A Natural Product Telomerase Activator As Part of a Health Maintenance Program

Abstract

Most human cells lack sufficient telomerase to maintain telomeres, hence these genetic elements shorten with time and stress, contributing to aging and disease. In January, 2007, a commercial health maintenance program, PattonProtocol-1, was launched that included a natural product-derived telomerase activator (TA-65 Ò , 10-50 mg daily), a comprehensive dietary supplement pack, and physician counseling/laboratory tests at baseline and every 3-6 months thereafter. We report here analysis of the first year of data focusing on the immune system. Low nanomolar levels of TA-65Ò moderately activated telomerase in human keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cells in culture; similar plasma levels of TA-65 Ò were achieved in pilot human pharmacokinetic studies with single 10-to 50-mg doses. The most striking in vivo effects were declines in the percent senescent cytotoxic (CD8 þ /CD28 À ) T cells (1.5, 4.4, 8.6, and 7.5% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively; p ¼ not significant [N.S.], 0.018, 0.0024, 0.0062) and natural killer cells at 6 and 12 months ( p ¼ 0.028 and 0.00013, respectively). Most of these decreases were seen in cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositive subjects. In a subset of subjects, the distribution of telomere lengths in leukocytes at baseline and 12 months was measured. Although mean telomere length did not increase, there was a significant reduction in the percent short (<4 kbp) telomeres ( p ¼ 0.037). No adverse events were attributed to PattonProtocol-1. We conclude that the protocol lengthens critically short telomeres and remodels the relative proportions of circulating leukocytes of CMV þ subjects toward the more ''youthful'' profile of CMV À subjects. Controlled randomized trials are planned to assess TA-65 Ò -specific effects in humans.

Cycloastragenol Is a Potent Telomerase Activator in Neuronal Cells: Implications for Depression Management

“…Telomerase activators are proposed to increase the longevity of cells and are therefore actively being analyzed for antiaging strategies [47,48]. In accordance with our findings that CAG promotes the cellular functions of keratinocytes, the distinct telomerase-promoting activity of CAG has also been reported in human CD8+ T-lymphocytes; specifically, in its effects in enhancing their antiviral response against HIV [28].…”

Telomerase Inhibitors and Activators: Pharmaceutical Importance

“…This extract could elongate short telomeres and increase health span of adult mice without increasing cancer incidence [60]. Also, this natural-based product can elongate short telomeres in human leukocytes [61].…”

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. Plants and plant-based preparations for facial care in Suriname

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