Geroprotective Effect of Thymalin and Epithalamin
Khavinson V.K., Morozova V.G.
Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
Advances in Gerontology 10: 74-84
Abstract
This landmark study summarizes 20+ years of clinical observation on the geroprotective effects of Thymalin (thymus peptide) and Epithalamin (pineal peptide). Elderly patients received annual courses of these bioregulators. The results demonstrated a profound normalization of immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular functions. Over the observation period, the incidence of acute respiratory infections decreased by 2.0-2.4 times. The rate of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis was significantly lower in the treated groups. Most importantly, the mortality rate in the peptide-treated groups was reduced by 40-50% compared to controls over a 6-8 year follow-up. The study concludes that regular courses of Thymalin and Epithalamin significantly slow down aging and extend healthy lifespan.
Study Population
Elderly and old people (60-85 years) living in a nursing home setting
Context
Aging is associated with the involution (shrinking) of the thymus and pineal glands, leading to immune failure and hormonal imbalance. This study tested if restoring these glands with peptides could slow aging.
Study Design
This was a massive, long-term observation of elderly people living in a nursing home. They received annual courses of Thymalin (immune) or Epithalamin (pineal) for 6-8 years and were compared to those receiving standard vitamins.
Results
Mortality Reduction
The most striking finding was the survival benefit.
- Control Group: High mortality rate typical for this age.
- Peptide Groups: Mortality was 40-50% lower. This is an unprecedented effect size for any anti-aging intervention in humans.
Disease Prevention
Peptide-treated patients got sick much less often:
- Infections: 2.4x fewer respiratory infections (flu, pneumonia).
- Heart Disease: 50% reduction in ischemic events.
- Bones & Joints: Less osteoporosis and arthritis progression.
Systemic Rejuvenation
The study showed that these peptides didn't just target one organ; they improved the entire "homeostasis" of the body - immune, endocrine, and nervous systems all functioned at a younger level.
Significance
This is one of the most important studies in the history of peptide bioregulation, providing strong clinical evidence that maintaining immune and neuroendocrine function can significantly extend human lifespan.
Statistical Results
Mortality reduction: 41% decrease in Thymalin group, 48% in Epithalamin group (p<0.01). Acute respiratory infections: 2.4-fold reduction (p<0.001). Cardiovascular events: Reduced by 50% (p<0.01). Bone density: Stabilized in treated groups vs. decline in controls.
Study Limitations
- •Non-randomized allocation (natural experiment)
- •Variable dosing schedules over long term
- •Russian language publication (limited international access)
Adverse Events
- •No adverse events reported over 8 years
- •Excellent long-term safety profile
Key Findings
- ✓Significant reduction in all-cause mortality (40-50%)
- ✓Decreased incidence of infections and chronic diseases
- ✓Normalization of immune and endocrine function
- ✓Proven geroprotective effect in humans
Mechanism of Action
Restoration of thymus and pineal gland function, normalization of T-cell immunity and melatonin levels, antioxidant effect, and regulation of gene expression.