Effects of epithalon on activities gastrointestinal enzymes in young and old rats.

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine2002PMID: 12360355

Animal StudyEpitalon

Plain Language Summary

Oral Epitalon treatment changed the activity of digestive enzymes throughout the gastrointestinal tract of rats, with the most pronounced effects in older animals. The peptide helped reduce the age-related gap in enzyme activity between young and old rats, suggesting it can help normalize digestive function during aging.

Abstract

Peroral administration of Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) to male and female Wistar rats aging 3 and 11 months changed activity of enzymes hydrolyzing carbohydrates, proteins, and phosphoric acid esters in various portions of the gastrointestinal tract. The most pronounced activation of enzymes was observed in 11-month-old animals. This effect diminished the differences in enzyme activities between young and old rats (compared to untreated animals). Our results indicate that Epithalon modulates activity of gastrointestinal enzymes during aging.

Authors

Khavinson, V Kh; Malinin, V V; Timofeeva, N M; Egorova, V V; Nikitina, A A