Epithalon Peptide

Research has suggested that Epithalon, (also known as AEDG peptide, tetrapeptide Epitalon, Epithalon, or Epithalone) may regulate the function of the brain, the pineal gland, and the eye retina. Studies in the peptide have spurred numerous research hypotheses, which include possible sleep regulation via pineal gland stimulation, releasing more melatonin. Studies also speculate that the peptide may stimulate the generation of telomerase, may exhibit strong antioxidant characteristics, and extend the retina’s workable integrity.

With recent technology and ongoing advances in the scientific field, methods have been developed to synthesize complex peptide preparations from the extracts of several different tissues. One such peptide in the tissues is ‘Epithalamin,’ naturally produced in the pineal gland. Epithalamin has been suggested to be functional in increasing melatonin production, improving the immunological and anti-carcinogenic functions in rats and mice, and restoring reproductive function in aged rodents. Utilizing the recent advancements in science, a peptide similar to Epithalamin was synthesized and titled ‘Epithalon.’ Epithalon is derived from a naturally occurring peptide belonging to both the pineal gland and eye retina.⁽¹⁾

Overview

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide, also known as AEDG peptide, composed of amino acids Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly.⁽²⁾ The peptide has been suggested to exhibit action similar to Epithalamin via various modes. Epithalamin is a related pineal peptide preparation containing Epithalon, that has been purported to potentially increase the average lifespan of various experimental models by 11–31% and may reduce mortality in murine models by a suggested 52%.⁽³⁾ This potential mechanism and further studies are described below.

Epithalon Peptide and Longevity

A study investigated the potential mechanisms of Epithalon in influencing gene expression and protein synthesis in stem cells such as gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs). The study⁽²⁾ has suggested that the peptide binds with the histones – HI/6 and HI/3 – located at different sites in tissue, which then interact with the DNA. More specifically, the study posits that Epithalon may alter chromatin structure by specifically interacting with histones, thereby modulating gene expression. This interaction might involve the peptide acting as a histone mimic, facilitating changes in chromatin dynamics. Epithalon’s epigenetic regulation might involve competitive binding with histones at DNA interaction sites, increasing transcription of genes involved in neuronal differentiation. Such binding may displace other regulatory proteins, making DNA more accessible for transcriptional machinery, potentially inducing neuronal cell differentiation in retinal and periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). This experimentation led to an upregulation of neurogenic differentiation markers, including Nestin, GAP43, β Tubulin III, and Doublecortin, in hGMSCs. Specifically, mRNA expression of these markers increased by 1.6 to 1.8 times. Considering the changes in these markers, the potential upregulation of neuronal differentiation and protein synthesis in retinal and ligament stem cells may lead to enhanced functionality.

Epithalon Peptide and Oxidative Stress

A recent study suggested that Epithalon might reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in aged oocyte cells, potentially exhibiting antioxidative actions.⁽⁴⁾ The peptide was suggested to significantly lower ROS levels, unlike higher concentrations that did not demonstrate similar protective actions. Such a reduction might be critical, as oxidative stress is considered a significant factor in cellular aging. Additionally, Epithalon may help preserve the structural integrity of oocytes. It was observed to possibly decrease fragmentation in post-ovulatory aged oocytes and during parthenogenetic activation—a process where an egg develops into an embryo without fertilization. The peptide also potentially maintains spindle integrity and correct distribution of cortical granules (CG). Spindles, which are crucial structures in cell division that distribute chromosomes to daughter cells, and cortical granules, secretory vesicles important for preventing polyspermy (the fertilization of an egg by multiple sperm), are essential for normal cell division and fertilization. Epithalon might correct spindle abnormalities and prevent the misplacement of CGs, which are common issues in aged oocytes. Moreover, Epithalon exposure was associated with potential improvements in mitochondrial function, which is vital for oocyte viability. Mitochondria, known as the cell’s powerhouses, are deemed crucial for ATP production and maintaining cellular metabolism. There were indications of enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mtDNA copy numbers, suggesting that Epithalon might support mitochondrial integrity and functionality as oocytes age. Finally, the peptide was suggested to reduce DNA damage and apoptosis (cell death) in aged oocytes. It appeared to lower the intensity of γH2AX signals—a marker of DNA damage—and seemed to decrease apoptosis rates, as indicated by reduced Annexin-V staining. These observations imply that Epithalon might enhance oocyte survival by potentially mitigating oxidative damage and preserving genomic stability, which are considered crucial for maintaining the overall functionality of the cells.

Epithalon Peptide and Anti-Aging

In order to understand the anti-aging action of various synthetic peptides, studies have been widely conducted to study their potential in cell proliferation, cell regeneration and aging, cellular apoptosis, and matrix modeling.⁽⁵⁾ It was suggested that Epithalon may inhibit the synthesis of MM-9, which usually increases with time, and increase the proliferation and cellular regeneration process, which usually decreases with time. More specifically, the researchers posited that the peptide may have “enhanced the expression of Ki-67 and CD98hc that are less intensively synthesized during cell aging.” Epithalon also seemed to inhibit the activity of Caspase-3, a crucial enzyme believed to facilitate apoptosis (programmed cell death). The researchers commented that the peptide “suppressed caspase-dependent apoptosis that increases during aging of cell cultures.” By potentially restraining Caspase-3 activity, Epithalon might support cellular longevity and decrease apoptosis, enhancing its regenerative capabilities.

