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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
05:28
A Semi-Quantitative Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability DARTS assay for studying Rapamycin/mTOR interaction
Published on: August 27, 2019
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mTOR Inhibitor Therapy and Metabolic Consequences: Where Do We Stand?
Aleksandra Kezic1,2, Ljiljana Popovic1,3, Katarina Lalic1,3
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
|July 24, 2018
Summary
mTOR inhibitors show antiaging potential but can cause glucose intolerance. Metformin, a diabetes drug, may counteract these side effects, suggesting concurrent use to prevent diabetes in transplant patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic Disease
Background:
- Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) integrates nutrient signals.
- mTOR inhibitors (rapalogs) have antiaging and immunosuppressive roles.
- Chronic mTOR inhibition can lead to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review metabolic consequences of mTOR inhibitors on glucose metabolism.
- Compare these effects with metformin's metabolic profile.
- Suggest concurrent metformin and rapalog use to mitigate diabetes risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mTOR inhibitors and metformin.
- Analysis of metabolic effects on glucose and insulin sensitivity.
- Comparison of drug-induced metabolic changes.
Main Results:
- Acute mTOR inhibition mimics calorie restriction; chronic inhibition causes insulin resistance.
- Metformin activates AMPK, lowers glucose, and increases fatty acid oxidation.
- Rapalogs can induce hyperglycemia, while metformin improves glucose control.
Conclusions:
- Chronic mTOR inhibition poses a risk for developing type II diabetes.
- Metformin's AMPK activation offers a protective metabolic profile.
- Concurrent metformin and rapalog use may prevent rapalog-induced diabetes, especially in transplant recipients.
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