
Drug combination found to extend lifespan by 30 per cent
The drugs rapamycin and trametinib given together as a combination can increase mice lifespan by up to 30 per cent, say researchers, including from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing.
Trametinib alone can extend lifespan by 5 to 10 per cent and rapamycin by 15–20 per cent, according to the study published in the journal Nature Ageing.
Researchers say the drug combination has several other positive effects on mice health in old age, including less chronic inflammation in tissues and a delayed onset of cancer.
Previous studies showed potent anti-ageing effects of rapamycin in several animals. Trametinib wasn't known to extend lifespan in mice but previous research in flies indicated it might.
In humans, the two drugs have been used for cancer treatment.
While both drugs act on the same chemical network in the body, their combination appears to achieve novel effects that are likely not attributable to just an increase in dosage.
Gene activity analysis of mice tissues shows the combination influences genes differently than is achieved by administering the drugs individually. The analysis reveals specific gene activity changes that are only caused by the combination of the two drugs.
In further studies, researchers hope to determine the optimal dose and route of administration of trametinib to maximise its life-prolonging effects while minimising unwanted side effects.
'Trametinib, especially in combination with rapamycin, is a good candidate to be tested in clinical trials as a geroprotector,' Sebastian Grönke, a co-author of the study, says.
'We hope that our results will be taken up by others and tested in humans. Our focus is on optimising the use of trametinib in animal models.'
While the exact same kind of effect may not be possible in humans, researchers hope the drugs can help people stay healthy and disease-free for longer in life.
"Further research in humans in years to come will help us to elucidate how these drugs may be useful to people and who might be able to benefit,' British geneticist Dame Linda Partridge said in a statement.
Scientists hope the drug combination may be developed into a promising strategy for combating age-related diseases and promoting longevity.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
44 minutes ago
- The Sun
Loris Karius lifts lid on relationship with Diletta Leotta after she revealed moment he locked himself in her room
LORIS KARIUS has spilled the beans on his glam romance with TV stunner Diletta Leotta. The ex-Liverpool goalkeeper explained the difficulties of living miles apart from his wife and how he's able to make up for his absence. 11 11 Karius, best remembered for that Champions League final meltdown against Real Madrid, has swapped Anfield heartache for happily-ever-after with Italian stunner Diletta, 33, who fronts the footie on DAZN. The pair first met in 2022, welcomed baby Aria in 2023 and tied the knot in a plush 2024 bash straight out of a fairy tale. But it's not all roses and romance, they're juggling marriage and parenthood from different countries. Karius now plays for German Bundesliga two side Schalke after leaving Newcastle while Diletta's continues her DAZN gig in Milan. But according to the goalkeeper his wife loves it and creates an atmoshphere where its right for them to feel the love even from a distance. He told Sport Bild: 'Diletta even advised me to extend at Schalke. "She thinks the club is great and she likes everything she has seen here so far. "Diletta also thinks that royal blue is the perfect choice for my sporting success. She is fully behind this decision." Karius however admits it's tough not seeing little Aria every day but FaceTime is saving the day. He added: 'But of course it's hard for me when I can't see my little daughter Aria for days. Glamorous sports presenter Diletta Leotta shocks in full see-through outfit as she leaves little to imagination "But that's what FaceTime is for and we see each other regularly - as often as possible." The 32-year-old goalkeeper also admitted he's open to a second child even though he's not planned anything yet. He added: "We would love to have a second child, we don't know when yet and nothing concrete is planned so far." The goalie also revealed that his missus is the real celeb in the family – especially in Milan. He added: 'She gets recognised more than me. She's a superstar over there.' But Karius wasn't quite ready for the full Italian family welcome. On meeting Diletta's clan in noisy Sicily, he fled the lunch table and locked himself in the bedroom for a lie-down. His wife Dilette revealed on a podcast: 'He was shattered by life, bless him. 'He said, Please stop, I need a break. "He went upstairs to his room locked himself in and threw himself on the bed destroyed by life." Since his Liverpool nightmare, Karius has done the rounds – Besiktas, Union Berlin, Newcastle and now Schalke in Germany's second tier, where he just signed a deal until 2027. 11 11 11 11 11


Telegraph
7 hours ago
- Telegraph
NHS is ‘failing' British FGM victims
