A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. What sets bioregulator peptides apart is their size – bioregulator peptides are typically just 2 to 4 amino acids long, whereas bpc-157 (not a bioregulator peptide) contains 15 amino acids. Instead, these bioregulators are di-, tri-, or tetrapeptides, much smaller in comparison. Their small size carries an advantage as it allows them to penetrate cell membranes, even nuclear membranes, reaching the DNA.
Before delving into the specifics of bioregulator peptides, it's worth noting that they work to restore balance to the body, specifically targeting certain organs. To put it simply, they are like adaptogenic herbs for peptides. A bioregulator peptide sourced from thyroid tissue, for example, influences thyroid gland cells, helping restore proper function regardless of whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive.
With this brief overview, we're prepared to explore how bioregulator peptides exert their unique tissue-specific effects. To understand this, let's remember that all human cells share the same DNA. But what differentiates cells is gene regulation. Through gene regulation, each cell type has a distinct set of active genes. Similar to this more permanent gene regulation is this more reversible regulation that impacts cellular function within a single cell type. And this is where we see bioregulator peptides come into play.
Returning to the small size of bioregulator peptides, this advantage lies in their ability to interact with DNA regions, influencing gene regulation and expression. Through these interactions, they affect the genome's condition, promoting the expression of genes, thus promoting protein synthesis. These proteins play pivotal roles in an organism's physiological functions. Furthermore, these tiny bioregulator peptides achieve this by binding to histone proteins and increasing transcription availability in gene promoter zones.
Now as a result of this unique peptide-DNA interaction, these bioregulator peptides activate genes characteristic of specific subpopulations of cells in particular tissues. This makes them tissue-specific.
Before exploring different bioregulator peptides, let's briefly touch on how they were discovered. Scientists recognized the need to study the mechanisms behind age-related changes in homeostasis. This is because aging involves a decline in regulatory peptide synthesis, leading to suppressed functions in aging organisms. This awareness led to the discovery of peptide bioregulators and their potential therapeutic applications. These peptides were extracted from various tissues and termed peptide bioregulators or cytomedines, referring to their role as cellular transmitters.
As for their application, synthetic peptide bioregulators were developed based on amino acid compositions from extracts of animal tissues. These synthetic versions contain only 2 to 4 amino acids. Some researchers differentiate these synthetic versions by using the term "cytogen," but this can be a source of confusion due to a brand name overlap.
Now, let's delve into some well-known bioregulator peptides:
Thymagen, derived from the calf thymus, is a dipeptide with immunomodulatory effects. It can restore immunity in animals with deficiencies.
Epithalon, a synthetic derivative of Epithalamin, showed a 25% increase in the lifespan of female rats.
Cortagen, a tetrapeptide synthesized from cortexin, offers neuroprotective benefits.
Pancragen, this tetrapeptide has shown promise in addressing age-related metabolic dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes.
Pinealon, a tripeptide, is linked to neuroprotection and improving cognitive functions. It activates gene expression and is useful for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Though we've covered some prominent bioregulator peptides, there are more to explore, such as those related to sex organs. Stay tuned for more on these.
Administration:
Regarding administration, most studies involve injections, but some clinics offer oral capsules or sublingual forms. However, bioavailability remains a concern. Injection bypasses absorption routes, while sublingual has better bioavailability than oral capsules.
Anti-Aging Stack:
Before concluding, let's mention a famous anti-aging stack (featuring two bioregulators) containing epitalon, pinealon, bpc-157, and NAD+.
In summary, bioregulator peptides offer exciting potential with tissue-specific effects, influencing gene regulation and expression. However, working with a qualified physician is essential for proper administration and guidance.
Sources:
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Anisimov SV, Khavinson VKh, Anisimov VN. Elucidation of the effect of brain cortex tetrapeptide Cortagen on gene expression in mouse heart by microarray. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2004 Feb-Apr;25(1-2):87-93. PMID: 15159690.
Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003 Jun;135(6):590-2. doi: 10.1023/a:1025493705728. PMID: 12937682.
Goncharova ND, Ivanova LG, Oganian TÉ, Vengerin AA, Khavinson VKh. [Impact of tetrapeptide pancragen on endocrine function of the pancreas in old monkeys]. Adv Gerontol. 2014;27(4):662-7. Russian. PMID: 25946840.
Khavinson, V. K., Popovich, I. G., Linkova, N. S., Mironova, E. S., & Ilina, A. R. (2021). Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(22), 7053. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26227053
Khavinson VK, Popovich IG, Linkova NS, Mironova ES, Ilina AR. Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review. Molecules. 2021 Nov 22;26(22):7053. doi: 10.3390/molecules26227053. PMID: 34834147; PMCID: PMC8619776.
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