Prompt Cast
Impact of Rapamycin on Healthy Aging in Dogs
TLDR Research on the biology of aging using dogs as a model has shown that rapamycin can extend lifespan, improve heart function, enhance immune response, and potentially rejuvenate organs, with promising results for treating age-related diseases and cognitive decline.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The podcast episode features a conversation with Matt Kaeberlein about his research on the biology of aging, focusing on the dog aging project and the impact of rapamycin on health span and age-related diseases.
05:53
Research has shown that dogs can serve as a valuable model for understanding aging and testing interventions that extend lifespan and slow aging in larger mammals, potentially impacting both the quality of life for pets and owners.
12:08
Dogs experience similar age-related diseases as humans, with cancer being the most common cause of death, although the prevalence of specific diseases can vary among breeds.
18:14
Rapamycin has beneficial effects on healthy aging with minimal side effects, especially when dosed appropriately, as seen in studies on elderly individuals.
24:19
Rapamycin may enhance immune function in aged individuals, potentially through enhanced stem cell function, with short-term treatment followed by a washout period showing improved vaccine response.
30:31
Rapamycin dosing strategy in dogs for a 10-week study involved 0.1 milligrams per kilogram given three times a week, showing potential for extending life expectancy in healthy animals.
36:42
A study involving rapamycin dosing in dogs showed promising results with no significant side effects and potential improvements in heart function.
42:42
A dog in the study showed significant improvement in cardiac function after being randomized to a higher dose of rapamycin, with continued positive results after the study ended.
49:11
Rapamycin's effectiveness in treating cancer may vary depending on the stage of cancer evolution and its impact on immune function, with higher doses potentially promoting cancer growth.
55:27
Rapamycin has the potential to not only delay the decline of organ function in aging individuals but also rejuvenate certain organs and tissues back to a more youthful state, particularly in areas where stem cell senescence is a significant factor.
01:01:38
Rapamycin could potentially improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, especially in cases related to metabolic dysfunction.
01:07:37
The potential use of calorically restricted animals to develop a metabolic signature for titrating rapamycin dosing and frequency is an area of interest for future research.
01:13:39
Rapamycin may have an effect on age-related decline in intestinal barrier function, potentially impacting systemic inflammation and overall health during aging.
01:19:50
The study is planning to involve three groups: a placebo group, a short-term treatment group, and a continuous treatment group, with the aim of assessing the effects of rapamycin on lifespan, health measures, and age-related diseases in dogs.
01:25:44
Generating enthusiasm for a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of rapamycin for healthy aging in people may be challenging, but demonstrating its effects on aging in dogs could positively impact public perception and scientific community recognition.
Categories:
Health & Fitness
