Understanding Epitalon Peptide
Epitalon peptide, also known as Epithalon, is a synthetic peptide known for its potential anti-aging effects. It is believed to extend lifespan by increasing the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that helps maintain the health of DNA strands. Epitalon has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, with promising results in the field of longevity and age-related diseases.
What is Epitalon Peptide?
Epitalon, also known as Epithalamin or Epithalon, is a synthetic peptide composed of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. This synthetic peptide is based on a natural peptide known as epithalamion, which is extracted from the pineal gland located in the brain [1].
Epitalon has potent antioxidant properties similar to melatonin. It is also believed to confer longevity benefits. In particular, epitalon has been studied for its potential protective properties against age-related damage in cells, particularly in the context of oocytes and egg cells [1].
In longevity studies, epitalon appears to increase lifespan in certain organisms like Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) [2]. Specifically, epitalon increased lifespan by 11-16% when applied at low concentrations [2]. Additionally, it has been found to modulate neuronal activity in the rat neocortex [3, 4].
What are the Effects of Epitalon Peptide on My Body?
The effects of epitalon peptide have been studied; however, these studies have been conducted on animals, and human studies are limited.
Interestingly, in the cells of older individuals, epitalon is able to activate chromatin. This activation of chromatin then leads to the decondensation of pericentromeric structural heterochromatin, which releases genes repressed due to age-related condensation of euchromatic chromosome regions [5].
Epitalon is also involved in the immune response with a stress-protective effect. In particular, it has been found to increase thymocyte (lymphocyte within the thymus gland) proliferative activity in mice exposed to stress [6].
Epitalon seems to have the potential to inhibit the growth of colon tumours in rats. Its application increased the stromal areas and lymphoid infiltration in the colon mucosa adjacent to the tumors [7]. Additionally, in female mice, it has been shown to decrease the number of tumor-bearing mice with malignant tumors and prevent the development of metastases [8]. Altogether, this might suggest its anti-cancer effect.
Moreover, epitalon seems to normalize the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion in senescent monkeys by stimulating melatonin synthesis [9].
Apart from these, epitalon is showing importance in reproductive health. It has been found to protect against post-ovulatory aging-related damage of mouse oocytes in vitro. Furthermore, it reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species, decreases the frequency of spindle defects and abnormal distribution of cortical granules, and decreases apoptosis of oocytes [1].
What are the Benefits of Epitalon Peptide?
Epitalon peptide appears to be associated with several health benefits.
As mentioned earlier, it seems to increase lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster [2], however, studies on more developed animal models need to be conducted.
It also possesses protective effects on oocytes and protection against tumors [1, 10], supporting effects on the functional integrity of the eye retina in rats and on visual functions in patients with pigmental retinal degeneration [11].
Lastly, it appears that epitalon might have a beneficial effect on hair follicle regeneration. A modified peptide related to epitalon showed an inductive effect on hair follicle regeneration at a very low concentration [12].
Collectively, these findings indicate that epitalon may offer a range of health advantages. Nevertheless, the majority of these investigations have been carried out on animal subjects, underscoring the necessity for further exploration to ascertain epitalon's impact on human physiology.