In today’s episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman delivers a lecture focusing on the drug rapamycin and its impact on longevity.
The primary discussion revolves around the role of the protein complex mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) in the body's aging process. While rapamycin is often touted as a drug that can inhibit mTOR and thereby promote longevity, Ben emphasizes that much of this belief is based on animal studies and lacks solid human evidence. The mTOR pathway is involved in cell growth and protein synthesis, particularly in muscle tissue, making its inhibition controversial when it comes to aging and muscle maintenance.
Dr. Bikman highlights that some research suggests reducing mTOR activity by lowering protein intake might promote longevity. However, he pointed out that for older populations, higher protein consumption is correlated with reduced mortality, particularly from animal protein sources. This is especially significant when considering muscle mass, which has been consistently linked to longer lifespan. Inhibiting mTOR might impair muscle growth and maintenance, making rapamycin problematic for those aiming to preserve muscle health as they age.
In addition to discussing the potential benefits of rapamycin, Ben underscores its negative side effects, including immune suppression, increased triglycerides (which elevate the risk of heart disease), and the inhibition of muscle protein synthesis. He also raises concerns about the drug’s ability to reduce testosterone levels and hinder reproductive health in both men and women. Given that reproduction is a key element of both evolutionary theory and many religious doctrines, Dr. Bikman questions the wisdom of using a drug that compromises reproductive function.
Dr. Bikman concludes by connecting the role of insulin to mTOR activation. He argues that insulin has a much stronger effect on mTOR than dietary protein does, and prolonged elevated insulin levels, common in modern diets, keep mTOR constantly active. This chronic activation of mTOR may hinder longevity more than protein intake or rapamycin inhibition.
Instead of relying on drugs like rapamycin, Ben suggests that reducing insulin levels through dietary interventions like fasting may be a more effective and natural way to manage mTOR activity and promote healthy aging.
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