Pineal peptides and their role in ageing

Abstract

Development of new technologies aimed at prevention of early ageing and age-related diseases is a relevant issue of modern biology and medicine. Studying efficacy of geroprotective medicines, which hamper ageing and increase the average lifespan, has become a leading line of research. At present, peptide bioregulators hold a special place among such medicines. Multi-year studies have demonstrated a remarkable efficacy of Epitalamin (peptide complex isolated from animal pineal gland) and a tetrapeptide Epitalon (a part of this peptide complex). Administration of these peptide drugs to animals significantly prolonged the average and maximal lifespan and reduced the incidence of spontaneous and carcinogen-induced malignant tumors. Clinical studies of Epitalamin have demonstrated physiological improvement and decreased mortality rate in elderly and senile patients during a 15-year follow-up period. Analysis of mechanisms underlying the effect of pineal peptides in various experiments showed a possibility of peptidergic regulation for gene expression and protein synthesis in eukaryotes.