Towards Disease-Oriented Dosing of Rapamycin for Longevity
In a new research perspective published in Aging, Dr. Mikhail V. Blagosklonny explores the potential of rapamycin (Sirolimus) as a drug for extending longevity and lifespan. Rapamycin has consistently shown to extend lifespan in various animal studies across different species. Dr. Blagosklonny suggests that by administering rapamycin in disease-oriented dosages for an extended period, individuals may experience a delayed onset of age-related diseases and potentially live longer.
The Hyperfunction Theory of Aging
Dr. Blagosklonny emphasizes that the traditional concept of aging itself may need to be challenged. He proposes the hyperfunction theory of quasi-programmed diseases, which suggests that age-related diseases are quasi-programmed during development and progress at different rates in individuals. According to this theory, aging is not programmed but rather quasi-programmed. Quasi-programming refers to a continuation of a real program that lacks intent or purpose and is always harmful. By using rapamycin to decelerate the early development of age-related diseases, it may be possible to extend healthspan and delay the onset of life-limiting diseases.
Implications for Longevity and Life Extension
This research perspective has significant implications for the field of longevity and life extension. By targeting age-related diseases instead of aging itself, it opens up new possibilities for interventions that can improve health and extend lifespan. The disease-oriented dosing of rapamycin suggests a proactive approach to preventative medicine, where individuals can take measures to delay the onset of specific diseases that may limit their lifespan. This paradigm shift in thinking about aging and disease could potentially revolutionize the way we approach healthcare and aging research.
The Role of Rapamycin in Longevity
Rapamycin is a drug that has been extensively studied for its potential anti-aging effects. It belongs to a class of drugs known as mTOR inhibitors, which inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, metabolism, and aging. By inhibiting mTOR, rapamycin has shown remarkable effects on lifespan extension in various organisms, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice.
However, the optimal dosing and duration of rapamycin treatment for longevity are still uncertain. Dr. Blagosklonny suggests that a disease-oriented approach to rapamycin dosing may be more effective in extending healthspan and delaying the onset of age-related diseases. Rather than treating aging as a single condition, rapamycin can be used to target specific diseases that commonly occur with age, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Philosophical Insights: The Quasi-Programmed Nature of Aging
The concept of aging as quasi-programmed raises interesting philosophical questions about the nature of aging and its relationship to our biology. Aging is often viewed as a natural part of life, but the hyperfunction theory challenges this perception. It suggests that aging is not an inherent part of our biology, but rather a consequence of the quasi-programmed development of age-related diseases. This perspective invites us to question whether aging itself is inevitable or if it can be effectively addressed by targeting the underlying diseases that contribute to its progression.
Key Points:
- Rapamycin has consistently shown to extend lifespan in various animal studies.
- Administering rapamycin in disease-oriented dosages may delay the onset of age-related diseases and extend lifespan.
- The hyperfunction theory of quasi-programmed diseases challenges the traditional concept of aging itself.
- Rapamycin inhibits the mTOR pathway and has potential anti-aging effects.
- A disease-oriented approach to rapamycin dosing may be more effective in extending healthspan and delaying the onset of specific age-related diseases.
Source Article: https://bioengineer.org/towards-disease-oriented-dosing-of-rapamycin-for-longevity/
