Rapamycin is becoming the buzz word for the longevity pursuit in the wellness world and for a very good reason. It fulfills three major roles as an anti-aging drug which include: inhibiting aging cells from forming, stopping or slowing down the development and progression of age-related diseases, as well as extending lifespan. Everyone desires to age gracefully without experiencing the common age-related health issues, including the loss of physical and mental abilities. Here we will breakdown the role of Rapamycin in anti-aging and explain how combining Rapamycin with other anti-aging strategies can provide synergistic effects.
Founded in 1975, Rapamycin is a natural product and macrolide, a class of compounds that includes erythromycin and azithromycin. It was originally discovered as an antibiotic with antifungal properties. However, it was later found to have other effects, including:
Immunosuppressant
In 1977, rapamycin was discovered to have immunosuppressant effects. It was developed as an anti-rejection drug for organ transplant patients.
Antitumor
In 1983, rapamycin was discovered to have antitumor effects.
Lifespan extension
In the early 2000s, rapamycin was found to extend the lifespan of worms, yeast, flies, and mice.
Fetal hemoglobin induction
Rapamycin was found to be a potent inducer of fetal hemoglobin, which may be beneficial for β-thalassemia patients.
The Role of Rapamycin in Life Extension
Rapamycin, also known as Sirolimus (sold under the brand name Rapamune), is a medicine that the FDA approved for use in suppressing the immune system in 1999. It’s been the subject of many scientific studies, focusing on ways to extend life. In total, there are over 200 clinical studies, either ongoing or completed, on this medication.
In several studies involving animals, Rapamycin showed a delay in the start of multiple age-related diseases as well as increasing lifespan by 25%-60%. Although the FDA hasn’t officially approved Rapamycin for extending human lifespan, many doctors suggest it based upon this on the positive results seen in animal studies and current research on humans.
Scientists have found that Rapamycin can block mTOR (mechanistic target of Rapamycin), which is responsible for cellular aging. mTOR, as the catalytic subunit of two distinct protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, is the major regulator of growth in animals and controls most anabolic and catabolic processes in response to nutrients and nutrient-induced signals, like insulin. As such, it plays a critical role in physiology, metabolism, and aging. Conversely, it is deregulated in common diseases, including cancer and epilepsy. mTORC1 senses amino acids, glucose, and oxygen and controls cellular processes including protein translation, ribosomal biogenesis, and autophagy. While the functions of mTORC2 are less understood, it has been shown to function downstream of insulin/IGF-1 through PI3K and control cellular processes including metabolism and stress resistance. Preventing the growth of cells can be beneficial in certain conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and cellular senescence. Lastly, Rapamycin has also been shown to halt autophagy, a process during which cells eliminate damaged or abnormal proteins. By doing both these things, blocking mTOR and stopping autophagy, Rapamycin can help us live longer and healthier lives
The areas Rapamycin impacts in terms of age management
Rapamycin is a multifactor drug 1 with many uses in preventing and treating age-related issues, such as lifespan, age-related health concerns, and skin degeneration.
Prevent age-related diseases
Scientists also think that it may help prevent age-related diseases like neurodegeneration. A conclusion has not been reached on how Rapamycin may decrease the chances of age-related disease. Nevertheless, research indicates that the drug’s ability to halt cell growth and improve cell health may be due to autophagy, a process that removes damaged and abnormal cell parts.
Increase longevity
While more research needs to determine how Rapamycin’s mTOR disruption aids in longevity, it has been shown to extend the lifespan of mice, yeast, fruit flies, and worms. Researchers theorize that when the mTOR protein is decreased, the body conserves resources until more fruitful times. As such, its growth is suppressed while cells’ defenses against oxidative stressors increase. Thus, suppressed mTOR tells your body’s cells to repair and maintain health instead of growing.
Prevent and treat skin aging
Autophagy may also assist with the aging of skin by telling cells to repair themselves instead of stimulating growth, which can result in cell deterioration. When skin cells enter cellular senescence, they do not rejuvenate themselves into fresh, youthful cells. Instead, they die and are then replaced. Therefore, the aged cells function at less-than-optimal levels. Because Rapamycin encourages autophagy, or cell restoration, it may help skin look more youthful.
Rapamycin’s advantages for the skin include decreasing wrinkles, age spots, and photoaged skin. When applied topically, Rapamycin can potentially treat psoriasis, vascular anomalies, and other skin-related diseases. Another study by a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles found it helpful in treating tuberous sclerosis (a disorder in which benign tumors can grow on the skin), with 73% of participants reporting an improvement in their skin. Another study found that low-dose Rapamycin cream applied to one hand resulted in improved collagen protein, fewer senescent cells, and diminished aged markers after just eight months in comparison to the participant’s other placebo-treated hand. In their study, which found that treatment with Rapamycin-containing cream improved skin photoaging and skin tone, decreased fine wrinkles, increased dermal volume, and reduced sagging of the skin.
Rapamycin may also benefit:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular health
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Macular Degeneration
Are there any side effects of Rapamycin?
Human trials using the drug to treat age-related issues have found few side effects. Studies show that Rapamycin appears safe for use, even in older patients, as long as they are otherwise healthy. It’s important to note that topical application of Rapamycin for age-related skin issues did not result in systemic absorption and therefore did not produce adverse side effects that can be encountered with Rapamycin, such as low platelet count.
The primary concern with Rapamycin is that it can suppress immune function. Some experts suggest that the doses taken for anti-aging effects don’t suppress immunity but rather “eliminate hyper immunity,” essentially resetting the immune system in the elderly. Therefore, it is critical to receive appropriate dosages in order achieve age management level and rather than immunosuppression.
Most side effects of Rapamycin are mild (based on the dose for age management), and related to the size and frequency of dosing. These can include:
- Low platelet count
- Anemia
- Altered insulin sensitivity
- Delayed wound healing
- Fatigue
- Ulceration or inflammation of the mouth
- Elevated cholesterol
Some side effects can be reversed, like low platelet count, by stopping drug use. Other side effects necessitate stopping treatment. Nevertheless, Rapamycin may be prescribed in low doses or intermittently in anti-aging dosages and regimens, which may decrease the chances of side effects.
There are also clear drug contraindications (i.e. drugs you should NOT take alongside Rapamycin), such as ketoconazole and dexamethasone.
How to learn more about Rapamycin
Contact the wellness professionals at All U Health to learn more of the benefits of this new approach to age management.