Testagen
KEDG Tetrapeptide | Anterior Pituitary Bioregulator
Testagen (KEDG, Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson and his team at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Derived from amino acid sequences found in anterior pituitary gland extracts, Testagen is researched for its potential effects on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) release, thyroid function, and downstream testosterone regulation. As part of the Khavinson peptide family, it is proposed to cross cell and nuclear membranes to directly interact with DNA and modulate gene expression in target tissues.
Daily dose
100-300mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Cycle length
8-12 weeks
Storage
-20°C / 2-8°C
Key benefits
Anterior pituitary bioregulator support, potential TSH and thyroid hormone modulation, indirect testosterone support through thyroid optimization, part of Khavinson peptide bioregulator family, proposed epigenetic gene regulation.
How it works
Testagen (KEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from anterior pituitary gland extracts. It is proposed to cross cell and nuclear membranes to interact directly with DNA, modulating gene expression in pituitary cells. This may stimulate TSH release, subsequently affecting T3/T4 thyroid hormones. Since thyroid function correlates with testosterone levels, Testagen may indirectly support testosterone through thyroid optimization.
Dosage protocols
Goal
Standard protocol
Dose
100-300mcg · Once daily
Route
SubQ
Goal
Oral supplement
Dose
1-2 capsules · 1-2x daily
Route
Oral
Research indications
thyroid
hormonal
longevity
Administration
Interactions
Safety notes
No human clinical trials - preclinical data only
Contraindicated with thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism
Monitor thyroid function
Consult healthcare provider before use
Research studies
Hypophysectomized Avian Model Study
Avian model | Pituitary-removed birds | Thyroid gland morphology assessment
In hypophysectomized avian models, introduction of the KEDG peptide was associated with changes in thyroid gland morphology, body weight, and follicle structure. Apparent shifts were noted in thyroid-related hormones, suggesting possible interactions with pituitary-thyroid regulation even without hypophyseal support.
Thyroid Function Without Hypophyseal Support
Preclinical | TSH and thyroid hormone modulation | Gene expression analysis
Research suggests Testagen stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to increase release of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and subsequently T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Notably, this effect was observed even without hypophyseal support, suggesting direct alteration of protein expression patterns in pituitary tissue.
Peptide Bioregulator Thyroid Correction Study (2005)
Humans | Magadan Region | Elderly with hypothyroidism | Thyramin bioregulator
Clinical study of peptide bioregulators for thyroid correction in elderly residents. Thyramin (related pituitary bioregulator) demonstrated tissue-specific effects on thyroid cells and restoration of disturbed thyroid tissue function in patients with age-related hypothyroidism.
View study →Khavinson Peptide Gene Expression Study
In vitro | Short peptides | DNA and histone interaction analysis
Research by Khavinson demonstrated that short peptides like Testagen can penetrate both cell and nuclear membranes to interact directly with DNA and histones. This epigenetic interaction may influence gene expression and protein synthesis pathways in target tissues.
Testosterone and Thyroid Hormone Correlation
Research review | Hypothyroidism and testosterone relationship
Research correlates hypothyroidism with diminished testosterone levels. Thyroid hormone normalization through replacement therapy restored free testosterone concentrations, suggesting Testagen's testosterone effects may be mediated through thyroid hormone modulation.