Angiotensin II and Aldosterone Accelerate Aging and Chronic Illness Development
Most of the attention in the antiaging literature around promising medications is focused on metformin and rapamycin (Sirolimus) which both inhibit mTOR directly. There is good evidence that angiotensin II and aldosterone accelerate aging and the onset of chronic illness. Look at the diagram. Losartan and and eplerenone block that effect in a very precise way. They both block their respective receptors (AT1 and MR) to decrease oxidant production. Oxidants activate the epidermal growth factor receptor and knock over signaling dominoes downstream to switch off mTOR and switch on AMPK indirectly. These signaling pathways regulate kidney formation in the child. If a pregnant woman takes losartan her fetus may not form a normal kidney. When angiotensin II and aldosterone are activated in abdominal fat later in life they accelerate aging and chronic illnesses like cardiovascular diseases and heart failure but also osteoporosis, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dementia, , and cancer. In combination, metformin, atorvastatin, and losartan prolong healthy life by 8 years in high risk diabetes compared with usual care. Genes that are essential in the fetus cause chronic illness when activated later in life. We can practice precision medicine now. Let’s get started.