Epitalon Extends Lifespan and Delays Aging in Drosophila melanogaster
Anisimov V.N., Khavinson V.K., Alimova I.N., Semchenko V.V.
N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 120(1-3): 141-149
Abstract
Following earlier demonstrations of Epithalamin's life-extending effects in Drosophila, this study tested the synthetic tetrapeptide Epitalon. Three independent cohorts of Canton-S flies (n=300 each) were maintained on medium containing Epitalon (1 μg/mL) from eclosion. Mean lifespan increased by 13.6% in males (60.8±3.1 days vs. control 53.5±2.8, p<0.001) and 12.4% in females (66.9±3.4 vs. 59.5±3.0, p<0.001). Maximum lifespan extended from 72 days to 79 days (+9.7%). Stress resistance assays showed Epitalon-treated flies survived paraquat exposure (oxidative stressor) 47% longer than controls. Climbing ability (negative geotaxis) was preserved in aged Epitalon flies compared to deterioration in controls, suggesting neuroprotective effects. The consistent life extension across cohorts confirms the reproducibility of peptide geroprotection.
Study Population
D. melanogaster (Canton-S strain), mixed sex, three independent cohorts of 300 flies each
Study Background
Building on Epithalamin research, this study tested the synthetic Epitalon peptide in Drosophila to confirm consistent geroprotective effects.
Experimental Approach
Three separate cohorts of fruit flies were given Epitalon throughout their lives to ensure reproducibility.
Key Results
Lifespan Extension
Both male and female flies showed robust lifespan increases (>12%), confirming the effect is not species- or sex-specific.
Stress Resistance
Flies treated with Epitalon survived oxidative stress (paraquat exposure) 47% longer, indicating improved cellular defense mechanisms.
Healthspan
Motor function (climbing ability) was better preserved in old Epitalon-treated flies, suggesting the peptide extends not just lifespan but healthspan.
Significance
The reproducibility across three independent cohorts and the functional (healthspan) improvements validate Epitalon as a genuine geroprotective agent.
Statistical Results
Mean lifespan: males Epitalon 60.8±3.1 days vs. control 53.5±2.8 (+13.6%, p<0.001); females 66.9±3.4 vs. 59.5±3.0 (+12.4%, p<0.001). Maximum lifespan: 79 days vs. 72 days (+9.7%). Paraquat survival: Epitalon 18.3±2.1 hours vs. control 12.4±1.8 (+47%, p<0.001). Climbing index at day 50: Epitalon 0.67±0.08 vs. control 0.38±0.06 (p<0.001).
Study Limitations
- •Invertebrate model limits direct human extrapolation
- •Laboratory breeding may alter stress response
- •No female-specific outcomes (fertility, egg laying) assessed
- •Molecular targets not identified
Key Findings
- ✓Reproducible lifespan extension across cohorts
- ✓Enhanced oxidative stress resistance
- ✓Improved healthspan and motor function
- ✓Sex-independent effects
Mechanism of Action
Enhanced antioxidant defenses and neuroprotection via gene regulation.