Extending Human Lifespan through Diet and Drugs

For many years, scientists have been exploring methods to extend human lifespan. While research has shown that calorie restriction can prolong the life of certain lab animals, applying these findings directly to humans has been challenging due to the difficulty of maintaining such diets long-term.

Key Findings

• A new study by the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia suggests that a combination of FDA-approved drugs may mimic the effects of dieting, potentially offering a solution for longevity.
• The drugs, Rapamycin and Metformin, have shown promising results in extending the lifespan of mice, with Rapamycin increasing lifespan by up to 30%.

Details on Rapamycin and Metformin

• Rapamycin:
  1. Discovered in the 1970s from bacteria in Easter Island soil.
  2. Traditionally used as an immunosuppressant to prevent organ-transplant rejection.
  3. Works by disabling a switch that signals cells about nutrient abundance.
• Metformin:
  1. Synthetic compound found in French Lilac or Goat’s Rue.
  2. Prescribed to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
  3. Involved in sensing nutrient and energy levels in the body.

Research Insights

• Scientists reviewed thousands of studies, focusing on 167 that involved eight vertebrate species, gaining insights into drug effects on animals.
• Among strategies for longevity:
  1. Eating less emerged as the most reliable method to extend lifespan, regardless of sex.
  2. Taking Rapamycin was the second most effective method.
  3. Metformin showed no substantial impact.

Challenges and Future Research

• The effects of Rapamycin on animal lifespan were inconsistent, sometimes even reducing lifespan.
• Most positive results were observed in mice and rats, which, while genetically similar to humans, are not identical.
• Rapamycin has side effects, such as reduced immunity, prompting research into the benefits of lower doses.
• An ongoing human trial on Rapamycin suggests that lower doses might help increase lifespan, though results are pending.