Rapamycin: Can It Slow Down Aging?

Highlights:

• Rapamycin shows promise in animal models, suggesting anti-aging potential
• Human trials are underway to explore its effects on aging-related diseases
• Side effects are manageable at lower doses, but more research is needed

Rapamycin, a drug that was developed to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients, has recently been found to have potential anti-aging properties. Although promising results have been shown in animal studies, it is still unknown whether rapamycin can extend human lifespan (1^✔).

Science Behind Rapamycin's Potential

Rapamycin is a kind of inhibitor that works in the way it inhibits the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) complex 1 that is involved in the regulation of cell growth and aging. Studies have revealed that with the inhibition of mTOR, organisms such as fruit flies and mice can live longer. According to Dr. Adam Konopka, an expert in geriatric medicine, "most animal species tested so far with rapamycin have lived longer.". These findings suggest that rapamycin may have the potential to slow cellular aging, but results in humans are still uncertain.

‘Did You Know?
Rapamycin has extended the lifespan of nearly every animal tested so far. #medindia #aging #longevity’

While no definitive human studies are done, researchers are studying the drug's effects on numerous problems associated with aging. Studies on delaying menopause have been conducted at Columbia University while University of Washington studies relate it to periodontal disease. "We hope to get more data on what rapamycin does in humans," said Dr. Jonathan An, who is spearheading the periodontal disease studies (2^✔).

Safety and Side Effects

Rapamycin, it is also known that the drug dampens immunity in transplant patients and results in increased susceptibility to infections and certain types of cancer. Headaches, chills, joint aches, and mouth ulcers are among the more frequent adverse effects. At the dosages used in longevity studies, some of these toxic effects may be decreased.

Increasing Interest in Rapamycin for Longevity

Although there is no convincing evidence, people are already using rapamycin off-label since it promotes longevity. Recently, a survey of 333 users revealed that most users felt more youthful, confident, and even calm after taking the drug. However, much more research needs to be done before rapamycin can be approved as an established anti-aging treatment.

These promising experiments with animals have not yet been replicated in humans. Further research may bring more clarification, but rapamycin is still an experimental compound with apparent benefits and risks.

References:

1. Rapamycin-mediated lifespan increase in mice is dose and sex dependent and metabolically distinct from dietary restriction - (https:onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.12194)
2. Effect of Rapamycin in Ovarian Aging (Rapamycin) - (https:clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05836025)

Source: Medindia

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