Cortagen

Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) is one of the many “carvinson peptides”. These short peptides (typically only 2-4 amino acids in length) have powerful bioregulatory functions and are often found to alter tissue-specific patterns of gene expression.Cortagen, discovered by Vladimir Khavinson, acts primarily in the central nervous system, with secondary effects on the heart and immune system. Studies have shown that Cortagen stabilizes the inflammatory response in the central nervous system and helps promote a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Animal studies have shown that it reduces the long-term consequences of ischemic injury in the brain and helps restore neurological function after transection or injury.Cortagen is a geroprotective and anti-aging peptide. It helps restore DNA to a more youthful state, thereby reducing senescence and increasing the expression of certain genes that are silenced by age.

Studies have shown that gene expression patterns change with age. In particular, as DNA condenses from a more open euchromatin form to a denser heterochromatin form, overall gene expression levels tend to decrease. This condensation process inhibits DNA transcription factors from accessing certain genes and is one of the major contributors to the senescence process, a type of cellular aging. Studies have shown that peptide bioregulators can help reverse condensation and restore cells to a more youthful state [2].

Cortagen has significant effects on peripheral nerves as well as on structural and functional aspects of cardiac tissue. It is thought that this may be due to the uncondensation of chromatin structures. Scientists tested this hypothesis using transcriptome microarray analysis and found significant changes in 110 known genes distributed in over 234 different DNA regions [3].

In different experiments with similar goals, Cortagen was found to increase the activity of ribosomal genes and unravel chromatin protofibrils in a manner that releases genes repressed by age-specific chromatin condensation [4]. The same DNA uncoupling phenomenon occurs with other bioregulatory peptides, each with tissue-specific effects and few off-target effects [5].

In addition to altering DNA structure and reactivating dormant genes, Cortagen appears to affect aging by enhancing the body’s natural antioxidant mechanisms. Studies in rats have shown that Cortagen reduces the levels of LPO (lipid peroxidation) products. This reduces the amount of proteins affected by pathological oxidative processes and inhibits antioxidant activity in the blood and brain [6]. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is a form of free radical-mediated tissue damage that particularly affects cell membranes in tissues with high lipid content. Lipids are abundant in the central nervous system and play a role in isolating nerves. Oxidation of these lipids leads to decreased nerve conductance and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Collagen and nerve regeneration

Studies in rats have shown that intramuscular injection of 10 µg/kg Cortagen increased nerve fiber regeneration in the transverse curve by up to 40% [1]. This study suggests that surgical reattachment of damaged nerves and injection of Cortagen can actually help stimulate nerve repair and improve outcomes after severe spinal cord injury. This mechanism of action may be similar to the mechanism by which Cortagen 20mg promotes repair in the brain. It has long been known that the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states helps to promote healing in other tissues, so it seems reasonable to assume that it has the same beneficial effect on the central nervous system.

Cortagen Summary

Cortagen is a bioregulatory peptide that acts primarily on the brain and central nervous system. It has secondary effects on the immune system and heart tissue. Studies have shown it to be a powerful modulator of inflammatory responses, especially in the nervous system, helping to restore balance and normal function between pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant processes. It has been studied as a potential treatment after ischemic brain injury, and it and similar compounds have shown beneficial long-term results.Cortagen stimulates IL-2 expression, helping to regulate immune function primarily by reducing autoimmune responses.