Can rapamycin delay menopause and boost ovarian health?
Most women are familiar with the phrase, “Your biological clock is ticking.” The harsh reality is that every month a woman ovulates, approximately 1,000 potential eggs are lost, ultimately leading to the onset of menopause. But what if there were a way to put the brakes on the ovarian ageing process, slowing down the ticking of the clock? Scientists hope to answer that question in a new, first-of-its-kind ageing study named VIBRANT. It explores the ability of rapamycin to slow down ovarian ageing. Let’s explore what this medication is.
Ovarian function decline is not just about infertility. Ovarian ageing has numerous implications for women’s well-being. The arrival of menopause aligns with various chronic diseases and health concerns, such as compromised immune function, decreased bone density, deteriorating heart health, and metabolic challenges. Additionally, individuals experiencing menopause at an earlier stage often have slightly shorter lifespans. Yousin Suh, a genetics expert and the director of reproductive ageing at Columbia University, says: “Data is showing that, in fact, menopause accelerates ageing.” So, reproductive rejuvenation can probably improve the whole body’s functions.
Rapamycin is a most famous anti-ageing drug
Rapamycin, primarily known as an immune-suppressing drug, has already demonstrated its ability to extend both health and lifespan in various animal models, including flies, mice, and worms. However, studies involving ageing humans are more limited, with a 2014 trial by Novartis indicating potential benefits for older individuals.
Will rapamycin become a savior of ovarian youth?
By slowing down the ovarian ageing process, rapamycin may allow ovaries to remain vibrant and youthful as women enter middle age. This, in turn, could extend the window of fertility and potentially postpone the onset of menopause. However, precise dosing is crucial, as excessive inhibition of mTOR (the target of rapamycin) could halt ovulation altogether.
Rapamycin has shown promising results in delaying ovarian ageing in mice, even when treatment was short-term. Now, scientists are eager to determine if this compound could yield similar benefits for women.
Implications for Women
VIBRANT (Validating Benefits of Rapamycin for Reproductive Ageing Treatment) research has been launched this spring at Columbia University. Its’ main goal is to investigate whether the drug rapamycin can slow down the ageing process in ovaries. The core idea behind this study is to preserve the limited and precious eggs within a woman’s ovaries.
The VIBRANT study will enroll 50 women between the ages of 38 and 45 in a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study. These women, who are awaiting egg donors due to signs of early menopause, will receive a low weekly dose of rapamycin. Researchers anticipate minimal side effects, such as those previously reported by users, like mouth sores or delayed wound healing. Crucially, they will monitor a key marker of reproductive health throughout the three-month study.
In conclusion, the quest for ovarian rejuvenation through rapamycin holds the promise of extending fertility and enhancing overall well-being for women. As we eagerly await the outcomes of these groundbreaking clinical trials, let us stand united in the belief that the menopausal journey is not an end but a remarkable new beginning.
