Naltrexone Therapy in Age Management Medicine: Biological Mechanism and Principles of Use
Luis MartÃnez, M.D., MPH
President, XanoGene Clinic, San Juan, Puerto Rico; President, Regenera Global, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Naltrexone is a competitive antagonist of the opioid receptors which has been used for decades in the management of substance abuse disorders. Interestingly, opioid receptors can affect multiple biological aspects including immune function and inflammation. This lecture will review the history and use of naltrexone and the biological mechanisms related the opioid receptors. Immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects of transient receptor blockade will be discussed. The effects of the different Naltrexone dosing regimens and their biological effects will be reviewed. Finally, opioid receptor modulation and its implications will be presented as a strategy to incorporate in Age Management Medicine.