Antioxidant Effects of Epithalamin and Role in Free Radical Damage
Khavinson V.K., Izmaylov D.M., Obukhova L.K.
St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
Neuroendocrinology Letters 22(1): 9-18
Abstract
Free radical damage is a central mechanism of aging. This study investigated whether Epithalamin directly modulates antioxidant enzyme systems in humans and rats. Elderly patients (age 65-82 years, n=32) received Epithalamin (10mg IM daily for 10 days) and were assessed for serum antioxidant markers. Parallel animal studies examined gene expression in aged rats. Results demonstrated significant increases in Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) in treated patients (1.58±0.11 mmol/L vs. baseline 1.28±0.09, p<0.01) and dramatic reductions in lipid peroxidation markers (MDA decreased from 3.8±0.4 to 2.5±0.3 nmol/mL, p<0.001). In aged rats, Epithalamin restored tissue levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase to those seen in young animals. Molecular analysis revealed upregulation of antioxidant enzyme genes, indicating Epithalamin acts at the transcriptional level rather than as a direct free radical scavenger.
Study Population
Elderly patients (age 65-82 years) with age-related health decline; parallel animal study with 60 Wistar rats
Background
Free radical damage is a core theory of aging. This study explored if Epithalamin directly affects free radical processes.
Findings
In Humans
Elderly patients treated with Epithalamin showed a significant rise in serum antioxidant capacity and a reduction in lipid peroxidation markers.
In Rats
Epithalamin administration prevented the age-related decline in antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, Glutathione Peroxidase) in the liver and brain.
Conclusion
Epithalamin acts as a powerful antioxidant, not just by scavenging radicals, but by upregulating the body's own enzymatic defense systems.
Statistical Results
Human TAS: Epithalamin 1.58±0.11 mmol/L vs. baseline 1.28±0.09 (p<0.01). MDA: reduced from 3.8±0.4 to 2.5±0.3 nmol/mL (p<0.001). Rat liver SOD: Epithalamin 187±14 U/mg vs. aged control 112±9 (p<0.001). Brain SOD: Epithalamin 142±11 vs. aged control 89±7 (p<0.001).
Study Limitations
- •Small human sample size
- •Short treatment duration (10 days) - long-term effects unknown
- •No placebo control in human cohort
- •Mechanism of gene upregulation not molecularly characterized
Key Findings
- ✓Upregulation of SOD and Glutathione Peroxidase
- ✓Reduction in lipid peroxidation
- ✓Systemic antioxidant effect
Mechanism of Action
Stimulation of antioxidant enzyme gene expression.