Why This Matters to Us
In the pursuit of extending human lifespan and enhancing health in our later years, understanding how we can apply treatments that delay aging processes is vital. This study provides insights into how FDA-approved drugs could be repurposed to fight aging, which aligns with our mission to explore methods that promote healthy longevity for all.
The Detail
This study investigates the effects of two drugs—rapamycin and trametinib—on the lifespan and health of mice. Both drugs are already approved for specific uses, with rapamycin commonly prescribed to prevent organ transplant rejection and trametinib used to treat certain types of skin cancer. Researchers wanted to determine if combining these drugs could provide additional benefits for longevity.
The treatments started when mice were about 6 months old, akin to a 30-year-old human. Rapamycin was given at 42 mg/kg on alternate weeks and trametinib at 1.44 mg/kg daily. On their own, each drug extended the lives of the mice, but together, they offered even more substantial improvements. In females, the median lifespan increased by 34.9%, and in males, it rose by 27.4%. The maximum lifespan also saw increases of 32.4% in females and 26.1% in males.
Besides longevity, the combination therapy affected the healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. It significantly reduced the occurrence of liver tumors in both sexes and spleen tumors in males. This points to potential anticancer effects, which are particularly promising given the ongoing search for treatments that mitigate age-related diseases.
Moreover, brain glucose uptake was decreased, which may indicate a more efficient metabolism. This aspect of the study is crucial because excessive glucose uptake is a hallmark of many aging-related conditions.
Perhaps most striking is the reduction in inflammation levels in the brain, kidney, spleen, and muscles, as well as lower amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream. Consequently, these benefits suggest that this treatment combination not only extends life but also enhances the quality of life by reducing inflammation, which often accompanies aging.
However, it wasn't all positive. The dual treatment led to some side effects, such as testicular degeneration and fatty liver, prompting calls for further research into these adverse effects.
The implications of this research are vast. By highlighting how existing drugs can be repurposed to extend lifespan and healthspan, this study suggests a potentially groundbreaking approach to addressing aging. If these results can be translated effectively to humans, it could lead to novel treatments designed to help us live longer, healthier lives.
To explore the full study, you can access it through this link on bioRxiv.
