PPARγ agonists delay age-associated metabolic disease and extend longevity

Aging leads to a number of disorders caused by cellular senescence, tissue damage, and organ dysfunction. It has been reported that anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing compounds delay, or reverse, the aging process and prevent metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative disease, and muscle atrophy, improving healthspan and extending lifespan. Here we investigated the effects of PPAR gamma agonists in preventing aging and increasing longevity, given their known properties in lowering inflammation and decreasing glycemia. Our molecular and physiological studies show that long-term treatment of mice at 14 months of age with low doses of the PPAR gamma ligand rosiglitazone (Rosi) improved glucose metabolism and mitochondrial functionality. These effects were associated with decreased inflammation and reduced tissue atrophy, improved cognitive function, and diminished anxiety- and depression-like conditions, without any adverse effects on cardiac and skeletal functionality. Furthermore, Rosi treatment of mice started when they were 14 months old was associated with lifespan extension. A retrospective analysis of the effects of the PPAR gamma agonist pioglitazone (Pio) on longevity showed decreased mortality in patients receiving Pio compared to those receiving a PPAR gamma-independent insulin secretagogue glimepiride. Taken together, these data suggest the possibility of using PPAR gamma agonists to promote healthy aging and extend lifespan.