Studies suggest Epitalon (also spelled as Epithalon) peptides may exhibit anti-aging potential and support healthy cell cycles. The potential properties of Epitalon will be discussed, along with relevant research data, and some compound variants that have also been researched within these contexts.
Epitalon Peptide: What Exactly Is It?
Epitalon is a four-amino-acid synthetic tetrapeptide known as Epithalon peptide or Epithalone. Epitalon has the chemical formula C14H22N4O9 [i] and the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly.
Epitalon is derived from the pineal gland’s naturally occurring polypeptide, epithalamin (or epithalamine). The pineal gland is a tiny pea-shaped central brain gland regulating sleep and wake cycles. The term “third eye” [ii] is another name.
Vladimir Khavinson of Russia is credited with discovering this synthetic peptide. After that, the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology became the primary location for research studies with Epitalon.
What Is Epitalon Peptide’s The Mechanism Of Action?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double-stranded molecule that plays a crucial role in genes. It is located in the cell’s nucleus and copies itself during cell division [iii].
DNA molecules contain many chromosomes, each containing crucial information about the body. Telomeres [iv] are a repeated sequence of nucleotide bases found at the ends of chromosomes that play a crucial role in safeguarding DNA and preventing the loss of genetic information during cell division.
Telomerase is an enzyme found in nature that aids in replicating telomeres in cells. Telomerase activity leads to longer telomeres, which protect genetic material and improve cell health.
Declining production in telomerase over time may induce some physiological signs associated with aging.
Studies suggest that Epitalon, an artificial telomerase activator enzyme, may stimulate pineal gland telomerase enzyme production [v]. This means that even after a cell multiplies several times, the telomeres at the ends of the chromosomes may possibly remain maintained, and additional telomeres may be accessible at the terminals of the DNA strands.
Additionally, research suggests Epitalon may increase melatonin synthesis and possibly control its release. As melatonin release is a crucial molecule that regulates the sleep/wake cycle [vi], this aids in restoring normal circadian rhythm.
Epitalon Peptide Properties
Empirical data suggests that Epitalon may primarily improve cell health by extending telomeres because of its proposed unique method of action.
In one research experiment, rats who were already old suggested signs of aging more slowly [vii]. Epitalon has also been suggested in earlier clinical research to potentially lower the instances of acquiring age-related neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, dementia, and heart disease.
The alleged protective properties of Epitalon against oxidative stress have been the subject of extensive study in recent research, with findings suggesting that Epitalon may neutralize free radicals and prevent lipid oxidation. Epitalon may create antioxidant effects by stimulating antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase. Indirectly, this may kill cancer cells, potentially slowing or stopping disease development. This may reduce the chances of getting cancers of an asymptomatic kind.
Studies have suggested that Epitalon may modulate T cell (a kind of white blood cell) activity by increasing interferon-gamma production [viii], [ix]. Research suggests that Epitalon may control melatonin levels, potentially leading to more regular circadian cycles and improved sleep quality.
Findings imply that by blocking the production of the MMP9 protein [ix], the peptide Epitalon may also promote the regeneration of aged skin fibroblasts. The skin’s texture and quality might undergo enhancement as a consequence.
Some data suggests that Epitalon may positively impact the efficient and quick healing of wounds; however, this is still under debate amongst the research community.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare hereditary condition, has been studied with relation to Epitalon, and some connections imply the peptide may exert potential healing impact in cases of the condition.
Epitalon researchers reported a moderate buffering of emotional stress as an ancillary observation in their animal test studies. Most importantly, the animals’ ability to cope in stressful circumstances appeared to increase vastly.
Thymalin vs. Epitalon
The peptide Thymalin consists of only two amino acids. It is a thymic gland-specific bioregulator that studies suggest may stimulate the production of T lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. The immune system as a whole may yield positive results from increased white blood cell counts.
Scientists hypothesize that in addition to these properties, Thymalin may exhibit additional potential, including enhancing cardiovascular function and facilitating effective nerve regulation. Although research suggests both Epitalon and Thymalin may affect the immune system, Epitalon may also possibly mitigate age-related physiological symptoms.
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References
[i] National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 219042, Epitalon. Retrieved July 17, 2023 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Epitalon.
[ii] Ilahi S, Beriwal N, Ilahi TB. Physiology, Pineal Gland. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525955/
[iii] Travers A, Muskhelishvili G. DNA structure and function. FEBS J. 2015 Jun;282(12):2279-95. doi: 10.1111/febs.13307. Epub 2015 Jun 2. PMID: 25903461.
[iv] O’Sullivan RJ, Karlseder J. Telomeres: protecting chromosomes against genome instability. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2010 Mar;11(3):171-81. doi: 10.1038/nrm2848. Epub 2010 Feb 3. PMID: 20125188; PMCID: PMC2842081.
[v] Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003 Jun;135(6):590-2. doi: 10.1023/a:1025493705728. PMID: 12937682.
[vi] Arutjunyan A, Kozina L, Milyutina Y, Korenevsky A, Stepanov M, Arutyunov V. Melatonin and pineal gland peptides are able to correct the impairment of reproductive cycles in rats. Curr Aging Sci. 2012 Dec;5(3):178-85. doi: 10.2174/1874609811205030003. PMID: 23237594.
[vii] Anisimov VN, Khavinson VKh, Popovich IG, Zabezhinski MA, Alimova IN, Rosenfeld SV, Zavarzina NY, Semenchenko AV, Yashin AI. Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice. Biogerontology. 2003;4(4):193-202. doi: 10.1023/a:1025114230714. PMID: 14501183.
[viii] L.S. Kozina, A.V. Arutjunyan, V.Kh. Khavinson, Antioxidant properties of geroprotective peptides of the pineal gland, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 44, Supplement, 2007, Pages 213-216, ISSN 0167-4943,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2007.01.029.
[ix] Labunets IF, Butenko GM, Khavinson VKh, Magdich LV, Dragunova VA, Pishel’ IN, Azarskova MV. Reguliruiushchee vliianie peptidov épifiza na razvitie T-limfotsitov u mysheĭ linii CBA pri starenii: rol’ mikrookruzheniia organov immunnoĭ sistemy i neĭroéndokrinnykh faktorov [Regulating effect of pineal gland peptides on development of T-lymphocytes in CBA aging mice: role of microenvironment of immune system organs and neuroendocrine factors]. Adv Gerontol. 2003;12:111-20. Russian. PMID: 14743608.