatment on influenza vaccination in aged mice [2]. While D+Q had minimal impact on overall vaccination and flu outcomes, researchers observed altered CD8 T cell immunodominance and increased antibody levels in treated mice, revealing a new aspect of immunomodulation with senolytics.