Calorie Restriction Mimetics: Examples and Mode of Action

The search for Calorie Restriction Mimetics (CRM) compounds that mimic the genetic, biochemical and physical actions of calorie restriction is not a search for a ‘lazy dieters pill’. It is a quest aiming to clarify the basic mechanisms of calorie restriction and develop strategies in order to prevent, treat or alleviate age-related conditions. The development of CRM will add new and important assets in our armamentarium of anti-ageing therapies, with the ultimate result of increasing healthy human lifespan. This Special Supplement on CRM is an attempt to discuss some agents which may be used instead of calorie restriction itself. Agents such as resveratrol, metformin, carnosine and Rimonabant are mainstream oral therapies already used by millions of people for other clinical indications. New CRM such as NADH, gugulipids and certain drugs that interfere with glucose metabolism can be also used as oral therapy. Less easily available CRM such as oxaloacetic acid, naloxone, leptin, adiponectin, rapamycin and sirtuins are further examples of promising agents. In order for the therapy to be effective, a combination of these must be used. This paper summarises the actions of calorie restriction and then suggests several examples of possible CRM. Some of these examples can be used in everyday