Research suggests that Vilon may be useful as an immunomodulator and a bioregulator of cell ageing. There is also strong data hinting that Vilon may help stop cancer from starting or spreading. Insight into the function of epigenetic control in lifespan gained from these discoveries may pave the way for future anti-ageing studies.

Vilon Peptide: What is it?

Vilon, which consists of just two amino acids, is the smallest peptide yet discovered to have a biological function. As suggested by studies, Vilon may be a possible regulator of immune function, and it has been hypothesized to have substantial anti-ageing properties. There is also solid data suggesting that Vilon may help to control the vascular system and promote hemostasis. Although Vilon has been speculated to inhibit the development and spread of tumors that arise of their own accord, its use as an adjuvant in the context of cancer has been questioned. Several people, like Dr. Vladimir Anisimov, speculate that Vilon may be an effective geroprotective compound.

Vilon Peptide and Antibodies

Russian studies support that Vilon may be important in controlling chromatin structure. As suggested in one investigation, Vilon:

• May cause chromatin to unwind;
• May unleash repressed genes;
• May promote synthetic processes by reactivating ribosomal genes;
• May not result in a loosening of the structural chromatin around the pericentromere.

It has been hypothesized that Vilon may modify DNA which can lead to dormant genes' reactivation by inducing chromatin unrolling. In general, chromatin is present in either the wound (heterochromatin) or unwound (euchromatin) states. The machinery that converts genes into proteins and, consequently, functioning components of the cell cannot reach heterochromatin. Proteins cannot be made from genes located in certain sections of DNA. In general, chromatin contributes to regulating which genes are accessible for transcription, and this is one way in which different cells may have distinct roles or in which the same cells can change their activities over time. One of the reasons cells and tissues become less functional over time is because of a process called senescence, which is accompanied by chromatin condensation.

Spleen cells, like lymphocytes, have been theorized to respond to Vilon by activating interleukin-2 signalling. Interleukin-2 prevents autoimmune responses and directs the immune response to microbial infection. Studies hint that by restoring the immune system to a more active condition, Vilon may be useful in developing options for autoimmune illnesses by stimulating lymphocytes and splenocytes and improving natural defense against autoimmune responses.

Studies conducted in vitro on thymus tissue purported that Vilon may stimulate CD5 T-cell proliferation. Both mature T-helper cells and cytotoxic CD8 T-cells have a marking on their surface known as CD5. The former aids immune system regulation and safeguards against autoimmune responses, while the latter is considered to be effective anti-microbial cells.

Interestingly, Vilon seems to only reawaken immunological activities via genes that alterations in chromatin have silenced. It does not appear to turn on genes otherwise inactive in its target cells. Research suggests that by turning on ordinarily inactive genes in functional cells, Vilon may not convert lymphocytes into neurons. Instead, the peptide seems to stimulate activity in the immune system while helping avoid autoimmune responses.

Vilon Peptide and Cancer

As was mentioned above, one mechanism in which Vilon may increase longevity is by lowering the rate at which cancer cells develop in mice models. Further studies suggest that Vilon may stop tumors from developing and slow their growth.

The possibility that Vilon may be a useful adjuvant to chemotherapy has been questioned by at least one research conducted in Russia. Vilon and platinum-based chemotherapeutic substances have been speculated to have antagonistic rather than synergistic effects in this study. The study's small sample size and focus on a single form of chemotherapy preclude any broad conclusions from being drawn.

Vilon Peptide and Cell Aging

As hinted by a study, Vilon peptide may boost stamina and endurance and decrease cancer risk in mice. These two effects combined to extend the mice's lives in the research group, leading researchers to speculate that Vilon may be an anti-ageing peptide.

Interestingly, studies suggest that Vilon seems more effective the sooner it is given. In other words, compared to when Vilon is supplied to older mice, the effect on longevity may be greater when Vilon is given to young mice. Early investigations using crude thymic and pineal extracts in animals to delay aging suggested a similar effect. It is hypothesized that Vilon and related peptides may counteract cellular senescence when supplied late in life. However, this would not affect cells that have already undergone apoptosis.

The peptide Vilon has been theorized to increase the activity of certain enzymes in the GI tracts of aged mice, suggesting that its anti-ageing properties may not be limited to the immune system. The peptide seems to boost barrier function, which may reduce leaky gut, increase resistance to illness, and improve the general health of the gastrointestinal tract in older mice. Scientific studies have purported that Vilon may enhance glucose and glycine absorption in the small intestines of rats. Research suggests these properties of Vilon may potentially sustain nutrient extraction with age.

References

[i] Lezhava et al., “Bioregulator Vilon-induced reactivation of chromatin in cultured lymphocytes from old people,” Biogerontology, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 73–79, 2004, doi: 10.1023/B:BGEN.0000025070.90330.7f.

[ii] T. Lezhava, J. Monaselidze, T. Kadotani, N. Dvalishvili, and T. Buadze, “Anti-aging peptide bioregulators induce reactivation of chromatin,” Georgian Med. News, no. 133, pp. 111–115, Apr. 2006.

[iii] T. B. Kazakova et al., “In vitro effect of short peptides on expression of interleukin-2 gene in splenocytes,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 133, no. 6, pp. 614–616, Jun. 2002, doi: 10.1023/a:1020210615148.

[iv] N. N. Sevostianova et al., “Immunomodulating effects of Vilon and its analogue in the culture of human and animal thymus cells,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 154, no. 4, pp. 562–565, Feb. 2013, doi: 10.1007/s10517-013-2000-0.

[v] V. K. Khavinson and V. N. Anisimov, “A synthetic dipeptide vilon (L-Lys-L-Glu) inhibits growth of spontaneous tumors and increases the life span of mice,” Dokl. Biol. Sci. Proc. Acad. Sci. USSR Biol. Sci. Sect., vol. 372, pp. 261–263, Jun. 2000.

[vi] O. P. Barykina, V. V. Iuzhakov, N. I. Chalisova, I. M. Kvetnoĭ, and S. S. Konovalov, “[Combined effect of vilon and cyclophosphane on tumor transplants and lymphoid tissue explants in mice and rats of various age],” Adv. Gerontol. Uspekhi Gerontol., vol. 12, pp. 128– 131, 2003.

[vii] V. K. Khavinson et al., “Effect of vilon on biological age and lifespan in mice,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 130, no. 7, pp. 687–690, Jul. 2000, doi: 10.1007/BF02682106.

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