Lecture Notes: Longevity and Aging Research

Introduction

• Humans have sought anti-aging solutions for thousands of years.
• Modern focus shifted to supplements and pharmaceuticals.
• Difficult to determine effectiveness on human lifespan due to experiment challenges.
• Animal studies (rodents, worms, flies) show some life extension effects.

National Institute of Aging's Interventions Testing Program (ITP)

• World's rigorous program for longevity research, started in 2002.
• Tests compounds for lifespan extension in mice.
• 9 molecules found to extend lifespan in mice: Acarbose, Aspirin, Canagliflozin, Captopril, Glycine, Nordihydro, Bioeretic Acid, Protadim, Rapamycin, 17-alpha-estradiol.

Key Findings on Longevity Molecules

Acarbose

• Diabetes drug blocking glucose absorption.
• Extended lifespan in male mice by 22%; female mice by 5%.
• Potential mechanism: reduced glucose absorption mimicking calorie restriction.
• Side effects: muscle mass loss, reduced strength.

Metformin

• Works only with rapamycin for longevity effects.
• Reduces heart disease mortality in diabetics but no effects on healthy humans.

Canagliflozin

• Diabetes drug improving kidney and cardiovascular function.
• Blocks glucose uptake.
• Extended median survival in male mice by 14%.
• No effects in female mice observed.

Aspirin

• NSAID with minor lifespan extension in male mice.
• Human use linked to increased risk of cancer in the elderly.

Glycine

• Amino acid supporting various bodily functions.
• Extended lifespan in mice by mimicking methionine restriction.
• High methionine, low glycine diets are common; increasing glycine may balance effects.

Captopril

• ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure.
• Minor lifespan increase in female mice.
• Potential side effects and limited recreational use benefits.

Nordihydrohyaluronic Acid (NDGA)

• Herbal compound increasing lifespan by 10% in mice.

Protandim

• Herbal supplement; minor lifespan extension in male mice.
• Controversial claims and expensive.

Rapamycin

• Most promising molecule for lifespan extension.
• Extended lifespan significantly even when given late in life.
• Potential to enhance immune function if used intermittently.

17-alpha Estradiol

• Non-feminizing estrogen.
• Increased male lifespan by up to 19%.
• Works with male hormones; ineffective in females and castrated males.

Practical Takeaway

• Personal approach: macrodosing glycine.
• Consideration of rapamycin in future.
• Non-pharmacological methods are available in the speaker's book, "The Longevity Leap."

Conclusion

• Video encourages further engagement by liking, subscribing, and following for more insights on health and longevity.
• Speaker: Siim, promoting optimization and empowerment.