DeepSummary
In this podcast episode, Dr. Mark Hyman interviews Dr. Nir Barzilai, a leading expert in the field of longevity science. They discuss the hallmarks of aging, which are biological processes that contribute to aging and age-related diseases. Dr. Barzilai explains his research on centenarians, individuals who live past 100 years, and how their genetic variations can provide insights into longevity.
Dr. Barzilai shares findings from his study of centenarians, including their lower levels of growth hormone (IGF-1) and higher levels of HDL cholesterol, which seem to contribute to their longevity. He also discusses the potential of the diabetes drug metformin in targeting aging and delaying age-related diseases, which is the focus of his ongoing TAME trial.
The conversation covers the mechanisms of action of metformin, its effects on muscle growth, and its potential benefits for longevity. Dr. Barzilai also shares his personal longevity routine, emphasizing exercise, intermittent fasting, and social connectivity. The episode provides valuable insights into the emerging field of longevity science and the quest to understand and extend human healthspan.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The hallmarks of aging are biological processes that contribute to aging and age-related diseases, and targeting these hallmarks is a key approach in longevity science.
- Dr. Nir Barzilai's research on centenarians has revealed genetic variations and biological factors, such as lower levels of growth hormone (IGF-1) and higher levels of HDL cholesterol, that may contribute to longevity.
- The diabetes drug metformin is being studied for its potential to target aging and delay age-related diseases through mechanisms like activating AMPK and inhibiting mTOR, as demonstrated in the TAME trial led by Dr. Barzilai.
- While metformin may have benefits for longevity, it can also have trade-offs, such as potentially limiting muscle growth, and its effects may vary depending on age and other factors.
- Dr. Barzilai's personal longevity routine emphasizes exercise, intermittent fasting, social connectivity, and selectively trying other potential longevity interventions under medical supervision.
- The emerging field of longevity science aims to understand and target the fundamental mechanisms of aging to prevent age-related diseases and extend healthspan.
- Ongoing research efforts, such as the TAME trial and the search for biomarkers of aging, are paving the way for potential FDA-approved longevity interventions and personalized approaches to healthy aging.
- While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are important for longevity, there is also potential for therapeutic interventions to target the biology of aging and delay age-related diseases.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “We're soldiers in the same war and we will win.“ by Nir Barzilai
- “The reason I'm doing tame is for the other reason that you said we have to show to the FDA that we target aging, the biology of aging, and we prevent age related diseases.“ by Nir Barzilai
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Episode Information
The Doctor's Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.
Dr. Mark Hyman
2/7/24
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Dr. Nir Barzilai is a geroscientist, Chaired Professor of Medicine and Genetics, and the founder and principal investigator of the Einstein Nathan Shock Center and the Glenn Center for Excellence in Biology of Aging. He also studies families of centenarians that have provided genetic and biological insights on the protection against aging—with several drugs developed based, in part, on these paradigm-changing studies. He is also leading the TAME (Targeting/Taming Aging with Metformin) trial to prove to the FDA that aging can be delayed and to allow for next-generation interventions.
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In this episode we discuss (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):
- The hallmarks of aging (9:01 / 7:10)
- What causes the hallmarks of aging? (15:40 / 13:49)
- Dr. Barzilai’s research on centenarians (23:16 / 21:25)
- Why living to 100+ years is good for the economy (24:54 / 23:03)
- What enables someone to live to 100 years old? (29:30 / 25:20)
- Taking growth hormone and Metformin have different effects based on your age (36:58 / 32:48)
- The connection between HDL cholesterol and longevity (43:36 / 39:26)
- Dr. Barzilai’s research on Metformin (56:23 / 52:13)
- How Metformin works in the body and on muscle growth (1:04:51 / 1:00:41)
- Dr. Barzilai’s personal longevity (1:42:05 / 1:37:55)
Learn more about the Longevity Genes Project and the TAME Trial.
Get a copy of Age Later: Health Span, Life Span, and the New Science of Longevity
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