Effects of mTOR Inhibition on Muscle Health in Older Adults
Impacts of Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Inhibition on Aged Human Muscle.
This study is testing if a medication called Rapamune can help older adults with muscle loss get stronger when they do resistance exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Derby) |
| Trial ID | NCT05414292 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) on muscle health in older adults experiencing muscle atrophy and age-related sarcopenia. Participants will undergo unilateral resistance exercise training while receiving Rapamune (sirolimus) to assess its impact on muscle protein synthesis and overall muscle function. The study aims to explore whether mTOR inhibition can enhance muscle responses to exercise in individuals who may not be able to engage in regular physical activity. By understanding the role of mTOR in muscle maintenance, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies for combating age-related muscle loss.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults who are physically able to participate in resistance exercise training and are experiencing muscle atrophy or sarcopenia.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases, or those with a BMI outside the specified range, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new pharmacological approach to improve muscle mass and function in older adults, enhancing their quality of life and independence.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of mTOR inhibition has shown promise in animal studies, this specific application in humans is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study * Participant is physically able to complete the resistance exercise training programme Exclusion Criteria: * • A BMI \<18 or \>35 kg/m2 * Active cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or respiratory disease: e.g. uncontrolled hypertension (BP \> 160/100), angina, heart failure (class III/IV), arrhythmia, right to left cardiac shunt, recent cardiac event, COPD, pulmonary hypertension or recent stroke * Any metabolic disease * Clotting dysfunction * A history of, or current neurological or musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. epilepsy) * Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance (this must remain for ALL UoN FMHS UREC approved studies) * Contraindications to MRI scanning including claustrophobia, pacemaker, metal implants etc. which will be assessed through an MRI safety screening questionnaire. * Contraindications to the use of Rapamycin e.g. those due scheduled vaccinations (as rapamycin can reduce the efficacy of vaccines).
Where this trial is running
Derby
- University of Nottingham School of Medicine — Derby, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Philip Atherton, PhD
- Email: philip.atherton@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: 01332724725
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.