Combating the effects of aging would be possible thanks to rapamycin prescribed with metformin (an anti-diabetic drug) according to the results of a study published in the medical journal the Journal of Gerontology.
Rapamycin was discovered on Easter Island in the South Pacific Ocean. It is mainly used as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection of organs and tissues. But previous scientific studies had shown that this molecule slowed the effects of aging. However, rapamycin has a few drawbacks.
As it also increases insulin resistance and can promote diabetes, it cannot be prescribed in humans at this time.
But, researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University have found a solution to limit the serious side effects of rapamycin.
Laboratory mice were given rapamycin which resulted in lowering the dependent’s age, enhancing physical activity and cardiovascular health, improving cognition, reducing the incidence of cancer, and reducing the incidence of cancer. prolong life. Scientists have associated this treatment with metformin, a drug often prescribed to diabetics. And they found that this combination prevented the side effects of rapamycin.
“It could provide a way not only to increase lifespan, but also to fight certain age-related diseases and improve overall health,” said Professor Victoria Perez. “We could find a way so that people no longer just survive, but live better and with a better quality of life. “
“But, there is still a lot of research to be done in order to be able to prescribe this treatment in humans,” explains Professor Victoria Perez. Nonetheless, the potential of this study is exciting. “
The neurodegenerative diseases are the fourth leading cause of death in France. They mainly affect the elderly. There are between 750,000 and one million patients in France. According to projections, this figure could reach between 1.29 and 1.4 million people in 2030.
