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Hudson J, Kaeberlein T, Mahal A, Wong N, Ghorbanifarajzadeh M, Radella F, Isman A, Nyquist A, Zalzala S, Haddad G, Kaeberlein M, An JY. Evaluation of off-label rapamycin use on oral health. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01221-0. [PMID: 38839644 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapamycin (sirolimus) is an FDA approved drug with immune modulating properties that is being prescribed off-label in adults as a preventative therapy to maintain healthspan. We recently published one of the first reports on 333 adults with a history of off-label rapamycin use. Along with presenting evidence that rapamycin can be used safely in adults of normal health status, we discovered that about 26% of rapamycin users also reported oral health changes. Given the recent evidence highlighting the potential benefits of rapamycin and its derivatives in enhancing oral health, we conducted a secondary data analysis to profile the oral health of off-label rapamycin users, the true incidence of mouth sores, and present specific case studies of periodontal bone loss quantification using an FDA-approved artificial intelligence platform. Contrary to expected findings and previous literature, dimensions of rapamycin usage (such as length of use, dosage, and interval) were not found to be related to the incidence of mouth ulcers in rapamycin users. Notably, among rapamycin users, the most deleterious forms of ulcers were found to be infrequent and not statistically linked to rapamycin usage, with most rapamycin users having a common transient form of mouth ulcers. Additionally, we describe the general oral health outcomes of off-label rapamycin users and provide recommendations for individuals engaging in off-label rapamycin to be regularly checked by a dentist or an oral health care provider. This report was limited by being a secondary data analysis taken from survey data that focused on a more holistic health model. Future studies will use a focused survey that collects data on more dimensions of oral health outcomes while including questions on oral health for non-rapamycin-using participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Hudson
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Tammi Kaeberlein
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Akashdeep Mahal
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nelson Wong
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Frank Radella
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan Y An
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Atya HB, Sharaf NM, Abdelghany RM, El-Helaly SN, Taha H. Autophagy and exosomes; inter-connected maestros in Alzheimer's disease. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:2061-2073. [PMID: 38564092 PMCID: PMC11136856 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is a crucial process involved in the degradation and recycling of cytoplasmic components which are transported to the lysosomal compartment by autophagosomes. Exosomes are an important means of communication and signaling in both normal and diseased states, and they have a significant role in the transmission and propagation of proteins, especially proteins implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. Autophagy may affect exosomal processing, but whether autophagy controls the release of aggregated β-amyloid and tau proteins in exosomes of Alzheimer disease (AD) is unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate how modulating autophagy affects the exosomal release of these proteins in animal models of AD. Isolated exosomes from brain tissues of 48 male albino mice were divided into four groups (Negative control, LPS, rapamycin (RAPA), and chloroquine (CQ). LC3 I and LC3 II as well as Aβ and Tau proteins levels were determined. All mice undergone Neuro-behavioral tests (Morris Water maze test, Y-maze test, and Novel Object Recognition). Both LPS and CQ groups showed reduced expression levels of LC3 II and LC3 II/LC3 I ratio. In contrast, RAPA group showed a significant increase in both LC3-II expression and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio. The levels of both Aβ & Tau in exosomes of CQ & LPS groups were higher. While RAPA group showed a significant diminished levels of tau & Aβ proteins. In conclusion, our findings suggest that autophagy alterations in AD can influence the release of Aβ and tau proteins through exosomes, which may impact the spread of misfolded proteins in AD. These results highlight a potential innovative therapeutic approach for combating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa B Atya
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, P.O. Box 11795, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Nadia Mohamed Sharaf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo-(GUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ragwa Mansour Abdelghany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo-(GUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Nageeb El-Helaly
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Taha
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, P.O. Box 11795, Cairo, Egypt
