Rapamycin is a medicine that has long been used in organ transplants to suppress the immune system. Recent research is focusing on the use of low doses of rapamycin to slow down the ageing process. In mice, this agent appears to adjust the immune system in a favourable way, which could potentially contribute to better health at an older age.
Ageing brings changes to the body, including a less effective immune system and a low-grade, chronic inflammatory response in the body, also known as inflammaging. Rapamycin acts on a specific biological pathway, the mTOR pathway, which plays an important role in ageing and inflammation. By influencing this pathway, rapamycin can inhibit certain ageing processes.
In the study, mice received rapamycin continuously and in low doses via their diet. This differs from the standard medical application, where the drug is usually given once a week in higher doses. The result was that the immune system of the older mice appeared to show fewer signs of ageing. These findings offer new insights into how ageing and the immune system are linked.
Although the initial research results are promising, it is important to note that people have not yet properly mapped the effects of long-term intake of low doses of rapamycin. Further studies are needed to determine whether this treatment can also be a safe and effective way to age healthily in humans.
These developments are interesting for anyone wanting to stay healthy at an older age, as a strong immune system and fewer inflammations contribute to a better quality of life.
Source: Reason
