Peptide Bioregulators · 2013

Effects of pancragen on the differentiation of pancreatic cells during their ageing

Efeitos do pancragen na diferenciação de células pancreáticas durante o envelhecimento

Khavinson VKh, Durnova AO, Polyakova VO, Tolibova GH, Linkova NS, Kvetnoy IM, Kvetnaia TV, Tarnovskaya SI

Bull Exp Biol Med

DOI: 10.1007/s10517-013-1987-6 PubMed: 23486591

Summary

This study investigated the effects of the tetrapeptide pancragen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) on the differentiation of pancreatic cells in young and aged cultures. Pancragen is a peptide bioregulator developed by Khavinson's group at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, designed to act specifically on pancreatic tissue.

The researchers used pancreatic cell cultures from donors of different age groups and analyzed the expression of cell differentiation markers after treatment with pancragen. The results showed that the peptide significantly stimulated the expression of differentiation factors in both acinar (exocrine) and islets of Langerhans (endocrine) cells, in both young and aged cultures.

Key findings include:

  • Increased expression of Ki-67 (proliferation marker) in treated cultures
  • Partial restoration of differentiation patterns in aged cells
  • Modulation of the expression of specific pancreatic transcription factors

The proposed mechanism suggests that pancragen acts as an epigenetic regulator, influencing gene expression associated with the maintenance of pancreatic function. These findings provide the molecular basis for the antidiabetic effects observed with pancragen in clinical and preclinical studies, positioning the peptide as a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of age-related pancreatic dysfunction.

Related Peptide

Pancragen

Peptídeo pancreático

Pancreatic bioregulatory tetrapeptide developed by the Khavinson group. Regulates gene expression in pancreatic cells and supports beta cell function. Used in short cycles for pancreatic function protection and support.