Can We Extend Life Without Dieting? Exploring the Potential of Anti-Ageing Drugs
Throughout history, humans have sought ways to prolong their lives. While alchemists may not have discovered the philosopher’s stone, modern science has shown that restricting calorie intake can lead to a longer lifespan, at least in certain laboratory animals. But is it possible to achieve longevity without having to sacrifice the pleasures of food?
One potential solution lies in compounds that mimic the effects of dieting. Among the most promising diet-mimicking drugs are rapamycin and metformin. A recent study has found that rapamycin can extend life almost as effectively as calorie restriction, while metformin does not yield the same results.
The concept of dietary restriction as a means to prolong life dates back to a groundbreaking study nearly a century ago, where lab rats that consumed fewer calories outlived their well-fed counterparts. While calorie restriction remains a proven method for extending lifespan, adhering to a strict diet can be challenging and may have adverse health effects if taken to extremes.
With the aim of identifying drugs that mimic the benefits of dieting without the drawbacks, researchers turned to rapamycin and metformin. Rapamycin, originally discovered in bacteria from Easter Island soil, is known for its immunosuppressant properties and its ability to block a molecular switch that signals nutrient abundance. Metformin, derived from a compound found in French lilac, is widely used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
In a comprehensive analysis of multiple studies across various vertebrate species, researchers compared the longevity effects of calorie restriction, rapamycin, and metformin. While calorie restriction emerged as the most consistent method for extending lifespan, rapamycin showed promising results as a close second.
On the other hand, metformin did not demonstrate a clear benefit in terms of life extension. The potential of rapamycin as an anti-ageing therapy is particularly exciting, as slowing down the ageing process could mitigate the risk factors associated with age-related diseases such as cancer and dementia.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the encouraging findings, there are important considerations to bear in mind. Variability in experimental outcomes, especially in studies involving mice and rats, underscores the need for further research to validate the efficacy of rapamycin and metformin in humans.
Rapamycin, in particular, may have side effects such as immune suppression and reproductive issues. Ongoing human trials are exploring lower doses of rapamycin to determine its benefits with minimal adverse effects. As for metformin, human trials are still in progress, with results expected in the coming years.
While the prospect of using rapamycin and metformin to promote healthy ageing is promising, it is essential to tread cautiously and await conclusive evidence from human trials. The goal is to develop therapies that enhance longevity without compromising quality of life, allowing individuals to enjoy a longer and healthier lifespan while still indulging in the occasional treat.
Zahida Sultanova, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here.
