Description

Vilon, a dipeptide, enhances immune function, slows aging by reactivating genes, inhibits tumor growth, and supports cardiovascular and kidney health. (PMID: 15105581, PMID: 11140587, PMID: 10944717, PMID: 12360356, PMID: 16142267 )​

Vilon Research Topics:

1. Immune System Modulation:

   Vilon enhances immune function by activating lymphocytes and splenocytes, leading to improved responses to microbial infections and reducing autoimmune reactions. It promotes the proliferation of CD5 T-cells and cytotoxic CD8 T-cells, which are crucial for immune defense. (PMID: 15105581)​

2. Anti-Aging Effects:

   Vilon has been shown to have anti-aging properties by modulating gene expression, particularly through decondensed chromatin in lymphocytes. This reactivation of genes can potentially slow down cellular aging and improve tissue function.​ (PMID: 11140587)​

3. Cancer Research:

   Studies suggest that Vilon may inhibit the growth of spontaneous tumors and enhance the lifespan of mice. It also shows potential as a chemotherapeutic agent, possibly aiding in cancer prevention and treatment.​ (PMID: 10944717)​

4. Cardiovascular and Renal Benefits:

   Vilon may positively impact the cardiovascular system by modulating gene expression in the heart and improving kidney health by reducing transforming growth factor-beta levels and enhancing fibrinolysis.​ (PMID: 12360356, PMID: 16142267)​

Structure

Molecular Formula: C11H21N30s
Molecular Weight: 257 .30 g/mol
PubChem CID: 7010502
CAS No: 45234-02-4
Alternative Names: Lysylglutamate, normophthal, Lyslglutamic acid

Source: PubChem

Vilon and the Immune System

Research out of Russia indicates that Vilon is a potent regulator of chromatin structure. One study found that Vilon: 

• induces unrolling of chromatin,
• activates synthetic processes via the reactivation of ribosomal genes in the unrolled chromatin,
• releases repressed genes, and
• does not cause decondensation of pericentromeric structural chromatin [1]. induces unrolling of chromatin, 

The net result of the changes that Vilon causes to DNA is a reactivation of genes that are otherwise silenced. In general, chromatin is found in either the wound (heterochromatin) or unwound (euchromatin) states. Heterochromatin cannot be accessed by the apparatus that turns genes into proteins and thus functional components of the cell. Genes in these regions of DNA are simply unavailable for protein production. 

In general, chromatin helps to regulate which genes are available for transcription and is thus one way that different cells can have different functions or that the same cells can have different functions over time. Unfortunately, chromatin condensation is also something that occurs as a result of aging and senescence and is at least one reason why our cells and tissues lose function as we get older. 

Similar to its activity in lymphocytes, Vilon has been shown to activate interleukin-2 signaling in cells of the spleen [3]. Interleukin-2 is important in coordinating the immune response to microbial infection and helps to prevent autoimmune reactions. By activating lymphocytes and splenocytes while boosting natural protection against autoimmune reactions, Vilon restores the immune system to a more active state and may even be useful in developing treatments for autoimmune diseases. 

Adding to its ability to prevent autoimmune reactions is the role of Vilon in the thymus. Research in thymus cultures shows that Vilon increases the proliferation of CDS T-cells. CDS is a marker of mature T-helper cells as well as cytotoxic CD8 T-­cells. The former helps to regulate the immune system and prevent autoimmune reactions, while the latter is one of the most potent anti-microbial cells in the body [4]. 

Interestingly, Vilon appears to only reactivate immune functions via genes that have been silenced by changes in chromatin. It does not appear to activate genes that would naturally be silent in the cells it affects. In other words, Vilon does not turn lymphocytes into neurons by activating genes that would normally not be active in healthy lymphocytes. Instead, the peptide appears to boost activity in the immune system while simultaneously helping to prevent autoimmune reactions. 

Vilon and Cancer 

As pointed out above, Vilon helps to reduce the incidence of cancer in mouse models, which is at least one way in which it prolongs the average lifespan. Additional research shows that Vilon not only prevents tumors from forming but inhibits their growth after they are present [5]. This suggests that Vilon may be both an effective chemotherapeutic in its own right, as well as a potential additive to existing cancer treatments. In the future, Vilon may be a standard addition to everything from chemotherapy to radiation treatment and surgery. 

