Epitalon

What is Epithalon? A Breakthrough in Anti-Aging Research

Epithalon (also known as Epitalon or Epithalamine) is a synthetic tetrapeptide renowned for its ability to activate telomerase, an enzyme that protects and maintains telomere caps at the ends of chromosomes. Derived from the pineal gland’s natural peptide Epithalamin, Epithalon was first developed in Russia in the 1980s. Research highlights its potential to promote telomere elongation, which may slow down aging effects, reduce age-related diseases, and extend lifespan. As a key player in anti-aging science, Epithalon supports cellular health, fights oxidative stress, and enhances DNA repair, making it a focal point for longevity enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Epithalon Research: Unlocking Longevity and Health Benefits

1. The Role of Telomerase in the Anti-Aging Effects of Epithalon

Research demonstrates that Epithalon significantly enhances telomerase activity, leading to telomere elongation and improved cellular health. Studies on rodents reveal that Epithalon can extend lifespan by up to 25% by reducing age-related damage. For instance, a study by Anisimov et al. (2002) found that Epithalon reduced mortality in mice by 52%, highlighting its potential in combating aging effects. This is particularly significant as telomere shortening is linked to cellular aging and diseases like cancer and heart disease.

2. Epithalon and DNA Activation

Epithalon interacts with DNA to regulate gene expression, particularly genes like IL-2, MMP2, and Tram1. These interactions enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote melatonin production. A study by Khavinson et al. (2003) showed that Epithalon boosts melatonin secretion in aging monkeys, restoring circadian rhythms and supporting overall health. This makes Epithalon a promising candidate for anti-aging therapies targeting DNA repair and cellular rejuvenation.

3. Epithalon and Skin Health

Epithalon’s role in skin health is tied to its ability to regulate MMP2, an enzyme that supports collagen production. Research by Anisimov et al. (2002) indicates that Epithalon reduces oxidative stress in skin cells, promoting fibroblast activity and slowing skin aging. This makes it a potential ingredient in anti-aging skincare products, helping to maintain youthful, healthy skin.

4. Epithalon and Tumor Growth

Studies suggest that Epithalon may inhibit tumor growth by regulating gene expression. Research by Korkushko et al. (2006) found that Epithalon slows tumor development in rats exposed to radiation, reducing the incidence of secondary tumors. This positions Epithalon as a potential anti-cancer peptide, though further human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

5. Epithalon and Melatonin Secretion

Epithalon enhances melatonin production by stimulating arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and pCREB transcription proteins. According to Khavinson et al. (2003), this leads to improved sleep patterns and circadian rhythm regulation in aging subjects, further supporting its role in longevity and overall well-being.

6. Epithalon and Eyesight

Epithalon has shown promise in improving eyesight by preserving retinal health. A study by Vinogradova et al. (2007) found that Epithalon enhances retinal pigment cell function in rats with retinitis pigmentosa, suggesting its potential as a treatment for age-related vision decline.

Epithalon Structure: A Closer Look at the Telomerase-Activating Peptide

Epithalon is a tetrapeptide with a well-defined chemical structure, making it a potent modulator of telomerase activity. Below are the key details of its molecular composition:

• Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉
• Molecular Weight: 390.349 g/mol
• PubChem CID: 219042
• CAS Number: 307297-39-8

The structure of Epithalon allows it to interact with DNA and stimulate telomere elongation, a critical factor in its anti-aging properties. Its small size and specific amino acid sequence enable efficient cellular penetration and biological activity.

