A new study is investigating whether a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and specific anti-inflammatory medications and supplements can mitigate age-related diseases. The research involves healthy older adults, aged 65 to 80, participating in daily HIIT and resistance training sessions. Participants also receive daily capsules of spermidine, a supplement associated with healthy aging, and a generic medication known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Dr. Thomas Marron, a lead researcher from The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, explained that as individuals age, the immune system shifts, leading to chronic inflammation, a phenomenon termed 'inflammaging.' This 'bad inflammation' is believed to contribute to various age-related conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and dementia. Researchers hope that by reducing this inflammation, they can decrease the incidence of these diseases and promote healthy aging.
Robert Profusek, a lawyer in his 70s and a study participant, expressed a desire to maintain his health and physical activity as he ages. He reported feeling benefits after a few months of HIIT and resistance-band workouts, which typically last about 15 minutes daily. Profusek acknowledged that the regimen doesn't guarantee a long life but found the concept of 'slowing down aging' and 'extending your runway' appealing.
The research aligns with a growing interest in anti-aging interventions, coinciding with projections that the number of centenarians in the U.S. could quadruple by mid-century. Dr. Marron cautioned against the proliferation of unproven online anti-aging products, emphasizing the study's aim to build scientific evidence.
The study combines three interventions with existing evidence of promise. Regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Large observational studies indicate that women who engage in exercise and strength training can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 30%. Spermidine was included based on research suggesting its role in stimulating autophagy, a process that cleans damaged cells and reduces inflammation. Natural spermidine production declines with age, and supplements have shown lifespan extension in preliminary animal studies.
The study incorporates two generic medications: lamivudine, an antiviral, and rapamycin, prescribed to transplant patients to prevent organ rejection. Both drugs have received FDA approval for specific conditions. The study seeks to determine if they can prevent age-related diseases in healthy older adults by reducing inflammation. Rapamycin has gained attention among longevity enthusiasts, with some taking it off-label in low doses for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, researcher Philip Iffland noted that rapamycin can have side effects, and individual responses vary.
Marron's team will collect blood samples throughout the year-long study to analyze changes in inflammation markers. They will use a high-resolution proteomic analysis to examine over 5,300 proteins, including cytokines and chemokines, which regulate immune responses. This analysis aims to identify biomarkers and provide a comprehensive understanding of immune cell and protein interactions during inflammation.
Researchers anticipate observing a significant reduction in the chronic inflammation associated with aging. The team is a semi-finalist in the XPRIZE Healthspan competition, which aims to develop interventions that restore muscle, cognitive, and immune function and extend healthy life. Miriam Merad, Director of the Precision Immunology Institute and co-leader of the study, described the endeavor as a 'moonshot,' focusing on 'laying the groundwork' for extending vitality rather than just lifespan. Profusek reiterated his view that if a regimen can extend vitality, it is worth pursuing.