A new study suggests giving blood causes beneficial genetic changes in our blood cells
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A generic photo of a male giving blood.
A new study suggests giving blood 'improves the fitness' of your blood system
(Image: PA)
Donating blood is a life-saving act, but new research suggests it could have unexpected health benefits for donors themselves.
Giving blood regularly is likely to lead to genetic changes in blood cells, which a new study says could lower the risk of developing cancer.
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The study found that men who had given blood more than 120 times in their life were more likely to have blood cells carrying certain beneficial mutations, which could lower their risk of leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.
The results suggest that donating blood promotes the growth of these cells. The researchers, from the Francis Crick Institute, have described the findings as "fascinating".
a type O negative blood bag
Donating blood could both save lives and improve your own health
(Image: PA)
Dominique Bonnet, Group Leader of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory at the Crick, and senior author, said, "Our work is a fascinating example of how our genes interact with the environment and as we age. Activities that put low levels of stress on blood cell production allow our blood stem cells to renew and we think this favors mutations that further promote stem cell growth rather than disease."
As we age, cells in the body and blood develop mutations, which increases our risk of developing cancers. Giving blood triggers stem cells to make new blood cells to replace the lost blood, which researchers believe shapes the genetic makeup of these cells.
The researchers found that people who gave blood had considerably different mutations in genes in their blood cells than those who rarely gave blood. Tests revealed that one particular mutation was more likely in frequent donors – and growth of these mutated cells are likely triggered by blood donation.
Blood cells in the bone marrow
Giving blood causes stem cells to make new blood cells, which could alter their genetic makeup
(Image: Hector Huergo Encabo/Francis Crick Institute)
Further analysis revealed that this mutation is not associated with high risk of leukaemia and could even suppress the growth of cancerous cells. However, these differences could be due to the fact that healthier people tend to give blood. More research is needed to fully assess the effects of giving blood on cancer risk.
Bonnet added: "Our sample size is quite modest, so we can't say that blood donation definitely decreases the incidence of pre-leukemic mutations and we will need to look at these results in much larger numbers of people.
"It might be that people who donate blood are more likely to be healthy if they're eligible, and this is also reflected in their blood cell clones. But the insight it has given us into different populations of mutations and their effects is fascinating."
Experts say the results suggest that giving blood 'boosts the fitness' of your blood. "It’s like the donation of blood is providing a selection pressure to enhance the fitness of your stem cells and their ability to replenish," Ash Toye from the University of Bristol told New Scientist. "Not only could you save someone’s life, but maybe you are enhancing the fitness of your blood system."
According to Hector Huerga Encabo, postdoctoral fellow in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory at the Crick, the research team aims to understand how these mutations play a role in the development of leukemia, and whether they could be targeted for treatment or prevention of the disease.
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The study was published in the journal Blood.