References: Supporting Epithalon Research with Scientific Evidence

1. Anisimov, V. N., Mylnikov, S. V., Khavinson, V. K. “Pineal peptide preparation epithalamin increases the lifespan of mice, rats, and Tech-Aging Dev.” vol. 103, no. 2, pp. 123–132, Jun. 1998. [PubMed]
2. Khavinson, V. K., Bondarev, I. E., Butyugov, A. A. “Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells.” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 135, no. 6, pp. 590–592, Jun. 2003. [PubMed]
3. Dzhokhadze, T. A., Buadze, T. M., Gaiozishvili, M. N., Rogava, M. A., Lazhava, T. “Functional regulation of gene expression by peptide bioregulators in aging.” Georgian Med. News, vol. 225, pp. 84–87, Dec. 2013. [PubMed]
4. Anisimov, V. N., et al. “Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice.” Biogerontology, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 193–202, 2002. [PubMed]
5. Khavinson, V. K., Tarnovskaya, S. I., Linkova, N. S., Cheknev, E. V., Pronyaeva, V. E., et al. “Short cell-penetrating peptides: Effects on the aging process.” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 154, no. 1, pp. 403–410, Jan. 2013. [PubMed]
6. Linkova, N. S., Kuznik, B. I., Khavinson, V. K. “Peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and interferon gamma: Their role in immune response during aging.” Adv. Gerontol., vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 478–482, 2015. [PubMed]
7. Chalova, N. S., Linkova, N. S., Zhernak, A. A., Orlova, G. A., Ryzhak, V. K., Khavinson, V. “Short peptides stimulate skin cell regeneration during aging.” Adv. Gerontol., vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 699–703, 2014. [PubMed]
8. Linkova, N. S., et al. “Peptide regulation of skin fibroblast aging in vitro.” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 161, no. 1, pp. 175–178, May 2016. [PubMed]
9. Vinogradova, I. A., Bukalev, A. V., Zabezhinski, M. A., Semenchenko, A. V., Khavinson, V. K., Anisimov, V. N. “Effect of Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptide on life span and development of spontaneous tumors in female rats exposed to different illumination regimes.” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 144, no. 6, pp. 825–830, Dec. 2007. [PubMed]
10. Kossovy, V. N., Anisimov, H., Ben Hur, N., Kossovy, A., Zusman, I. “Effect of the synthetic pineal peptide epitalon on spontaneous carcinogenesis in female C3H/He mice.” Vivo Athens, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 253–257, Apr. 2006. [PubMed]
11. Anisimov, V. N., et al. “Inhibitory effect of the peptide epithalon on the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu transgenic mice.” Int. J. Cancer, vol. 101, no. 1, pp. 7–10, 2002. [PubMed]
12. Anisimov, V. N., Khavinson, V. K., Alimova, I. N., Semchenko, A. A., Yashin, A. I. “Epithalon decelerates aging and suppresses development of breast adenocarcinomas in transgenic HER-2/neu mice.” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 134, no. 2, pp. 187–190, Aug. 2002. [PubMed]
13. Vinogradova, I. A., Bukalev, A. V., Zabezhinski, M. A., Semenchenko, A. V., Khavinson, V. K., Anisimov, V. N. “Geroprotective effect of Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptide in male rats exposed to different illumination regimens.” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 145, no. 1, pp. 472–477, Apr. 2008. [PubMed]
14. Gery, L., Kamatsu, L., Baldyan, L., Yan, L., Kao, H., Koeffler, H. “The circadian gene per1 plays an important role in cell growth and DNA damage control in human cancer cells.” Mol. Cell, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 375–382, May 2006. [PubMed]
15. Khavinson, V. K., Shataeva, L. K., Chernova, A. A. “Effect of regulatory peptides on gene transcription.” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 135, no. 2, pp. 286–289, Sep. 2003. [PubMed]
16. Korkushko, O. V., et al. “Normalizing effect of the pineal gland peptides on the daily melatonin rhythm in old monkeys.” Adv. Gerontol., vol. 16, pp. 74–85, 2006. [PubMed]
17. Khavinson, V. K., Ryzhak, S., Trofimova, S., Grigorian, A., Razumovsky, Y. “Pineal-regulating tetrapeptide epithalon improves eye retina condition in retinitis pigmentosa.” Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 365–368, Aug. 2002. [PubMed]