Ageing is a complex biological process associated with cellular damage, inflammation, metabolic changes, and declining tissue function. Scientists are investigating whether certain drugs can delay age-related diseases and extend healthspan, the period of life spent in good health.
Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, is a promising candidate because it inhibits the mTOR pathway, which regulates cell growth, protein synthesis, and autophagy. Studies in laboratory animals have demonstrated lifespan extension, but its ability to extend human lifespan remains unproven. Potential adverse effects include immunosuppression, mouth ulcers, elevated cholesterol, and impaired wound healing.
Metformin is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. It influences glucose metabolism, cellular energy signalling, and pathways associated with inflammation and ageing. Although observational studies suggest possible health benefits, clinical evidence does not establish that metformin extends lifespan in healthy individuals. Gastrointestinal symptoms and vitamin B12 deficiency are recognized adverse effects.
Other drugs and compounds under investigation for their potential anti-ageing effects include acarbose, a diabetes medication that has extended lifespan in certain mouse studies; canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor investigated for longevity effects in animals; and senolytics, such as dasatinib combined with quercetin, which are studied for their ability to eliminate senescent cells that accumulate with age. Human evidence for senolytic treatments remains preliminary.
NAD+ precursors, including nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), are being studied for their potential to support cellular energy metabolism. However, evidence that they meaningfully extend human lifespan is lacking. Aspirin has also been investigated for healthy ageing, but preventive use in older adults without a clear medical indication may cause more harm than benefit, particularly through bleeding.
Other candidates include GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, which can improve metabolic health and reduce cardiovascular risks in eligible patients, and 17α-estradiol, which has shown longevity-related effects in certain animal models but is not an established anti-ageing treatment.
In conclusion, rapamycin and metformin remain important subjects of geroscience research, alongside several other drugs and compounds. However, none has been conclusively demonstrated to extend the lifespan of healthy humans when used specifically for anti-ageing purposes. These medicines should be used according to established medical indications, and experimental longevity treatments should be considered only with appropriate medical guidance and clinical evidence.
No comments:
Post a Comment