Ovagen

Ovagen is a synthetic tripeptide targeting hepatocytes and GI epithelium to restore gene expression, reduce fibrosis, and enhance antioxidant defense. Used for liver fibrosis, GI mucosal injury, and support during hepatotoxic exposures.

- Manage chronic liver conditions or toxin-induced damage

- Protect/regenerate GI tissues

- Enhance detoxification and reduce oxidative stress

Mechanism of Action

How this peptide works in the body

Chromatin Remodeling and Gene Activation

Ovagen interacts with chromatin in hepatocytes and GI epithelial cells to shift transcriptionally repressed regions (heterochromatin) into open, euchromatin states. It increases H3K9ac and H3K27ac marks and reduces repressive methylation such as H3K9me3. This allows expression of genes involved in regeneration, detoxification (e.g., cytochrome P450 enzymes), and epithelial barrier integrity.

Epigenetic Modulation

It upregulates histone acetyltransferase activity (notably p300/CBP) and reduces HDAC1/2 expression, fostering active transcription states. Ovagen may demethylate promoter regions through upregulation of TET enzymes, particularly in genes coding for liver-phase detox enzymes and tight junction proteins (e.g., CLDN1, OCLN).

Anti-Fibrotic Activity

Ovagen suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation by interfering with TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling. It decreases expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I, key drivers of fibrotic matrix deposition. Downregulation of TIMP-1 and upregulation of MMP-9 support ECM remodeling and fibrosis reversal.

Antioxidant and Detoxification Support

The peptide enhances NRF2 nuclear translocation by inhibiting KEAP1, leading to increased transcription of antioxidant enzymes like SOD1, GPX, and GSTs. It also increases phase I (e.g., CYP1A2, CYP3A4) and phase II detoxification enzymes (e.g., UGT1A1, NQO1), facilitating neutralization and excretion of xenobiotics.

Gastrointestinal Mucosal Protection

Ovagen supports GI epithelial integrity by upregulating mucin genes (e.g., MUC2) and tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, claudins). It enhances goblet cell function and regeneration of enterocytes, improving barrier function and reducing intestinal permeability associated with inflammation or drug exposure.

Antiviral Properties

Preliminary studies suggest Ovagen may inhibit viral replication by blocking protease-dependent cleavage of viral polyproteins. It may reduce intracellular viral load in hepatocytes by modulating expression of host restriction factors such as APOBEC3G and tetherin, with potential applications in hepatitis and retroviral infections.