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Lee DJW, Hodzic Kuerec A, Maier AB. Targeting ageing with rapamycin and its derivatives in humans: a systematic review. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2024; 5:e152-e162. [PMID: 38310895 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(23)00258-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapamycin and its derivatives (rapalogs) are inhibitors of mTOR, a major regulator of the ageing process. We aimed to summarise the effects of rapamycin and its derivatives on the severity of ageing-related physiological changes and disease in adults. A search across five databases yielded 18 400 unique articles, resulting in 19 included studies. Rapamycin and its derivatives improved physiological parameters associated with ageing in the immune, cardiovascular, and integumentary systems of healthy individuals or individuals with ageing-related diseases. Overall, no significant effects on the endocrine, muscular, or neurological systems were found. The effects of rapamycin or its derivatives on the respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems were not assessed. No serious adverse events attributed to rapamycin and its derivatives were reported in healthy individuals; however, there were increased numbers of infections and increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in individuals with ageing-related diseases. Future studies should assess the remaining unexamined systems and test the effects of long-term exposure to rapamycin and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J W Lee
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajla Hodzic Kuerec
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Centre for Healthy Longevity, @AgeSingapore National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Andrea B Maier
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Centre for Healthy Longevity, @AgeSingapore National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Human Movement Sciences, @AgeAmsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Blagosklonny MV. My battle with cancer. Part 1. Oncoscience 2024; 11:1-14. [PMID: 38188499 PMCID: PMC10765422 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In January 2023, diagnosed with numerous metastases of lung cancer in my brain, I felt that I must accomplish a mission. If everything happens for a reason, my cancer, in particular, I must find out how metastatic cancer can be treated with curative intent. This is my mission now, and the reason I was ever born. In January 2023, I understood the meaning of life, of my life. I was born to write this article. In this article, I argue that monotherapy with targeted drugs, even when used in sequence, cannot cure metastatic cancer. However, preemptive combinations of targeted drugs may, in theory, cure incurable cancer. Also, I share insights on various topics, including rapamycin, an anti-aging drug that can delay but not prevent cancer, through my personal journey.
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Elliehausen CJ, Anderson RM, Diffee GM, Rhoads TW, Lamming DW, Hornberger TA, Konopka AR. Geroprotector drugs and exercise: friends or foes on healthy longevity? BMC Biol 2023; 21:287. [PMID: 38066609 PMCID: PMC10709984 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01779-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity and several pharmacological approaches individually combat age-associated conditions and extend healthy longevity in model systems. It is tantalizing to extrapolate that combining geroprotector drugs with exercise could extend healthy longevity beyond any individual treatment. However, the current dogma suggests that taking leading geroprotector drugs on the same day as exercise may limit several health benefits. Here, we review leading candidate geroprotector drugs and their interactions with exercise and highlight salient gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed to identify if geroprotector drugs can have a harmonious relationship with exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Elliehausen
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rozalyn M Anderson
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gary M Diffee
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Timothy W Rhoads
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dudley W Lamming
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Troy A Hornberger
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adam R Konopka
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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Konopka AR, Lamming DW. Blazing a trail for the clinical use of rapamycin as a geroprotecTOR. GeroScience 2023; 45:2769-2783. [PMID: 37801202 PMCID: PMC10643772 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00935-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex One (mTORC1) protein kinase, has been repeatedly demonstrated to extend lifespan and prevent or delay age-related diseases in diverse model systems. Concerns over the risk of potentially serious side effects in humans, including immunosuppression and metabolic disruptions, have cautiously limited the translation of rapamycin and its analogs as a treatment for aging associated conditions. During the last decade, we and others have developed a working model that suggests that while inhibition of mTORC1 promotes healthy aging, many of the negative side effects of rapamycin are associated with "off-target" inhibition of a second mTOR complex, mTORC2. Differences in the kinetics and molecular mechanisms by which rapamycin inhibits mTORC1 and mTORC2 suggest that a therapeutic window for rapamycin could be exploited using intermittent dosing schedules or alternative rapalogs that may enable more selective inhibition of mTORC1. However, the optimal dosing schedules and the long-term efficacy of such interventions in humans are unknown. Here, we highlight ongoing or upcoming clinical trials that will address outstanding questions regarding the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of rapamycin and rapalogs on several clinically oriented outcomes. Results from these early phase studies will help guide the design of phase 3 clinical trials to determine whether rapamycin can be used safely to inhibit mTORC1 for the treatment and prevention of age-related diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Konopka
