Fasting, Autophagy & Calorie Restriction VS Longevity Drugs w/ Dr. Peter Attia

Nutrient Effects

Fasting and rapamycin both influence key nutrient systems in the body, leading to a state of nutrient deprivation. Peter Attia explains that during fasting, insulin, IGF, and Pi3K levels decrease, while AMPK increases and mTOR decreases, promoting autophagy 1. Rapamycin, although primarily used for immune suppression, shares this mechanism by inhibiting mTOR, which is crucial for regulating immune responses in organ transplant patients 1.

Rapamycin was approved in 1999 by the FDA for immune suppression, used in patients who have had organ transplants.

--- Peter Attia

This overlap in mechanisms suggests potential broader applications for rapamycin beyond its current pharmaceutical use 1.

   

Longevity Insights

The longevity benefits of fasting and rapamycin are attributed to their ability to inhibit mTOR, a key regulator of cellular growth and metabolism. Attia notes that both methods reduce inflammation, increase mitophagy, and suppress senescent cells, contributing to extended lifespan 2. The discovery of rapamycin's potential for longevity began with its off-label use, leading to studies showing significant lifespan extension in mice, even when administered later in life 3.

Rapamycin, to me, is probably the most interesting compound when it comes to longevity.

--- Peter Attia

These findings underscore rapamycin's promise as a groundbreaking compound in the field of longevity research 3.