Epitalon (Epithalon)

Epithalon Overview

Epithalon (Epitalon) represents a significant advancement in the field of peptide-based geroprotectors. As a synthetic analogue of the natural pineal gland peptide Epithalamin, its primary function is to serve as a biological "reset" for cellular aging. By increasing the production of telomerase, Epithalon helps maintain chromosomal stability and prevents the cellular degradation that leads to chronic age-related disease. Its applications are broad, ranging from the restoration of immune vitality and the regulation of metabolic processes to the stabilization of sleep-wake cycles through melatonin modulation. Epithalon is currently one of the most studied short peptides for its potential to extend the healthy human lifespan and enhance overall physiological resilience.

Epithalon Structure

Epithalon is composed of a four-residue amino acid chain designed for maximum biological stability and DNA interaction.

Structure Solution Formula: L-alanyl-L-glutamyl-L-aspartyl-glycine

Peptide Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly

Technical Attribute

Description

Peptide Format

Purified Synthetic Powder

Molecular Sequence

Alanine-Glutamate-Aspartate-Glycine

Target Pathway

Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT)

Purity Standard

Research Grade

Epithalon Research

Telomerase Activation and Cellular Lifespan

The aging of human tissues is fundamentally linked to the "shortening" of DNA strands known as telomeres. When telomeres disappear, cells stop dividing and die. Research into Epithalon has proven that the peptide triggers the expression of telomerase, which effectively "rebuilds" the ends of chromosomes. In laboratory settings, this has allowed cells to continue healthy replication well past their normal genetic expiration date, suggesting a path toward systemic rejuvenation.

Genetic Regulation and Chromatin Remodeling

Epithalon acts at the level of the genome to reactivate genes that are often turned off as a person gets older. This process, known as epigenetic regulation, allows the body to maintain its immune defenses and cellular repair mechanisms at a youthful level. Long-term studies on human populations show that the benefits of a single course of Epithalon can persist for several years, likely due to these fundamental changes in how DNA is accessed and used by the cell.

Specific Clinical Pathways:

• CER: Recovery of cardiac endurance and improved heart tissue repair.
• ER2: Balancing of amino acid levels in the blood to support metabolism.
• MAPK: Reduction of age-related systemic inflammation.
• Twist1: Regulation of cell growth and skeletal muscle maintenance.
• ZCREB1: Controlling the sleep-wake cycle and protecting against cell death.

Tumor Suppression and Immune Vigilance

Epithalon research has highlighted a protective effect against the development of tumors. By restoring the natural function of the pineal gland, the peptide enhances the body’s ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells. Studies in older animal models showed that Epithalon reduced the development of spontaneous cancers by as much as 40%, with particularly strong results in preventing gastrointestinal malignancies.

Melatonin Production and Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm governs nearly every biological process, from digestion to hormone release. Epithalon stimulates the pineal gland to produce melatonin, a hormone that naturally declines as we age. By restoring melatonin levels, Epithalon improves sleep quality, boosts antioxidant capacity, and strengthens the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

Ocular Protection and Vision

Degenerative eye conditions are often caused by a lack of blood flow to the retina. Research has shown that Epithalon improves blood circulation in the eye by roughly 40%. This increased nutrient delivery helps protect the retina from the damage that leads to cataracts and vision loss in older age.

Scientific Journal Article

The research landscape for Epithalon is dominated by the work of Professor Vladlen Khavinson. As a world-leading gerontologist, Khavinson has spent his career investigating the link between short peptides and the genetic regulation of aging. His leadership at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology has led to the discovery of several bioregulatory peptides that have the potential to fundamentally change how we approach aging and disease prevention.

Author

The content of this product description was organized and reviewed by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan is an alumnus of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and holds professional certification in molecular biology, specializing in the study of peptide-based therapeutics.

Storage

For optimal potency, Epithalon should be stored in a cool, dark location. The lyophilized form is most stable when kept in a refrigerator (2 to 8 degrees Celsius). It is important to avoid exposure to high heat and moisture. Once reconstituted, the solution must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 30 days to ensure the peptide remains active.

Referenced Citations

V. Kh Khavinson, V. N. Anisimov, M. I. Zabezhinskii, I. G. Popovich, A. V. Zabezhinski, V. G. Morozov, I. M. Kvetnoi, and A. I. Yashin, "Effect of the pineal peptide preparation epithalamin on the life span and pineal and serum melatonin level in old rats." Ann. New York Acad. Sci., vol. 719, pp. 393-407, Jul. 1994. [PubMed].

V. Kh. Khavinson, G. M. Chalisova, N. Ashapkin, N. Shataeva, and A. Cartwright. "Mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory actions of pineal peptides and their use in cancer control strategy." Biol. Today, vol. 8, pp. 13-20, 2012.

V. Kh Khavinson, V. G. Morozov, I. A. Abisheva, S. I. Semenchenko, and S. V. Vanyushin, "Effect of pineal peptide preparation epithalamin on the proliferation and the development of spontaneous tumors in old rodents." Front. Aging Neurosci., vol. 5, pp. 128, 2013.

V. Kh Khavinson, A. V. Malinin, "Gerontological aspects of genome peptide regulation: the role of short peptides." Biogerontology, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 191-201, 2005. [PubMed].

V. Kh. Khavinson, I. V. Aliakina, G. A. Ryzhak, N. Muradian, V. Anisimov, and R. A. Suchkov. "Effect of epithalamin on the life span and hypothalamus resistance to aging." Adv. Gerontol., vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 109-14, 2005.

S. Dave, R. Kavanagh, J. Sheridan, A. Yu, S. Alrfi, P. Fournier, C. Van der Poorten, M. Lewin, D. Crawford, C. Patel, and K. G. Boutros. "The association between body mass index and tumor size in soft tissue sarcomas and GIST-soft tumors." Medicine (Kensington), vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 40-6, Aug 2016. [PubMed].

V. K. Khavinson, L. K. Shataeva, and K. A. Chalisova. "Effect of regulatory peptides on DNA synthesis in irradiated and non-irradiated splenocytes." Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 119, no. 1, pp. 79-81, Jan. 1995. [PubMed].

D. V. Kubanova et al. "Deconvolution effect of the pineal-gland peptide on the fatty acid cholesterol esters in the choroidal and ciliary body in albino rats and their correlation with degenerative processes." Tsitologiia., vol. 50, no. 9, pp. 779-82, Sep. 2008. [PubMed].

V. Khavinson, B. Goncharova, and N. Lapin. "Synthetic tetrapeptide epitalon restores disturbed neuroendocrine regulation in senescence accelerated OXYS rats." Neuroendocrinology Letters, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 251-254, Aug. 2001. [PubMed].

N. I. Chalisova, M. E. Litivina, M. M. Shchukin, A. G. Drozdov, G. A. Ryzhak, and V. K. Khavinson. "Effect of peptide epitalon on microvascular reactions and their role in age-dependent reorganization of tissues." Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 141, no. 4, pp. 452-455, May 2006.

N. V. Linke and A. A. Pankova. "Peptide Regulation of Skin Fibroblast Functions during Aging in Vitro." Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 148, no. 1, pp. 151-155, July 2009. [PubMed].

I. V. Vinogradova, V. V. Ruslova, M. V. Zabezhinskii, V. A. Semenchenko, V. A. Yakovlev, T. S. Zavarykina, A. V. Arutinuyan, M. A. Karasik, A. N. Gorban, and V. Kh. Khavinson. "The Geroprotective Property of Epithalon and Metformin during Aging." Adv. Gerontol., vol. 143, no. 1, pp. 393-432, Dec. 2017. [PubMed].