The NHS has been accused of 'failing' victims of female genital mutilation (FGM) by not providing the correct care for survivors. Women and girls are forced to leave the UK to have reconstructive surgery abroad due to the lack of treatment available in Britain, The Telegraph has found. Germany has emerged as one of the main destinations for victims of the practice, with many having to crowdfund up to £30,000 to afford the travel and surgery due to NHS failings, survivors say. FGM involves the cutting of the genitals and is often justified by those who advocate for it as a cultural and religious norm. But it is illegal in most countries, including in Africa and Asia, where it is most prevalent. Human rights groups say the practice is a violation of a woman's sexuality and autonomy. The World Health Organisation states FGM has no health benefits for girls and women and can result in severe bleeding, problems urinating and infections. According to the organisation's updated guidelines, countries should provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for FGM survivors, including access to reconstructive surgery and effective psychosocial support. The UK falls short of that. Only about 10 per cent of the UK's estimated 170,000 FGM survivors, approximately 17,000 women, are eligible for the NHS's sole surgical intervention – deinfibulation. Deinfibulation is the surgical opening of scar tissue formed from FGM. It is limited to treating only those with Type 3 FGM, the most severe form, which consists of the removal of part or all of the external genitalia and the stitching together of the vaginal opening (often called infibulation). This leaves roughly 153,000 women without any surgical option. Numbers are estimated to be even higher, with many cases not recorded in official statistics. Shamsa Araweelo, an FGM survivor living with chronic pain, was forced to raise £30,000 for reconstructive surgery in Germany, where work in the field is among the most pioneering in Europe. She said: 'The NHS failed to provide me with the healthcare I needed. 'No survivor should have to crowdfund their right to a pain-free life. 'Even if I did have a deinfibulation in the UK, it would mean that they would open you up until they can see the urethra, and then they stop. The NHS won't repair any of the damage.' Dr Dan mon O'Dey, a specialist in reconstructive surgery, said he's seen an influx of patients from the UK visit his practice in Heidelberg, Germany. He said: 'Every week, I have contact with new patients from England… every week, two to three more patients coming from England. 'What I hear, especially from patients… is that [FGM surgery] is something that needs to be improved in England.' His clinic offers procedures beyond deinfibulation, including full reconstructive surgery and structured aftercare. He said deinfibulation has benefits for the patient, especially the ability to urinate freely, but 'more care and treatment might be needed to ensure long-term comfort and prevent complications'. Huda Mohamed, an MBE recipient and a lead specialist midwife at the Whittington, said: 'In Germany, they'll have aftercare, they'll have ongoing support.' Ms Mohamed highlighted that the unmet needs of those with Type 1 and Type 2 FGM can still cause chronic infections, painful menstruation and problems in childbirth, despite it being less severe than Type 3. She said: 'Sometimes they damage the nerves… the women complain about not being able even to wear tight clothes… we don't have that specialist thing. We can't do reconstruction.' July is deemed the 'cutting season', a period during school holidays when girls are considered to be at heightened risk of being taken abroad – mostly to East Africa – to undergo female genital mutilation. In 2023, Amina Noor was convicted of assisting a non-UK person to carry out the procedure overseas 17 years ago. It was the first conviction of its kind under the FGM Act of 2003 and followed the only other successful prosecution related to FGM, in 2019, when a Ugandan woman from east London, was jailed for 11 years for cutting a three-year-old girl. Leyla Hussein, an activist and a survivor, said: 'Because of the convictions they are now taking girls younger and younger. They know now they have to be more careful.' According to research published in February by the University of Birmingham, a girl dies every 12 minutes as a result of FGM-related complications. Ms Hussein said the UK's limited surgical provision for FGM survivors was woefully inadequate. She said: 'Just deinfibulation is not enough… I can give as much therapeutic support as I can but reconstructive surgery would be life-changing for these women. 'The NHS has a duty of care to these women. These are British women. These are women who are suffering, and it's literally a basic duty of care.' The UK's last campaign to raise awareness of FGM was in 2018 and ended in January 2023, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The Government hosts resources on FGM, but does not specify that it is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. An NHS spokesman said: 'The NHS is committed to supporting FGM survivors, which is why it has rolled out more than 20 national FGM support clinics across England, where patients can receive a range of support, including referral to a specialist consultant where needed. 'All NHS healthcare professionals have responsibilities to safeguard women and girls at risk of FGM or other abuse, and FGM is part of mandatory safeguarding training for staff.' Juliet Albert, a NHS midwife and advocate for FGM reconstructive surgery, said, 'We are failing FGM survivors. 'It's embarrassing that the UK has not taken this forward for all these years. I mean, in France, since 1998 more than 7,000 women have had reconstruction surgery, and yet we don't even offer it here.'


Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Experts recommend a 'micro' exercise to lose weight... and it only takes 30 seconds
The thought of getting in 10,000 steps while working a 9-5 or waking up before sunrise to workout may sound daunting to most people, despite knowing the importance of physical activity. But now, experts suggest you may be able to get the benefits of walking without going on miles-long strolls. In fact, it could only take 30-second bursts, dubbed 'micro-walks,' to stay healthy, with research suggesting this activity could be more beneficial than long walks. Micro-walks are defined as walking for 10 to 30 seconds at a time with breaks between your next stint. They can be as simple as going up a flight of stairs or doing a lap around your office. A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B looked to test the efficiency of walking over different time intervals. In their research, the team used volunteers who walked on a treadmill or climbed a short flight of stairs for different time periods ranging from 10 seconds to four minutes. They found that people who walked in short bursts used up to 60 percent more energy than those who took longer, slower walks, despite the walks covering the same distance. And the more energy you expend, the more you boost metabolism and the more calories you burn. Micro-walks are defined as walking for 10 to 30 seconds at a time with breaks between your next walk Your browser does not support iframes. Researchers concluded that doing brief bursts of walking might boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories than taking longer, steady strolls. Globally, one in four adults does not get adequate physical activity. In the US, nearly half of Americans are overweight or obese and around 300,000 deaths are the result of physical inactivity and poor eating habits, according to estimates by the CDC. 'Micro-walks are particularly effective for sedentary individuals or those in recovery, offering an accessible way to reintroduce movement,' Dr Zulia Frost, co-founder and clinical director of Recharge Health, told USA Today. Starting to exercise can seem overwhelming and even scary to some, but micro-walks can start to set you on a path of renewed health and fitness without needing to commit to long workouts that take up a huge chunk of your day. 'It's really about doing what you can,' dietitian Albert Matheny, a co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab, told Women's Health. 'If you're not a big walker and you think, "I don't want to walk five miles," then just do 30-second bursts. It's more attainable.' And there are numerous benefits to the short walks. Even a few minutes of walking after meals can aid digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels. Research shows that short bursts of movement throughout the day contribute to calorie burn and improved metabolism. Sitting for long periods can cause stiffness, back pain, and decreased energy levels. Taking a five-minute walking break every hour can improve circulation, boost concentration, and reduce fatigue. Additionally, a quick stroll can be a mood-lifter. Micro-walks have the ability to reduce stress hormones and enhance creativity, effectively boosting productivity. And a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Walking - even in short intervals - also helps regulate blood pressure, manage weight, and improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, in a recent analysis of nearly 60 studies, researchers found just 7,000 steps, not the always-touted 10,000, in a day was enough to lower the risk of dementia, heart disease and some forms of cancer. Scientists compared the effects of 7,000 daily steps to 2,000. Based on health data from 160,000 people, those who walked 7,000 steps a day had a 25 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, America's number one killer. Additionally, 7,000 daily steps led to a 38 percent drop in dementia risk. People who adhered to the measure were also less likely to suffer from depression than those who got just 2,000 steps in a day.