Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, developed from research into the bioregulatory peptides of the pineal gland conducted by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is the synthetic analogue of epithalamin, a natural pineal gland polypeptide extract.
Telomerase Activity Research
One of the most studied aspects of Epitalon in preclinical research involves its interactions with telomerase activity. Studies conducted in human cell culture models and rodent systems have examined its effects on telomerase expression and telomere length maintenance in somatic cells.
Pineal Gland and Melatonin Research
Research has extensively examined Epitalon's interactions with pineal gland function, including its effects on melatonin synthesis and secretion in aging animal models, with particular interest in the relationship between pineal bioregulation and circadian rhythm maintenance.
Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress Research
Preclinical studies have examined Epitalon's interactions with antioxidant defense systems, including its effects on superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in experimental tissue models.
• Khavinson VKh et al. (2003). Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 135(6), 590–592.
• Anisimov VN et al. (2003). Effect of Epitalon on the lifespan increase in Drosophila melanogaster. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 124(8-9), 923–929.
