The Effects of Fasting on Human Longevity Proteins

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About This Project

Research suggests that fasting is the most consistent non-pharmacologic method for increasing human lifespan. This is likely due in part to fasting's effect on the mTOR,IGF-1, and Klotho protein pathways which play a central role in the aging process. This pilot aims to identify the effects of fasting on these proteins over a 1-day fasting period. Our goal is to identify an optimal fasting protocol for the promotion of longevity.

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What is the context of this research?

The effects of fasting on longevity are well studied. Nutrient sensing pathways, such as insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), are thought to act as major determinants of longevity.

MTOR, IGF-1, and Klotho are modifiable by fasting. What needs to be determined is which food intake pattern best enhances these pathways for lifespan extension. The first step in that goal is to identify how these proteins respond to a 24 hour fast and re-feed. Does the peak effect occur at 12 hours of fasting? at 20? That is what remains to be seen.

This pilot will be the first step toward that aim. The data gained will pave the way for recommending dietary intake patterns that increase human lifespan.

What is the significance of this project?

Caloric restriction Is the most consistent, non-pharmacological, non-genetic intervention that extends lifespan across a variety of species. The mechanism behind this is likely complex, but research suggests that mTOR, IGF-1, and Klotho play a major role.

Despite significant interest, the specific effects of fasting on these proteins are not well understood. We hypothesize that there is an ideal fasting schedule for inhibiting mTORC1, IGF-1, and promoting Klotho protein production.

The data collected will pave the way for a larger clinical trial (n>60) in males and females testing a variety of intermittent fasting patterns. The data from this pilot will be pivotal in the design of future studies intended to test the effects of intermittent fasting on human longevity.


What are the goals of the project?

Our aim is to determine the expression curves of all 3 proteins over a 24-hour fast and re-feed in three male subjects using enzyme-linked immunoassay. ELISA will be performed by an accredited reference laboratory.

Budget

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These budget items will allow us to collect and analyze klotho, mTOR, and IGF-1 expression curves for three healthy volunteers at baseline, after an 8 hour fast, after a 16 hour fast, and after a 24 hour fast, and hour after refeeding.

Endorsed by

This project will answer research questions in the longevity field. I give my highest recommendation for the Researcher Trevor Lohman.

Project Timeline

Data collection: Blood collection for three male subjects.

Data Analysis: Repeated measures analysis

Manuscript creation: Once the data collection and analysis is complete, we will compose our manuscript for peer reviewed publication.

Submission, acceptance and publication: This process typically takes 2-3 months.

Jan 19, 2022

Project Launched

Feb 07, 2022

Data collection and Analysis

Mar 07, 2022

Manuscript finalized

Mar 14, 2022

Submitted for publication

May 16, 2022

Acceptance and Publication

Meet the Team

Trevor Lohman
Trevor Lohman
Ph.D(c)

Affiliates

Loma Linda University
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Trevor Lohman

I am fascinated by interventions that modulate human lifespan, as well as tools that measure their effects. I am currently working on two projects: 1.) The effects of high intensity exercise on transcriptomic aging and 2): NHANES meta-analysis lifespan predictor

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