Pineal-regulating tetrapeptide epitalon improves eye retina condition in retinitis pigmentosa
Khavinson V., Razumovsky M., Trofimova S., Grigorian R., Razumovskaya A.
St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
Neuro Endocrinology Letters 23(4): 365-368
Abstract
In Campbell rats with inherited retinal degeneration, Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) increased retinal bioelectric and functional activity and preserved retinal structure. In patients with degenerative retinal lesions the authors report a positive clinical effect in 90% of cases. The abstract gives no control-group details for the patient data. Summary based on the PubMed abstract (PMID 12195242).
What the study did
In Campbell rats with inherited retinal degeneration, Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) increased retinal bioelectric and functional activity and preserved retinal structure. In patients with degenerative retinal lesions the authors report a positive clinical effect in 90% of cases. The abstract gives no control-group details for the patient data.
Reading it honestly
This summary is based on the PubMed abstract (PMID 12195242). It describes research on the named preparation, not on any capsule product sold today, and it is not a claim that any product treats or prevents a disease.
Study Limitations
- •Summary based on the PubMed abstract only
- •Single research group; independent replication is limited
- •Results concern the studied preparation, not any capsule product
Key Findings
- ✓Retinal function preserved in an animal model
- ✓Small uncontrolled clinical series
- ✓Shared transcription mechanisms proposed
Mechanism of Action
The authors suggest Epitalon acts on transcription mechanisms shared by the pineal gland and retina.