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Limited Research

Cardiogen

Cardiac Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide | Cardiovascular & Tissue Repair

Cardiogen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg / AEDR) is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It targets cardiac tissue through modulation of fibroblast proliferation, suppression of cardiomyocyte apoptosis via p53 downregulation, and upregulation of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins. Preclinical research has explored its potential in cardiac remodeling, myocardial injury recovery, and age-related cardiovascular decline. All published studies to date are based on in vitro experiments and animal models.

Daily dose

10-20mg

Frequency

Every 3-7 days

Cycle length

2-4 weeks

Storage

2-8°C

Key benefits

Cardiac tissue support, fibroblast proliferation, cardiomyocyte protection, cytoskeletal protein upregulation

How it works

Tetrapeptide that stimulates expression of cytoskeletal proteins (actin, vimentin, tubulin) and nuclear matrix proteins (lamin A, lamin C) in fibroblasts, while suppressing apoptosis in cardiomyocytes via p53 downregulation

Dosage protocols

Goal

Standard Injectable (Community-Derived)

Dose

10-20mg · Every 3-7 days

Route

SubQ

Goal

Oral Capsule Protocol

Dose

2 capsules (200mcg) · 1-2x daily before meals

Route

Oral

Goal

Oral Intensive Protocol

Dose

2 capsules (200mcg) · Twice daily before meals for 1 month

Route

Oral

Research indications

cardiovascular

Cardiac Tissue SupportPreclinical models suggest cardiomyocyte proliferation stimulation and apoptosis suppression through p53 downregulation
Post-Injury RemodelingCoronary artery ligation mouse models suggest reduced necrotic zones and improved survival outcomes
Chronic Heart ConditionsRussian clinical practice uses Cardiogen in treatment protocols for coronary heart disease, hypertension, and heart failure

cellular

Cytoskeletal Protein UpregulationEnhances expression of actin, vimentin, and tubulin 2-5x in fibroblasts, supporting cellular structural integrity
Nuclear Matrix SupportIncreases lamin A and lamin C expression 2-3x, supporting nuclear architecture and gene regulation
Anti-Apoptotic EffectsSuppresses p53 protein expression in cardiomyocytes, reducing programmed cell death in cardiac tissue

anti Aging

Geroprotective PotentialPart of Khavinson bioregulator protocols targeting age-related cardiovascular decline through gene expression modulation
Age-Related Tissue RegenerationStimulates cardiac cell proliferation in both young and aged tissue cultures, maintaining regenerative capacity
Bioregulatory Peptide TherapyUsed in comprehensive Russian longevity protocols alongside organ-specific bioregulators

Administration

injectable
oral

Interactions

Synergistic
BPC-157Theoretical synergy based on complementary mechanisms - Cardiogen supports cardiac tissue while BPC-157 promotes healing in gut and soft tissues. No published combination studies exist.
Synergistic
TB-500Theoretical synergy based on complementary mechanisms - TB-500 promotes blood vessel formation and broad tissue repair while Cardiogen provides heart-specific support. No published combination studies exist.
Compatible
PinealonComplementary Khavinson bioregulators targeting different organ systems. Pinealon supports neuroprotection while Cardiogen targets cardiac tissue. Routinely combined in Russian longevity protocols.
Compatible
CartalaxFellow Khavinson bioregulator targeting cartilage and connective tissue. Different tissue specificity allows combination without overlap. Used together in comprehensive anti-aging protocols.
Compatible
Thymosin Alpha-1Thymosin Alpha-1 supports immune modulation while Cardiogen targets cardiac tissue. Different mechanisms with no known interactions. May complement each other in recovery protocols.
Synergistic
EpitalonTheoretical synergy through complementary pathways. Epitalon activates telomerase and regulates pineal function while Cardiogen supports cardiac tissue maintenance. Combined in Russian geroprotective protocols but no published combination studies exist.
Monitor Combination
Conventional Cardiovascular MedicationsRussian clinical practice uses Cardiogen alongside conventional treatments for heart conditions. Monitor cardiovascular parameters when combining with existing cardiac medications.
Monitor Combination
Growth Factors (IGF-1, HGH)Both affect tissue proliferation pathways. Monitor for excessive fibroblast activation or unexpected tissue changes when combining growth-promoting compounds.

Safety notes

Not approved for human use by any regulatory agency (FDA, EMA)

All published research is preclinical - based on in vitro and animal studies only

Russian pharmaceutical capsule form available as dietary supplement in CIS countries

Side effects are reported as rare in Russian clinical experience when properly sourced

Not recommended during active cancer due to fibroblast proliferative effects

Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to absence of safety data

Can be combined with conventional cardiovascular medications per Russian protocols

Research studies

Cytoskeletal and Nuclear Matrix Protein Expression (2012)

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts | AEDR treatment | 30 min exposure | 2-5x protein upregulation

Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH enhanced expression of cytoskeletal proteins (actin, tubulin, vimentin) by 2-5 times and nuclear matrix proteins (lamin A, lamin C) by 2-3 times in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts, establishing the mechanism for its cardioprotective activity.

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Myocardial Tissue Culture in Young and Old Rats (2009)

Rat myocardial tissue | Young (3-month) and old (24-month) | Various concentrations | Proliferation stimulation

Cardiogen demonstrated significant stimulating effect on cell proliferation in myocardial tissue from both young and old rats. Immunohistochemical analysis showed decreased p53 protein expression, indicating inhibition of apoptosis in cardiac tissue.

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Tumor-Modifying Effect on M-1 Sarcoma (2009)

Senescent rats | M-1 sarcoma model | Multiple doses | Dose-dependent tumor inhibition

Dose-dependent inhibition of M-1 sarcoma growth through hemorrhagic necrosis and stimulation of tumor cell apoptosis. Mechanism operated through disruption of tumor vascular network rather than direct cytostatic effects.

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Tissue-Specific Bioregulator Effects in Organotypic Culture (2006)

Rats (young 3-week and aged 18-month) | Heart, lung, prostate, pancreatic tissue | 0.05 ng/ml | Tissue-specific stimulation

Cardiogen, alongside other Khavinson peptides (bronchogen, prostamax, pancragen), showed tissue-specific stimulating effects on heart tissue cultures at 0.05 ng/ml, confirming organ-selective bioregulatory activity in both young and aged rats.

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Fibroblast Signaling Factor Expression in Aging (2010)

Human prostate fibroblasts | Cell aging model | Peptide treatment | Enhanced CXCL12, WEDC1, ghrelin

Cardiogen and related peptides enhanced expression of signaling factors (CXCL12, WEDC1, ghrelin) in aging fibroblasts, with treated older cultures achieving expression rates comparable to young controls. Demonstrates potential for age-correction at the cellular level.

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Coronary Artery Ligation Mouse Model

Mouse | Coronary artery ligation | AEDR treatment | Threefold mortality reduction

Experimental myocardial injury model using coronary artery ligation showed a threefold reduction in mortality in AEDR-treated groups versus controls, with potential reduction in necrotic zones. The cardioprotective activity is attributed to activated synthesis of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins.

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