Finally they showed old (immunodeficient) mice treated with cord plasma from which TIMP2 had been removed presented none of the improvements in memory performance seen using normal plasma. (scientificamerican.com)
Castellano's team found that umbilical cord plasma contains more of a protein called TIMP2, and levels in the blood decline with age — a hint that this protein may be responsible for young blood's rejuvenating properties. (newscientist.com)
Using TIMP2 as a treatment would be better than using cord plasma itself because it can be synthesised in a lab, avoiding the need for donor supplies, says Castellano. (newscientist.com)