Livagen, a short peptide closely related to Epitalon (aka Epithalon), is known for its effects on the immune system, GI tract, and liver. As a peptide bioregulator, Livagen has direct effects on DNA and gene expression patterns. Its purported anti-aging properties are thought to result from Livagen’s ability to activate genes in the GI tract and immune system that are otherwise silenced as a result of DNA condensation with age.

Amino Acid Sequence: Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₁N₅O₉ Molecular Weight: 461.5 g/mol PubChem CID: 87919683 CAS No: 195875-84-4 (Deprecated: 402856-42-2) Alternative Names: SCHEMBL5967826 Source: PubChem

DNA is contained within the nucleus of eukaryotes, like humans, in a hierarchy of ever more condensed organization that takes the roughly 3 feet of DNA that is contained within a human cell and packages it to fit within the space of one hundredth of a millimeter. In other words, the packaging of DNA reduces its overall size by about 100,000 times. The double helix of DNA is wrapped around proteins, called histones, which themselves conglomerate to form chromatin structure, which further condenses to form chromosomes. This progressive organization of DNA serves several purposes including condensing the genetic material for replication and cell division, condensing the genetic material so that it fits within cells, and controlling expression of genes at a very high level. In other words, DNA organization is all about packaging the genetic material and about controlling access to specific genes[1]. The latter function of chromatin, controlling gene expression, Source: NIH Research in older adults suggests that Livagen activates a number of genes in the lymphocytes of older people by inducing the decondensation (unpacking) of chromatin. This results in the activation of genes that are otherwise silent in older adults including ribosomal genes responsible, indirectly, for robust protein production and enhanced cell activity[2]. This information suggests that Livagen has a direct effect on the DNA within lymphocytes, which are a primary cell of the immune system. Research looking that the end-points of Livagen, Epitalon, and Vilon administration in elderly individuals shows that Livagen has four different effects in lymphocytes including • activating synthetic processes by reactivating ribosomal genes, • unpacking chromatin, • altering gene expression, and • inducing decondensation. All of these effects lead to reactivation of chromatin that is silenced as we age[3]. Though long-term effects have not been studied, there is the belief among researchers that this resets lymphocytes to a more “youthful” state. Lymphocytes are a class of white blood cell that contains B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies  against foreign invaders while T cells destroy cells of the body that are either infected with an invading organism or have become cancerous. T cells also produce cytokines, which are chemical signals that coordinate immune responses and control inflammation in the body[4]. In other words, lymphocytes are among the most important cells of the immune system. Their decline in activity with age may be at least part of the explanation for why we become more susceptible to all varieties of disease and illness as we age. The ability to reset these cells to a more youthful state could help to ward off infection and cancer.

Livagen and the Heart

Lymphocytes play an active role in cardiac health, so it was natural for researchers to wonder what effects Livagen might have on the heart. Research in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) suggests that dysregulation of chromatin structure in lymphocytes is a pathogenic feature in HCM and atherosclerosis that, if correct, may improve long-term outcomes[5]. Several studies suggest that release of genes via decondensation of chromatin in lymphocytes may help to reduce long-term sequelae from various forms of heart disease[6]. Of course, this is precisely what Livagen does and so there has been a great deal of research in this area[7], [8]. Changes to lymphocyte gene expression may help to reduce inflammation and the scarring that it leads to in individuals with HCM. Livagen may also be useful for preventing the onset of HCM in those who are genetically predisposed to the condition as well as following heart attack or other cardiac injury. Livagen may provide the basis for advanced preventative strategies that will reduce the overall morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease.

Livagen and Pain

Enkephalins are short peptides that the body uses to signal pain. They bind to both mu and delta opioid receptors. Mu receptors, which bind morphine, cause a reduction in pain, blood pressure, and consciousness when activated. Delta receptor activation leads to reduced pain perception and may account for the respiratory depression seen with opiates. Work on bioregulatory peptides shows that Livagen inhibits the activity of enkephalin-degrading enzymes in the blood, thereby increasing levels of natural pain killers in the body[9]. Naturally, this suggests that Livagen may be an effective treatment for pain. There is ongoing research to determine how well it controls pain, what the side effects of enhanced enkephalin levels are, and whether there is any addictive potential as there is with opioids like Oxycontin.

Livagen and the GI Tract

New research suggests that both my and delta receptors, when activated, play an important role in protecting the mucosal barrier of the GI tract. The net result of Livagen in this setting is an increase vagal nerve signaling to the GI tract and altered levels of both mucosal nitric oxide and prostaglandins[10]. This leads to profound gastroprotection that may be useful in everything from treating infectious diarrhea to reducing the symptoms and long-term consequences of inflammatory bowel disease. Given its ability to enhanced activation of these receptors by enhancing levels of enkephalin in the bloodstream, it should come as no surprise that Livagen is being considered as a potential treatment for a variety of disorders of the GI tract.

