The research into the science of Aging raises a lot of questions. Can compounds be discovered that delay age-related diseases? Is Epitalon an anti-aging miracle or a hoax? This is why biogerontology is a focus of anti-aging drug discovery.
The effect of a drug that influences aging requires an endpoint to be measured, which is either life span, health span, or biomarkers of aging. These biomarkers should fulfill the following criteria.
- It must predict life span and not only chronological age
- It must monitor the underlying aging process
- It must withstand repeated testing without harming the test subject
- It must be effective in laboratory animals
In the past decades, Prof. Vladimir Khavinson conducted studies on mice and came across interesting theories. One of them being that epitalon may have anti-aging properties due to telomerase activation and elongation of telomeres.
WHAT IS EPITALON?
Epitalon is also known as Epithalon or Epithalamine, a synthetic pineal tetrapeptide. It consists of four amino acids (Alanine, Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, Glycine). It is identical to the natural peptide called Epithalamin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland.
It plays a role in metabolism, increasing the sensitivity of the hypothalamus to its natural hormone influences. This regulates the level of melatonin in the body of animal test subjects, improving the circadian rhythm. It also has anti-aging effects and extends the life expectancy. It also inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells in the breasts, colon, prostate e.t.c.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF EPITALON
Epitalon increases the production of telomerase, a natural enzyme that helps cells reproduce telomeres. It is the protective component of DNA and prevents the loss of genetic information. This results in the chromosome-shortening. Telomeres get shorter every time a cell divides, and this is closely linked to age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately death in elderly subjects.
If telomerase can be activated, cells can potentially exceed their time limit and may reverse the mechanism of aging. The longer the telomere strand is, the better cell health and replication they provide. Therefore epitalon plays a vital role in decreasing the aging process and extends longevity.
THE ANTI-AGING EFFECT OF EPITALON
The life extension and anti-aging properties of the synthetic tetrapeptide epitalon are remarkable. Experimental studies show that epitalon does this by the following mechanisms.
Elongating telomeres and activating telomerase
Telomerase is the enzyme that elongates telomeres in the body. It also protects the DNA from the damage caused by aging. When cells multiply, they have a predefined number of cycles they can perform. In Professor Khavinson’s studies, epitalon treated cells made a total of forty-four passages (ten extra divisions compared to normal cells). Therefore, the studies support the evidence that Epitalon prolongs the life of cells.
Stimulating endogenous melatonin secretion
The pineal gland maintains melatonin levels. Investigations demonstrated a pronounced decrease in the content of melatonin in the blood of aging animals. This hormone is important in the function of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. Introducing melatonin produces a geroprotective influence. However, this could provoke side effects, such as neoplastic growth. This necessitated the search for effective stimulants of Endogenous Melatonin Secretion.
Epitalon appeared to act as an antioxidant and decreased the age-related changes in the immune and the neuroendocrine systems. Therefore, reducing the incidence of chronic diseases and infections.
CONCLUSION
Life-span studies are challenging because they take a long time in animals. Despite all the research using epitalon, there are still many questions. Is it possible to halt the process of aging or reverse it and preserve life indefinitely? We will wait for more research on this peptide. Epitalon is available for purchase for your research from Loti Labs. It is tested through HPLC and Mass spectrometry to ensure quality. Epitalon is available in lyophilized powder form and is commonly sold in 10mg vials.
References:
Le Couteur DG, McLachlan AJ, Quinn RJ, Simpson SJ, de Cabo R. Aging biology and novel targets for drug discovery. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2012;67(2):168–174. doi:10.1093/gerona/glr095
NEL.EDU – Neuroendocrinology Letters: http://nel.edu/22_4/NEL220401A03_Khavinson_w.pdf
Khavinson VKh. Peptides and Ageing. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11–144.
Kozina LS, Arutjunyan AV, Khavinson VKh. Antioxidant properties of geroprotective peptides of the pineal gland. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2007;44 Suppl 1:213–216. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2007.01.029
Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590–592. doi:10.1023/a:1025493705728
