Peptides - BPC157, EPITALON and NAD Infusions

[Mezmerric]

While on a flight yesterday I had a few hours to kill, so listened to a podcast by Huberman (neuroscientist) on Peptides. I came away with the impression that they may help reduce the progression of PD, and reduce some symptoms.

In particular:

Epitalon - helps increase REM sleep by improving the ability of the Pineal gland to produce melatonin at the right time. Huberman claimed it improved his REM by 100%.

NAD infusions - improves energy and effectiveness of the mitochondria. Claim was of dramatic improvements in feeling of wellness. It is expensive though.

BPC157 - anti inflammatory, particularly healing of the gut, but also the brain.

Has anyone tried any of these?

I would add a note of CAUTION: The podcast made it clear that these peptides should only be prescribed through a doctor and should come from an authorised compound pharmacist - and not from the grey /black market

[MarionP]

Is this the practically manic person who's an expert on at least 200,000 topics excluding keeping his many simultaneous women? When did he have time to experiment on himself?

[LorenzaS]

I do NAD+ infusions when I can. They give me more energy and a sense of well-being, more clear thinking and better mood

!

[Mezmerric in reply to LorenzaS]

Thanks for the response. Good to know. Do you think they have slowed the progression of PD

[LorenzaS]

I can’t honestly say it. . I spend 4 months in Thailand and the rest of the year in Europe. In Thailand is very easy to find, lots of clinics offer it. I'min thailand now. I did 250 mg yesterday for a little over 200 euros. Today its a bliss! Felt very well. Its coming to Europe slowly but much more expensive. I do a lot of other things as well.

By the way my husband, who doesn't have PD,, also gets NAD+ for energy boost! Try it once if you can and find out for youtself. Where are you ? In Spain and Portugal is now available and also in Amsterdam i saw it offered.

NAD+ but in Europe no, can’t find it

[Mezmerric in reply to LorenzaS]

I’m in Belgium. How long does the boost last? And what else do you try/recommend?

[LorenzaS]

first year i had to do 6 or 7 times in the span of 2 months, then doctor reccomended at least once everyone one or two months.

I reccomend also glutathion infusion. These 2 to start with. Then the oral supplements.

I have done cerebrolysin infusion as well but my antiagin doctor says it's not effective for Parkinson’s.

I'm now in the car, not driving, so its a bit difficult with my phone. I want to send you the link for the place in Amsterdam that does NAD+ infusion. I walked past few months ago but i did not do it there. I will send in next message

[Mezmerric in reply to LorenzaS]

Many thanks - great to hear. Look forward to hearing the details of the one in Amsterdam as that may be feasible for me.

I am currently taking Ketone Esters each day - it seems to me that they could really complement NAD Infusions as they target mitochondrial efficiency by helping to maintain the NAD + levels.

BTW - There's only two brands that seem to deliver genuine esters (Ketone Aid and DeltaG) - lots of people get fooled into buying other stuff.

Here's a summary from ChatGBT if you are interested.

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Ketone esters may improve NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels in several ways by shifting cellular metabolism, enhancing the NAD+/NADH ratio, and activating specific pathways that promote NAD+ synthesis. Here’s how ketone esters may help with NAD+:

1. Increased NAD+/NADH Ratio

When ketone esters are consumed, they increase blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone body that mitochondria can directly use for energy.

Ketone metabolism bypasses glycolysis (the glucose metabolism pathway), which has a higher tendency to generate NADH. Instead, ketones are broken down in a way that promotes the production of NAD+ rather than NADH.

By relying on ketones rather than glucose, cells produce energy more efficiently and increase the NAD+/NADH ratio, as fewer reducing equivalents (NADH) are generated in ketone metabolism compared to glucose metabolis

This shift in the ratio is beneficial because NAD+ is critical for many cellular processes, including DNA repair and cellular energy production.

A higher NAD+/NADH ratio is associated with enhanced mitochondrial health and longevity, as NAD+ is essential for the activation of proteins involved in cellular repair and anti-aging pathways.

2. Activation of Sirtuins and AMPK

Ketone bodies like BHB activate sirtuins, a family of proteins that play a role in cellular health and longevity, and which rely on NAD+ to function.

When sirtuins are activated, they consume NAD+, promoting an increased demand for NAD+ production in cells. This may lead to enhanced NAD+ recycling and availability.

Additionally, AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), an energy-sensing enzyme, is also activated by ketones. AMPK stimulates pathways that increase NAD+ levels and promote mitochondrial biogenesis, the creation of new mitochondria, which requires ample NAD+ to support the energy needs of new mitochondria.

3. Reduction in NAD+ Consumption Due to Lower Oxidative Stress

Ketone metabolism generates fewer reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to glucose metabolism. Lower ROS production means less oxidative damage, reducing the need for NAD+ in cellular repair processes.

NAD+ is often consumed in response to oxidative stress, so by lowering this stress, ketones help preserve NAD+ levels and reduce the rate at which NAD+ is depleted, allowing more to be available for essential metabolic functions.

4. Support for Cellular Repair and Maintenance

NAD+ is essential for cellular repair mechanisms, especially those linked to DNA repair and mitochondrial health. With more NAD+ available, cells are better able to repair DNA and maintain mitochondrial function, which could contribute to better cellular resilience and health over time.

The higher NAD+/NADH ratio resulting from ketone ester intake also improves cellular metabolism efficiency, meaning cells can produce energy more effectively and are better equipped to deal with metabolic stresses.

Summary

Ketone esters may support NAD+ levels by increasing the NAD+/NADH ratio, activating sirtuin and AMPK pathways that favor NAD+ synthesis, reducing oxidative stress to preserve NAD+, and enhancing cellular repair processes. This makes ketone esters potentially beneficial for supporting cellular energy, longevity, and overall metabolic health.

[LorenzaS]

qualevita.nl is originally a Spanish company but now they do franchise. I walk past it in Amsterdam , went in and talked to them but never used them. I also don’t remember the price . Good luck

[Gisel]

Hi Mezmerric, I just read your information on the podcast by Huberman (neuroscientist) on Peptides. You came away with the impression that they may help reduce the progression of PD, and reduce some symptoms.

My interest was caught by the term "peptides" that are practically short chains of amino acids from which proteins are built of. May be you already know about the data on N-Acetyl-DL-leucine. This is a modified amino acid that is used as a medical drug since 40 years in France to treat vertigo. A neurologist that treated the vertigo of patients with parkinson realized an improvement under N-Acetyl-DL-Leucine which was the initiation of scientific investigations. Currently there is a big hype around this compound at least here in Europe and the drug (Tanganil trade name) is sold out. If you do a literature search in pubmed you will find some interesting publications on this modified amino acid.

I ordered the Enantiomere N-Acetyl-L-Leucine as powder in USA and started to take 2.5 g per day divided in 3 doses. But I experienced a light to moderate headache and I had to increase my l-Dopa medication because I this is an amino acid that interferes with resorption. I then stopped after 10 days because I felt worse. Then I discussed it with my gynecologist who is a scientist and whose wife has parkinson too. To make it short: I now take progesterone in the evening plus glutathione and before I go to bed 2.5 g of the N-Acetyl-L-Leucine. Plus I ingest a protein (20 g) drink in parallel. During the day I eat carbohydrates and fruit/vegetable. With this procedure I have no headache during the day and my tremor is less. Could reduce my l-Dopa from 500 to 400 mg. But please give me some time to collect more experience over time. It is too short to draw conclusions. Not to forget that placebo works as well! I am 72 years with 2018 diagnosed