Summary
The Drive podcast, hosted by Peter Etia, discusses longevity and the science behind it. In this episode, Dr. Richard Miller, a professor of pathology at the University of Michigan, talks about the Interventions Testing Programs (ITPs) funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The ITPs are a set of studies done concurrently in three labs to test molecules for longevity in mice. Dr. Miller's research focuses on the basic biologies of aging, mostly in mice, and his work with the ITPs represents effectively the gold standard of testing molecules for longevity. The discussion revolves around the idea that until there are good biomarkers for aging, it is difficult to study aging.
The podcast delves into the history of the Hayflick hypothesis and the limitations of growth in tissue culture, which many people mistakenly believed to be related to aging. The context discusses the history of research on caloric restriction and gene mutations that can extend lifespan. It highlights a debate about whether aging is malleable and the importance of asking the right question in scientific research. The context also emphasizes the importance of statistical power and reproducibility in scientific research.
The International Aging Intervention Testing Program (IATP) uses genetically heterogeneous mice to avoid the limitations of inbred strains. The IATP tests drugs suggested by sponsors, with a budget of about a million dollars a year for testing five or six drugs. The decision to include a drug is based on a wide range of evidence, including clinical data in humans, and the fact that it's FDA approved. The context discusses the development of the drug rapamycin and its effects on aging in mice. The drug was found to extend the lifespan of mice, with males experiencing a 20% increase in median lifespan and females experiencing a 13% increase.
The discussion is about the effectiveness of drugs in extending lifespan in mice. The drugs discussed are rapamycin, acarbose, and 17 alpha estradiol. The study suggests that some aging processes may be reversible and that drugs like rapamycin may be able to extend healthy years of life, even for those who are already quite old. The context discusses various compounds that were tested for their effects on lifespan in mice through the Intervention Testing Program (ITP).
The context is a conversation about various experiments done on mice and their potential implications for aging and cancer. The conversation covers topics such as the effects of different doses of estrogen on female mice, the potential benefits of hydrogen sulfide, and the impact of glucose levels on cancer risk in male and female mice.
In this podcast, the speakers discuss the effects of certain drugs on heart attacks and aging. They focus on the class of drugs that offer cardio and renal protection, as well as glycemic benefits. They also touch on the failure of metformin in lifespan extension studies, but note that it may still be beneficial for humans. The speakers also discuss the importance of NAD and its derivatives in controlling aging rates and age-associated diseases.
Overall, the podcast emphasizes the need for continued research in these areas to better understand the potential benefits of these drugs. The ultimate goal is to find drugs that slow aging and punch atherosclerosis squarely between the eyes.
