Study summary · research use only
Effect of melatonin and tetrapeptide on gene expression in mouse brain
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
In this mouse study, the authors used a microchip technique to examine expression of 16,897 cDNA clones in the brain of mice given melatonin or the tetrapeptide Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). They report significant changes in 53 transcripts, with melatonin modifying 38 and Epithalon 22, six changed similarly by both, and one transcript (Rp119) inhibited by melatonin but induced by Epithalon. The affected target genes were related to cell cycle, apoptosis, and nucleic-acid biosynthesis, processing, and transport. Comparing brain and heart expression, the authors suggest the preparations have tissue-specific biological effects.
Abstract
A microchip technique was used to study expression of 16,897 clones from a cDNA library in the brain of mice receiving melatonin or tetrapeptide Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). Expression of 53 transcripts in mouse brain underwent significant changes after treatment with the preparations. Melatonin and Epithalon modified expression of 38 and 22 transcripts, respectively. These preparations produced similar changes in the expression of 6 transcripts. Expression of 1 transcript (Rp119) was inhibited by melatonin, but induced by Epithalon. The target genes are physiologically related to the cell cycle, apoptosis, biosynthesis, processing, and transport of nucleic acids. Comparative study of gene expression in the brain and heart of CBA mice receiving melatonin and Epithalon suggest that these preparations have a tissue-specific biological effect.
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