At least one study, out of Russia, contradicts the claim that Vilon may be a useful adjuvant to chemotherapy. The works show that the combination of Vilon and platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents is problematic rather than synergistic [6]. Unfortunately, this study used only one specific type of chemotherapy and was limited in scope, so the results cannot be generalized. It remains to be seen if Vilon is only effective against cancer on its own or if the peptide can be added to other treatment regimens to boost results. 

Vilon and Aging 

Research in mice shows that subcutaneous administration of Vilon increases physical activity and endurance while helping to reduce the risk of cancer. These two effects resulted in a longer lifespan in the treated mice, suggesting that Vilon may be a legitimate anti-aging peptide [7]. This is especially encouraging given that it produced no adverse effects in the mice following long-term administration. 

Interestingly, the research shows that the earlier Vilon is administered, the greater its effects seem to be. In other words, giving Vilon to young mice enhances lifespan more than if Vilon is not administered until the mice are much older. This same effect was seen in early studies looking at crude thymic and pineal extracts given to mice to slow down aging [8]. The speculation is that Vilon and similar peptides, when administered late in life, can reverse senescence in existing cells but can do nothing for cells that have already been eliminated through apoptosis. By administering Vilon early in life, cells get the greatest amount of protection and so turnover is slowed down. The result is that more cells stay healthy for longer periods, slowing the need to replace them and preserving limited stem cell lines. 

ViIon’s anti-aging effects seem to extend to GI function as well, where the peptide has been shown to improve the activity of certain enzymes in the GI tracts of older mice. The peptide also appears to improve barrier function, thus reducing the incidence of leaky gut, enhancing disease resistance, and improving the overall health of the GI tract in older mice [9]. Research shows that Vilon thereby helps to improve glucose and glycine absorption in the small intestine of older rats [10]. These features of Vilon may help to maintain nutrient extraction with age, thereby improving overall well-being and perhaps enhancing longevity. 

Dr. Vladimir N. Anisimov, who has been researching aging and cancer development since the 1970s, points out that the thymus is one of two glands (the other being the pineal gland) that plays an important role in regulating aging. The healthier the thymus is, the healthier we are as individuals. Of course, Vilon is a thymic peptide and affects cells, like lymphocytes, that are produced in and mature in the thymus. Dr. Anisimov is a staunch advocate for using peptide bioregulators in the prevention of cancer [11]. He is a close colleague of Dr. Vladimir Khavinson. 

Vilon in the Heart and Kidneys 

The effect of Vilon on the vasculature has been less well studied, but there is some work to suggest that it may have a beneficial effect. Research in mice shows that Vilon changes the expression of more than 36 different genes within the heart. When combined with Epithalon, this number jumps to 144 genes[12]. These findings suggest that, at the very least, Vilon has the ability to alter gene expression patterns in the cardiovascular system, a fact that may improve hemodynamic function. 

In fact, research in kidneys, highly vascular organs, shows that Vilon decreases concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta(1) and thus the permeability of microvessels. The net result is improved hemostasis during kidney failure, suggesting that Vilon does have a beneficial effect on the vascular system [13]. 

Furthermore, research in elderly patients with diabetes shows that Vilon can help optimize coagulation by increasing levels of the natural anticoagulants antithrombin III and protein C while also stimulating fibrinolysis [14]. The result is fewer blood clots in a population prone to clotting and the serious consequences that follow. This further supports the idea that Vilon plays an important role in regulating the vascular system. 

Vilon Summary 

Vilon is a potent immunomodulator and anti-aging peptide with ample research to back its benefit. There are also high levels of evidence that Vilon reduces the risk of cancer development and progression. Interestingly, Vilon appears to provide better anti-aging and anti-cancer effects when administered early in life and at chronic, low doses. These features may help open the door to better anti-aging research and help scientists better understand how epigenetic regulation plays an important role in longevity. 

Vilon exhibits minimal side effects and low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg, dosage in mice does not scale to humans. Vilon for sale at Life Link Research is limited to educational and scientific research only, not for human consumption. Only buy Vilon if you are a licensed researcher. 

