Molecular Metabolism · 6 authors, 4 centres
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In a mouse study, intermittent rapamycin feeding extended lifespan similarly to continuous treatment in males and nearly as well in females, and partially reduced the glucose intolerance side effect of chronic dosing, but continuous treatment was superior for overall healthspan benefits.
This preclinical study investigated whether intermittent rapamycin treatment in mice could maintain lifespan benefits while reducing side effects. Male and female C3B6F1 hybrid mice were fed either continuously with 42 mg/kg rapamycin, intermittently (alternating weekly rapamycin and control food), or control food, starting at 6 months of age. Survival was monitored, and longitudinal metabolic and fitness phenotyping was conducted, with organ pathology assessed at 24 months. Results showed that chronic rapamycin induced glucose intolerance, which was partially ameliorated by intermittent treatment. Both treatments extended lifespan equally in males, while chronic treatment resulted in slightly higher survival in females. The two treatments had similar effects on specific organ pathologies and some fitness parameters, but continuous treatment better prevented other age-related health declines. The findings suggest intermittent dosing could be a viable strategy for rapamycin use, but the benefits to healthspan are less robust than with continuous administration.