Livagen and Aging

What should be obvious by now is that many of the effects of aging are a result of changes in the way DNA is organized and thus the types of genes that can be accessed and expressed. These changes have been detailed in research by the leading authority on chromatin changes in aging, Professor Teimuraz Lezhava. His work shows that levels chromosomal aberrations increase with age. These aberrations include progressive condensation of chromatin (think of this as increasing inactivation of DNA) and decreases in repair processes (secondary to the inactivation that arises from condensation)[11]. There is good evidence to suggest that reversing the process of condensation may, in fact, be an effective means of extending lifespan. After all, if silencing genes leads to progressively faster aging, reactivating those genes should slow the process. Dr. Lezhavas’s research shows that Livagen, Epitalon, and a handful of other bioregulatory peptides are already know to impact this process by decondensing DNA[12]. His work shows that there is good reason to believe that these peptides can, in fact, help to thwart some of the dysfunction that arises with age, particularly as it relates to immune dysregulation and decreased protein synthesis.

Livagen Summary

Livagen is a short bioregulatory peptide that has direct effects on DNA structure and function. It is best known for its ability to decondense chromatin, thereby increasing the expression of certain genes and improving the “youthful” profile of cells. Its most studied effects are on lymphocytes of the immune system. Through these cells, Livagen helps to activate the immune system and offset disease in the heart, GI tract, immune system, and central nervous system. Livagen even shows promise in the area of nociception and pain control. Ongoing research will help to further unravel the promise of Livagen and bring humanity closer to understanding the processes of aging and senescence. Livagen exhibits minimal side effects, low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg dosage in mice does not scale to humans. Livagen for sale at

The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. E. Logan, M.D. Dr. E. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Vladimir Khavinson is a Professor, President of the European region of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics; Member of the Russian and Ukrainian Academies of Medical Sciences; Main gerontologist of the Health Committee of the Government of Saint Petersburg, Russia; Director of the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology; Vice-president of Gerontological Society of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Head of the Chair of Gerontology and Geriatrics of the North-Western State Medical University, St-Petersburg; Colonel of medical service (USSR, Russia), retired. Vladimir Khavinson is known for the discovery, experimental and clinical studies of new classes of peptide bioregulators as well as for the development of bioregulating peptide therapy. He is engaged in studying of the role of peptides in regulation of the mechanisms of ageing. His main field of actions is design, pre-clinical and clinical studies of new peptide geroprotectors. A 40-year-long investigation resulted in a multitude of methods of application of peptide bioregulators to slow down the process of ageing and increase human life span. Six peptide-based pharmaceuticals and 64 peptide food supplements have been introduced into clinical practice by V. Khavinson. He is an author of 196 patents (Russian and international) as well as of 775 scientific publications. His major achievements are presented in two books: “Peptides and Ageing” (NEL, 2002) and “Gerontological aspects of genome peptide regulation” (Karger AG, 2005). Vladimir Khavinson introduced scientific specialty "Gerontology and Geriatrics" in the Russian Federation on the governmental level. Academic Council headed by V. Khavinson has oversighted over 200 Ph.D. and Doctorate theses from many different countries. Prof. Vladimir Khavinson is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of Livagen. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between

1. “Chromatin,” Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Chromatin (accessed Feb. 05, 2022).
2. V. Kh. Khavinson et al., “Effects of Livagen Peptide on Chromatin Activation in Lymphocytes from Old People,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 134, no. 4, pp. 389–392, Oct. 2002, doi: 10.1023/A:1021924702103.
3. 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.
4. “Lymphocyte,” Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Lymphocyte (accessed Feb. 05, 2022).
5. T. A. Dzhokhadze, T. Z. Buadze, M. N. Gaiozishvili, N. G. Kakauridze, and T. A. Lezhava, “[Genomic instability in atherosclerosis],” Georgian Med. News, no. 236, pp. 82–86, Nov. 2014.
6. T. Lezhava and T. Jokhadze, “Activation of pericentromeric and telomeric heterochromatin in cultured lymphocytes from old individuals,” Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., vol. 1100, pp. 387–399, Apr. 2007, doi: 10.1196/annals.1395.043.
7. “[Effect of peptide bioregulator and cobalt ions on the activity of NORs and associations of acrocentric chromosomes in lymphocytes of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and their relatives],” Georgian Med. News, no. 234, pp. 134–137, Sep. 2014.
8. T. A. Dzhokhadze, T. Z. Buadze, M. N. Gaĭozishvili, M. A. Rogava, and T. A. Lazhava, “[Functional regulation of genome with peptide bioregulators by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (by patients and relatives)],” Georgian Med. News, no. 225, pp. 94–97, Dec. 2013.
9. N. V. Kost, O. I. Sokolov, M. V. Gabaeva, I. A. Zolotarev, V. V. Malinin, and V. K. Khavinson, “[Effect of new peptide bioregulators livagen and epitalon on enkephalin-degrading enzymes in human serum],” Izv. Akad. Nauk. Ser. Biol., no. 4, pp. 427–429, Aug. 2003.
10. K. Gyires and A. Z. Rónai, “Supraspinal delta- and mu-opioid receptors mediate gastric mucosal protection in the rat,” J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., vol. 297, no. 3, pp. 1010–1015, Jun. 2001.
11. T. A. Lezhava, “[Human chromosome functional characteristics and aging],” Adv. Gerontol. Uspekhi Gerontol., vol. 8, pp. 34–43, 2001.
12. V. K. Khavinson et al., “Peptide Epitalon activates chromatin at the old age,” Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 24, no. 5, pp. 329–333, Oct. 2003.

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