Article Author

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

Scientific Journal Author 

Vladimir Khavinson is a Professor, resident 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 the role of peptides in the regulation of the mechanisms of ageing. His main field of action is the design, pre-clinical, and clinical studies of new peptide geroprotectors. A 40-year­ investigation resulted in a multitude of methods of application of peptide bioregulators to slow down the process of aging 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 the scientific specialty “Gerontology and Geriatrics” in the Russian Federation on the governmental level. Academic Council headed by V. Khavinson has oversight 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 Vilon. 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 Life Link Research and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide. Prof. Vladimir Khavinson is listed in [1] [3] [4] [5] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] and [12] under the referenced citations. 

Referenced Citations 

1. T. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. 61 pp. 614-616, Jun. 2002, doi: 10.1023/a:1020210615148.
4. N. N. Sevostianova et al., “lmmunomodulating effects of Vilon and its analogue in the culture of human and animal thymus cells,” Bull. Exe. Biol. Med., vol. 154, no. 4, RR- 562-565, Feb. 2013, doi: 10.1007/s10517-013-2000-0.
5. V. K. Khavinson and V. N. Anisimov, “A synthetic peptide vilon (L-LY.S-L-Glu) inhibits growth of spontaneous tumors and increases life span of mice,” Dok/. Biol. Sci. Proc. Acad. Sci. USSR Biol. Sci. Sect., vol. 372, RR- 261- 263, Jun. 2000.
6.  0. P. Barykina, V. V. luzhakov, N. I. Chalisova, I. M. KvetnoT, 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, RP- 128-131, 2003. 
7. V. K. Khavinson et al., “Effect of vilon on biological age and lifespan in mice,” Bull. Exp Biol. Med .. vol. 130, no. 7, RR- 687-690, Jul. 2000, doi: 10.1007/BF02682106.
8. V. N. Anisimov, A. S. Loktionov, V. K. Khavinson, and V. G. Morozov, “Effect of low ­molecular-weight factors of thymus and pineal gland on life Span and Spontaneous tumour development in female mice of different age Mech. Ageing Dev., vol. 49, no. 3, RR· 245- 257, Sep. 1989, doi: 10.1016/0047-637 4(89)90075-4.
9. V. K. Khavinson, N. M. Timofeeva, V. V. Malinin, L. A. Gordova, and A. A. Nikitina, “Effect of vilon and epithalon on activity of enzymes in epithelial and subepithelial layers in small intestine of old rats,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med .. vol. 134, no. 61 Art. no. 61 Dec. 2002.
10. V. K. Khavinson, V. V. Egorova, N. M. Timofeeva, V. V. Malinin, L. A. Gordova, and L. V. Gromova, “Effect of Vilon and Epithalon on glucose and glycine absorption in various regions of small intestine in aged rats,” Bull. Exe. Biol. Med., vol. 133, no. 5, pp. 494-496, May. 2002, doi: 10.1023la:1019878224754.
11. V. N. Anisimov and V. K. Khavinson, :[The use of peptide bioregulators for cancer prevention: results of 35 years of research experience and perspectives],” Vo12..r. Onkol., vol. 55, no. 3,_pp. 291-304, 2009.
12. S. V. Anisimov, K. R. Bokheler, V. K. Khavinson, and V. N. Anisimov, “Studies of the effects of Vilon and Epithalon on gene expression in mouse heart using DNA ­microarray technology,” Bull. Exe. Biol. Med.,. vol. 133, no. 3, pp. 293-299, Mar. 2002, doi: 10.1023la:1015859322630.
13. N. A. Gavrisheva, V. V. Malinin, T. P. Ses, K. L. Kozlov, A. V. Panchenko, and A. Y. Titkov, “Effect of peptide Vilon on the content of transforming growth factor-beta and permeability. of microvessels during experimental chronic renal failure,” Bull. Exe. Biol. Med .. vol. 139, no. 1, pp. 24-26, Jan. 2005, doi: 10.1007ls10517-005-0202-9.
14. B. I. Kuznik, N. V. lsakova, N. N. Kliuchereva, N. V. Maleeva, and I. S. Pinelis, :[Effect of vilon on the immunity. status and coagulation hemostasis in patients of different age with diabetes mellitus],” Adv. Gerontol. Us12..ekhi Gerontot vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 106-115, 2007.