The Truth About Rapamycin: Unexpected Effects On Aging

For four years, I participated in a health protocol with a medical team testing one of the most promising experimental drugs to slow aging: Rapamycin. Surprisingly, the results revealed the opposite of what was expected. This is my journey and what current science tells us about this controversial substance.

What is Rapamycin and How Was It Discovered?

Rapamycin has fascinating origins. It was discovered in the 1960s when scientists collected a soil sample in a cave on Easter Island. In that sample, they found a bacterium with potent antifungal properties, which they named Rapamycin.

Initially, researchers thought it would be the definitive solution for fungal problems like athlete's foot. However, they soon discovered that Rapamycin also worked as a potent immunosuppressant.

By 1999, the FDA approved its use in organ transplant patients due to its ability to prevent the immune system from attacking the transplanted organ. This remains a significant problem, as more than a third of transplants are rejected by the body.

It wasn't until 2009 that the connection between Rapamycin and longevity was established, when a study in older mice showed that its administration increased lifespan by 14% for females and 9% for males.

How Rapamycin Works in the Body

The Mechanism of Action: mTORC1

Rapamycin's potential in longevity centers on its ability to inhibit mTORC1, a growth pathway whose overactivation plays an important role in many age-related diseases.

There are natural ways to inhibit mTORC1, such as:

• Caloric restriction
• Fasting
• Regular exercise
• Use of specific activators

Rapamycin inhibits mTORC1 directly, which theoretically could provide similar benefits without requiring drastic lifestyle changes.

Potential Benefits for Longevity

The benefits we were looking for included:

• Reduction in biological age
• Decrease in aging velocity
• Improvement in organ-specific biological age markers
• Rejuvenation of the immune system
• Improvements in skin

Side Effects and Risks

Unfortunately, Rapamycin is not free from side effects. It also inhibits mTORC2, which has been linked to several metabolic problems. The main side effects include:

1. Suppression of the immune system, especially NK (natural killer) cells that fight cancer
2. Alterations in blood cholesterol
3. Insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose
4. Possible reduction in muscle gains during exercise
5. Mouth sores (ulcers)
6. Slow wound healing
7. Increased resting heart rate

During my experience with Rapamycin, I experienced several of these side effects despite trying different dosing protocols.

Unexpected Results: Does It Accelerate Aging?

The most surprising aspect emerged in October when a scientific pre-print evaluated several longevity interventions, including Rapamycin. The results showed that, contrary to expectations, Rapamycin accelerated the biological velocity of aging in humans according to 16 different epigenetic clocks.

Although this study may have methodological limitations, the combination of these findings with my own side effects led me to discontinue the treatment. As a result, my blood glucose decreased, cholesterol normalized, and soft tissue infections disappeared.

Lessons and Practical Recommendations

For those interested in longevity interventions, these are my recommendations:

1. Prioritize natural interventions first: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and stress management have proven benefits without the risks of experimental treatments.

2. Evaluate risks versus benefits: All interventions have pros and cons. Even everyday decisions like eating fast food or staying up late accelerate aging.

3. Follow scientific evidence: Stay up to date with recent research and be flexible to adjust your approach when new information emerges.

4. Monitor your biomarkers: Tracking indicators such as resting heart rate, glucose and cholesterol levels can help you detect problems early.

5. Share your experiences: Both successes and failures contribute to collective knowledge.

The irony of seeking longevity with something that potentially accelerates aging is evident. However, this is precisely the scientific method in action. We shouldn't fear trying new approaches, but be willing to share honest results, regardless of whether they confirm or contradict our initial hypotheses.

The real conclusion is not to avoid trying new things, but to openly share the results, whether positive or negative. This is how we all learn and advance our collective understanding of healthy aging.