Peptides Vilon and Epithalon Boost Gut Enzyme Activity in Aging Rats

As organisms age, the small intestine often experiences a decline in its trophic (nutritional absorption) and barrier functions, leading to impaired digestion and nutrient uptake. This decline is partly attributed to reduced activity of key digestive enzymes in both the epithelial (lining) and subepithelial (underlying) layers. This study aims to understand how specific peptides might mitigate age-related enzymatic decline in the small intestine.

The administration of both peptides led to significant improvements in enzyme activity within the small intestine. Specifically, Vilon and Epithalon each significantly increased the activity of membrane enzymes maltase (involved in carbohydrate digestion) and alkaline phosphatase (a marker of intestinal health and absorption) in the epithelial layer compared to control animals. This indicates enhanced digestive and absorptive capacity at the primary interface. The most striking finding was that Vilon uniquely significantly increased the activity of cytosolic glycyl-L-leucine dipeptidase (an enzyme breaking down small peptides into amino acids) in the stromal and seromuscular (subepithelial) layers of the small intestine, demonstrating an effect beyond the epithelial surface. This suggests a broader impact on the intestinal wall's enzymatic machinery, supporting the hypothesis of a crucial subepithelial enzymatic barrier that maintains enzyme systems, especially in aged animals.