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Dudley W Lamming
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
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Gambari R, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Finotti A, Gamberini MR, Prosdocimi M. The Long Scientific Journey of Sirolimus (Rapamycin): From the Soil of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) to Applied Research and Clinical Trials on β-Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1202. [PMID: 37759601 PMCID: PMC10525103 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
In this review article, we present the fascinating story of rapamycin (sirolimus), a drug able to induce γ-globin gene expression and increased production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in erythroid cells, including primary erythroid precursor cells (ErPCs) isolated from β-thalassemia patients. For this reason, rapamycin is considered of great interest for the treatment of β-thalassemia. In fact, high levels of HbF are known to be highly beneficial for β-thalassemia patients. The story of rapamycin discovery began in 1964, with METEI, the Medical Expedition to Easter Island (Rapa Nui). During this expedition, samples of the soil from different parts of the island were collected and, from this material, an antibiotic-producing microorganism (Streptomyces hygroscopicus) was identified. Rapamycin was extracted from the mycelium with organic solvents, isolated, and demonstrated to be very active as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Later, rapamycin was demonstrated to inhibit the in vitro cell growth of tumor cell lines. More importantly, rapamycin was found to be an immunosuppressive agent applicable to prevent kidney rejection after transplantation. More recently, rapamycin was found to be a potent inducer of HbF both in vitro using ErPCs isolated from β-thalassemia patients, in vivo using experimental mice, and in patients treated with this compound. These studies were the basis for proposing clinical trials on β-thalassemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.Z.); (J.G.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.Z.); (M.R.G.)
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Blagosklonny MV. Towards disease-oriented dosing of rapamycin for longevity: does aging exist or only age-related diseases? Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6632-6640. [PMID: 37477535 PMCID: PMC10415559 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Both individuals taking rapamycin, an anti-aging drug, and those not taking it will ultimately succumb to age-related diseases. However, the former, if administered disease-oriented dosages for a long time, may experience a delayed onset of such diseases and live longer. The goal is to delay a particular disease that is expected to be life-limiting in a particular person. Age-related diseases, quasi-programmed during development, progress at varying rates in different individuals. Rapamycin is a prophylactic anti-aging drug that decelerates early development of age-related diseases. I further discuss hyperfunction theory of quasi-programmed diseases, which challenges the need for the traditional concept of aging itself.
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Gamberini MR, Zuccato C, Zurlo M, Cosenza LC, Finotti A, Gambari R. Effects of Sirolimus Treatment on Fetal Hemoglobin Production and Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Case Report Study. Hematol Rep 2023; 15:432-439. [PMID: 37489374 PMCID: PMC10366771 DOI: 10.3390/hematolrep15030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are a group of monogenic hereditary hematological disorders caused by deletions and/or mutations of the β-globin gene, leading to low or absent production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). For β-thalassemia, sirolimus has been under clinical consideration in two trials (NCT03877809 and NCT04247750). A reduced immune response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has been reported in organ recipient patients treated with the immunosuppressant sirolimus. Therefore, there was some concern regarding the fact that monotherapy with sirolimus would reduce the antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In the representative clinical case reported in this study, sirolimus treatment induced the expected increase of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) but did not prevent the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after vaccination with mRNA-1273 (Moderna). In our opinion, this case report should stimulate further studies on β-thalassemia patients under sirolimus monotherapy in order to confirm the safety (or even the positive effects) of sirolimus with respect to the humoral response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In addition, considering the extensive use of sirolimus for the treatment of other human pathologies (for instance, in organ transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune cytopenia, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis), this case report study might be of general interest, as large numbers of patients are currently under sirolimus treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Gamberini
- Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Unità Operativa Interdipartimentale di Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Arcispedale S. Anna di Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Center "Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago" for the Research on Thalassemia, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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