Rapamycin Shows Promise in Boosting Lifespan by Preventing DNA Damage

fast Summary

• Rapamycin, initially developed as an immune suppressant for organ transplants, blocks the mTOR protein involved in cell growth and division.
• research shows rapamycin reduces signs of ageing by addressing inflammation, cellular breakdown, and mitochondrial dysfunction in animals like flies and mice.
• A study at the University of Oxford found rapamycin prevents DNA damage in T-cells (immune cells) exposed to Zeocin antibiotic while tripling their survival rate compared to untreated cells.
• This effect appears directly related to a mechanism involving the DNA damage response, with changes observed within four hours after treatment.
• In an eight-week placebo-controlled trial involving nine older men (aged 50-80), rapamycin reduced DNA damage without lowering overall white blood cell counts, indicating it is indeed not harmful at low doses.
• Suggestions include using rapamycin preventatively for astronauts facing radiation exposure or addressing ageing aspects like skin damage caused by DNA issues. Though, cautions exist regarding extrapolation beyond lab-induced conditions.
• Experts emphasized further gender-specific and age-specific human trials are necessary as non-human studies suggest varied effects based on sex and age.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The findings surrounding rapamycin hold potential significance for India’s healthcare sector given its growing elderly population. If further research validates these results across diverse demographics-including Indian populations-it could pave the way for developing accessible anti-ageing interventions targeted at immunological health. Low-dose applications would also mitigate concerns over adverse side effects while offering preventive measures against environmental factors affecting astronauts or workers exposed to radiation.However, more inclusive trials are crucial since India’s diverse genetic composition demands robust validation across genders and age groups. Additionally, affordability should be weighed carefully given India’s mixed-income healthcare challenges.

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