Epithalon Peptide and Fetal Studies

This study⁽⁶⁾ was conducted to understand the proliferative potential of the peptide on fetal fibroblastic cells. Pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from the 24-week-old fetus, and it was observed that these fibroblasts appeared to lose their proliferative function at the 34th passage. These cells possessed extremely small telomeres sizes – smaller than what they originally were during the 10th passage. When Epithalon was presented in these otherwise aging cells, it appeared to stimulate the development of telomeres, causing them to increase and restore their normal size. As a result of this size elongation, the telomeres appeared to cause 10 extra cell divisions than usual seen in the control cells. Thus, this study suggested that Epithalon overcame the Hayflick limit and extended the normal cell cycle in the cells.⁽⁶⁾

Epithalon Peptide and Lymphocytic Cells

In this clinical study,⁽⁷⁾ lymphocytic cells were isolated and cultured from subjects aged between 76 and 80 years. The purpose of this study was to determine the action of Epithalon on ribosomal cell activity and its impact on denaturation and polymorphism of heterochromatin. The outcome of this study, following the delivery of the cell culture with Epithalon, was that the peptide appeared to induce activation of the ribosomal genes and decondensation of the heterochromatin. Consequently, it appeared to induce the release of genes that were otherwise suppressed due to the aging of the chromosomal regions. This study suggested that Epithalon might have the potential to modify the chromosome regions in the aging cells, activate chromatin, and restore cellular activities that were otherwise suppressed or delayed in geriatric subjects.

Epithalon Peptide and Anti-Mutagenic Action

In this 2011 study,⁽⁸⁾ three different mice models were used to determine the action of the peptide on chromosomal aberrations. The three mice models were – SAMP-1 female mice with accelerated aging and wild rats SAMR-1 and SHR (both female mice). Upon delivery of Epithalon, it was observed that the incidence of the chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow of SAMP-1 mice with accelerated aging appeared to be almost 2 times higher than the other two models. When the peptide was presented at 2 months in the mice, it appeared to decrease the chromosomal aberrations in all three models, the highest being in the SAMP-1 mice with accelerated cell aging. In combination with melatonin at night, given with water, there was no reported impact on the action of the peptide. This study suggested that Epithalon may possess anti-mutagenic potential.

Epithalon Peptide and Cancer Cells

In this study,⁽⁹⁾ one-year-old female (C3H/He) mice with tumors on the reproductive organs (mammary glands and ovaries) were observed. The tumors on the mammary glands included several variants of the invasive ductal carcinogenic cells, whereas, in the ovaries, the tumors found were granulosa cell tumors. These mice, kept in standard conditions for six months, were divided into control and experimental groups. Epithalon was presented five times a week. Once the study was completed, it was reported that three out of the nine mice in the control group appeared to exhibit metastasis and increased tumor cells. Meanwhile, the peptide mice exhibited a decrease in the number of tumor cells. Epithalon, upon delivery, appeared to inhibit the process of metastasis in the mice, preventing tumor cell cycle and growth. Researchers of this study posited the anti-metastatic potential of the peptide.

Epithalon Peptide and Research in Hypophysectomized Birds

In this study,⁽¹⁰⁾ hypophysectomized birds, both young and old, were used to study the action of Epithalon peptide on the morphology of the thymus gland. Hypophysectomized birds are birds in which the pituitary gland has been surgically removed. Upon delivery of the peptide, it was discovered that the morphology of the thymus gland appeared to be restored in all birds, regardless of their age. The most improved results were observed on birds (mainly chickens) that underwent neonatal hypophysectomy before the peptide was presented.

Epithalon Peptide and Melatonin Levels

This study⁽¹¹⁾ was carried out on aging monkeys to determine the actions of Epithalon on melatonin levels. With increasing age, the melatonin levels tend to decrease due to reduced secretion, which may cause difficulty in sleep regulation. This is mainly due to the functioning of the pineal gland deteriorating with increased age and a reduction of hormone circadian rhythm amplitude. Upon delivery of Epithalon, it appeared to stimulate actions similar to those caused by the natural secretion of the pineal gland. The melatonin levels appeared to increase to “normal” levels.

Epithalon Peptide and Retinal Cells

In this clinical study,⁽¹²⁾ it was suggested that when Epithalon was presented in geriatric subjects, it appeared to elevate the bioelectric and functional activities in the retina, thereby preserving the morphological structure of the retina. More specifically, the researchers posited that the peptide “participates in the mechanisms of transcription common for the epiphysis and retina.”As a result, age-related retinal degeneration may be reversed in the older subjects, which is supported by the positive clinical outcome in 90% of the subjects presented with the peptide.

Epithalon and Geroprotective Properties

This study⁽¹³⁾ was conducted on 266 elderly subjects (over the age of 60 years) throughout 6 to 8 years, where some subjects were presented with peptide-bioregulator Thymalin, others with Epithalon, and the rest with the combination of the two. After the study, it was observed that both the peptides appeared to have the potential to restore basic bodily functions in geriatric subjects – including improved functions in the cardiovascular, endocrinal, immune, and nervous systems, along with normalized metabolic and hemostatic activities. The peptide groups appeared to exhibit a 2-fold decrease in the common geriatric disorders such as acute respiratory disorder, heart diseases, and bone disorders. Additionally, the mortality rate in the peptide subjects appeared to significantly decrease, with a 2-fold decrease in the Thymalin subjects, a 1.8-fold decrease in the Epithalon subjects, and 2.5-fold decrease in the subjects presented with both peptides.