Friday, August 21, 2015

Beyond Disease Silos: Intervention Strategies Against Aging

Brian Kennedy,  CEO and Professor, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, discusses Drugs that Forestall Aging -- Extending Healthspan.

Kennedy states that now, the pharmaceutical industry is doing a great job- keeping unhealthy people alive longer, though our goal is extending healthy lifespan, with a shorter period of decline. While outlining the seven determinants of aging, we note how interconnected they are. 


Today though, we learn about interventions, both behavioral and small molecules. While dietary restriction in mice accounts for 30% longer lifespan, how can we translate that in humans?  

Five classes of molecules (Rapamycin, Metformin, NSAIDS, Acarbose and STACs) that have been shown to increase healthy lifespan in mice. 

Rapamycin is dose dependent and a 30% lifespan increase in females, 22% in males at the current highest recommended dose has been noted. 


A clinical study of healthy people performed in New Zealand by Novartis,  was a 6 week long trial looking at dosing of Rapamycin. One aspect that was reviewed was the response to influenza vaccination- an improved immune response with all doses was noted, as the inhibition of MTOR1 kinase,   improves immune function in the elderly. Hmm, Rapamycin dosing a few weeks prior to grandma's flu shot?

Metformin is another small molecule, currently approved for type 2 Diabetes and non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Metformin works by suppressing glucose production in the liver, while enhancing peripheral glucose intake. A retrospective study comparing sulphonyurea and metformin, show patients with Diabetes on Metformin have a survival that is higher than patients without Diabetes and on Metformin (what?!) 

Worried you are taking too many NSAIDS? Never fear, enhanced longevity has been noted in mice given NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and COX-2 inhibitors. True, there are side effects, some of which may be avoided using a  transdermal delivery method, which allows for the quick absorption of the drug while avoiding the GI system.

I look forward to learning more about these interventions, and which has the highest efficacy.

1 comment:

  1. very much informative blog, keep on updating
    will be visiting back again

    ReplyDelete