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Drug Shows Promise in Extending Lifespan, Mimicking caloric Restriction Benefits
While generally well-tolerated, rilmenidine has been associated with rare instances of side effects such as palpitations, insomnia, or drowsiness.
Caloric Restriction-Like Effects Observed
A critically important study published in the journal Aging cell, which focuses on the biology of aging, investigated the effects of rilmenidine on Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode commonly used in biological research due to its genetic similarities to humans. The findings were encouraging: both young and old worms treated with rilmenidine exhibited extended lifespans and improved overall health, mirroring the outcomes seen in animals subjected to caloric restriction.
“This marks the first time we’ve been able to demonstrate in animals that rilmenidine can prolong life,” stated João Pedro Magalhães, a specialist in molecular biogerontology at The University of Birmingham and a lead author of the research.
Further investigations involving mice corroborated these observations. In kidney and liver tissues, rilmenidine was found to activate gene types identical to those stimulated by a low-calorie diet. This ability to replicate the biological signals of starvation without the associated negative consequences, such as hair thinning, dizziness, or bone fragility, represents a crucial advancement in the pursuit of more accessible anti-aging therapies.
Molecular Discoveries Underpin Rilmenidine‘s Efficacy
A critical factor in rilmenidine’s effectiveness is a biological receptor known as NISH-1. This receptor in Caenorhabditis elegans is the counterpart to a human receptor involved in regulating blood pressure, but it also appears to play essential roles in cellular aging processes and oxidative stress.
The researchers discovered that when the NISH-1 receptor was genetically removed, the positive impact of rilmenidine on longevity was entirely negated. “Restoring the receptor brought back these beneficial effects,” the published study indicates, “confirming that NISH-1 is vital for initiating the cellular response that promotes longevity.”
This finding opens new avenues for research, suggesting that targeting NISH-1 or its human equivalent could become a primary strategy in developing treatments designed to slow the aging process and maintain health in later life.
Early Stages, Significant potential
Although it is still premature to definitively ascertain rilmenidine’s efficacy in humans, the initial indicators are highly promising. The drug is already in clinical use,which could perhaps accelerate human testing phases compared to entirely novel compounds.
“Considering the global trend of an aging population, the advantages of delaying this process, even by a modest amount, are substantial,” commented the Birmingham-based specialist.