A recent study has revealed that regular blood donation may provide health benefits that go beyond saving the lives of others.
A team of scientists from the Francis Crick Institute conducted a study involving 217 men who donated blood more than 100 times, comparing them with 212 men who donated blood fewer than 10 times.
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The results showed that frequent blood donation is associated with mutations in the DNMT3A gene, which plays a key role in blood cell production.
In laboratory experiments, the scientists sought to understand why this mutation is common among frequent blood donors. They exposed genetically modified human blood cells to the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which helps regulate red blood cell production. They found that cells carrying the DNMT3A mutation grew 50% faster when exposed to this hormone compared to normal cells.
Regular blood donation increases EPO levels in the body, which enhances the regeneration of stem cells and improves blood health.
Dr. Dominique Bonne, head of the Blood Stem Cell Laboratory at the Crick Institute and the lead author of the study, stated: "Our study sheds light on how our genes interact with the environment and how we age. It seems that activities that reduce the stress on blood cell production enhance stem cell regeneration, supporting their healthy growth instead of causing disease."
In another experiment, the scientists mixed cells with the DNMT3A mutation with cells exposed to leukemia, and found that cells from frequent blood donors grew at a faster rate. This suggests that regular donation may strengthen healthy cells and limit the growth of cancerous cells.
However, the scientists emphasized the need for further studies to determine the exact effect of blood donation on cancer risk, particularly as blood donors are typically healthy individuals, which may affect the results.
Bonne clarified, "Our sample size is relatively small, so we cannot conclusively say that blood donation reduces mutations linked to leukemia. However, this study provides valuable information about how certain mutations impact blood cell health."
In addition to its potential role in cancer prevention, regular blood donation may also help lower blood pressure. A study involving 292 blood donors found that individuals with high blood pressure saw improvements in their readings after regular donations, with more noticeable improvements the more often they donated.
(Original Source: The Sun)
