271 Can Plasma Exchange Slow Aging? What the Circulate Trial Reveals with Dr. Brad Younggren

What if aging is not only driven by what happens inside our cells, but also by factors circulating in our blood? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Gillian Lockitch talks with Brad Younggren to explore the emerging science behind therapeutic plasma exchange and its potential to influence inflammation, biological aging, and chronic disease. Drawing on human clinical trial data, including the Circulate Trial, he explains how removing pro-aging factors from plasma may impact biomarkers, biological age, and overall healthspan. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of longevity medicine while reinforcing the importance of foundational lifestyle strategies for aging youthfully. Dr. Brad Younggren is the CEO and co-founder of Circulate Health, a company focused on advancing human healthspan through innovative therapies. He is a board-certified emergency physician and former U.S. Army combat physician, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge. Dr. Younggren has held multiple leadership roles at the forefront of healthcare innovation, including President and Chief Medical Officer at 98.6, where he helped develop AI-powered primary care solutions. His career spans digital health, medical devices, and global healthcare delivery. Today, he leads research into therapeutic plasma exchange and its potential role in longevity science and chronic disease.  Episode Timeline:  00:00 – Welcome and introduction  02:30 – Aging beyond the cell: circulating factors in the bloodstream and their role in inflammation and disease  05:00 – Dr. Younggren's journey from emergency medicine to healthcare innovation and longevity science  09:00 – The evolution of digital health and smartphone-based diagnostics  12:00 – What is therapeutic plasma exchange and how it has been used in medicine for decades  15:45 – The Circulate Trial explained: study design, treatment groups, and control methodology  18:30 – Measuring outcomes: biomarkers, cognitive testing, grip strength, and biological clocks  21:00 – Key findings: biological age reduction and changes in proteomic markers  24:30 – Translating complex science into practical biomarkers patients can track  26:30 – Applications beyond longevity: chronic disease, Alzheimer's research, and long COVID  30:30 – Microplastics and plasma exchange: emerging research and early findings  33:00 – Evaluating longevity therapies: why human data matters  35:30 – Foundational health habits versus advanced interventions  36:50 – Wrap-up and key takeaways   Connect with Dr. Brad Younggren  Circulate Health: https://www.circulate.health  Circulate Trial publication (Aging Cell journal)  Information on plasma exchange and ongoing research initiatives   Call to Action:  Find Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably  (North America) or on Kindle  Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show.   Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community  Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch  at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: [email protected]  Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants. 2026