Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects

Abstract

The review comprises the results of author's long-term investigation in the mechanisms of aging and a role of peptide bioregulators in prevention of age-related pathology. A number of small peptides have been isolated from different organs and tissues and their analogues (di-, tri-, tetrapeptides) were synthesized from the amino acids. It was shown that long-term treatment with some peptide preparations increased mean life span by 20-40%, slow down the age-related changes in the biomarkers of aging and suppressed development of spontaneous and induced by chemical or radiation carcinogens tumorigenesis in rodents. Possible mechanisms of the biological effects of small peptides are discussed in the paper. The results of clinical applications of peptide preparation during the period of 6-12 years are presented as well.

Tetrapeptide KEDW Interacts with DNA and Regulates Gene Expression

“…Indeed, the increased gene expression of 2-2.7 could be esteemed of small account. However, other studies concerning peptide regulation of gene expression obtained similar data: maximum regulatory effects were demonstrated on Semaks peptide (MEHFPGP), which increased NGF and BDNF gene expression by 5-8 times, respectively [7]; effects were also demonstrated on Epithalon peptide (AEDG), which changed expression of 98 genes by 2.7-6.6 times [1]. However, we assume that peptide regulation of gene expression existing under physiological conditions should not lead to overexpression of genes.…”

“…Occurrences of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic pancreatitis have steadily increased worldwide in recent decades [1] [2][3] [4]. These pancreatic pathologies occur when the expression of transcription factors, which regulate pancreatic cells differentiation, is affected.…”

Peptides from the Pituitary Gland and Cortex Stimulate Differentiation of Polypotent Embryonic Tissue

“…We used synthetic peptides of the pituitary gland (HAla-Glu-Asp-Gly-OH, epithalon) and brain cortex (H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro-OH, cortagen) created at St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, North-Western Division of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences [4,6,7]. Fragments of fi ssion cavity of Xenopus laevis early gastrulas were placed in a solution containing synthetic peptides of the pituitary gland and brain cortex in concentrations of 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ng/ml for 60 min.…”

Functional Unity of the Thymus and Pineal Gland and Study of the Mechanisms of Aging

“…Reduction of humoral and cellular immunity in elderly people leads to an increase in the incidence of autoimmune, endocrine, infectious, and tumor diseases. Neuroimmunoendocrine age-associated changes, primarily the age-associated impairment of the thymic and pineal (epiphyseal) functions, are now believed to play an important role in the mechanisms of aging and development of age-associated diseases [12,15,21,22].…”