Abstract
Bioregulator peptides are ultra-short (2-4 amino acid) synthetic peptides developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Biogerontology based on amino acid sequences extracted from animal organs. This class includes Pinealon, Vilon, Cardiogen, and Bronchogen.
Peptide Overview
Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg)
- Target: Brain/pineal gland
- Proposed mechanism: Neuronal gene activation
Vilon (Lys-Glu)
- Target: Thymus/immune system
- Proposed mechanism: T-cell differentiation stimulation
Cardiogen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg)
- Target: Heart
- Proposed mechanism: Cardiac transcriptome normalization
Bronchogen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu)
- Target: Lung/bronchi
- Proposed mechanism: Bronchial epithelium regeneration
Research Context
The bioregulator peptide concept emerged from observations that low-molecular-weight extracts from young animal organs could affect tissue-specific gene expression in aged animals when administered cyclically.
Proposed Mechanisms
- Direct DNA and chromatin binding (claimed)
- Organ-specific gene activation
- Epigenetic modulation
- Oral bioavailability reported in rodents
Scientific Considerations
Important limitations to note:
- Greater than 99% of published data from single research institute
- No independent replication of epigenetic effects
- Proposed direct DNA binding mechanism remains controversial
- Lack of pharmacokinetic studies with labeled peptides
- No randomized human trials in indexed journals
Contrast with Humanin
Unlike the short bioregulator peptides, Humanin (a mitochondrial-derived peptide) has been independently validated across multiple laboratories with well-characterized molecular targets.
Current Research Status
Until independent replication occurs, these bioregulator peptides should be regarded as preliminary research compounds. Human interventional data and independent validation remain outstanding needs.