[Peptidergic regulation of expression of cellular aging marker proteins in buccal epithelium.]

The review presents the results of long-term research conducted by the staff of the Saint-Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, dedicated to the study of the biological activity of peptide bioregulators at all levels of a living organism's organization. This review compares the findings of domestic and international studies in this field. At the same time, the priority of Russian scientists in the use of buccal epithelium as a diagnostic marker of age-associated pathology is indicated. This topic is widely studied around the world, but the leading role belongs to domestic scientists. Over the last century, there has been a significant shift in the way aging is viewed. Unlike in earlier centuries, when aging was primarily seen through social and ethical lenses, modern science approaches it as a physiological process with specific mechanisms within the body. The study of the polypeptide complex in the epiphysis and AEDG peptide revealed an effect on human circadian rhythms, as well as an increase in melatonin secretion in elderly people and those with reduced melatonin-producing function. This effect is achieved at the cellular level by regulating the expression of genes involved in circadian rhythms (Cry2, AANAT, ASMT, CLOCK), reducing the synthesis of proteins promoting apoptosis (p16, p21, p53), and regulating the synthesis of markers of functional cell activity (TERF-1, prohibitin, SIRT1, SIRT6). The results of this research indicate the potential of peptides from the epiphysis as new biologically active compounds that can stimulate melatonin production and correct circadian rhythm disorders in elderly and senile individuals.