Youthful aging using frozen liquid cellular extracts

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  Nov, 2004  by Phoebe Chow

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Editor:

Aging is a continuous process resulting from physiological and structural deterioration within the body. Whether it is precipitated by failing immune and endocrine systems or whether it is the result of the aggression of free radicals or overactive proteases, the aging process creates damages that can be attenuated with proper measures. Stress management and a positive attitude as well as a balanced diet and exercise can contribute to graceful aging. Certainly when supplementation with powerful bioactive peptide extracts is added on top of a healthy lifestyle profile, reversal of the biological time clock can be achieved.

Atrium Biotechnologies, a Quebec company, has innovated in the manufacturing of bioactive protein extracts formulated for anti-aging applications. The extracts are obtained by breaking down cells of various animal tissues to liberate active molecules. These active factors are then selectively filtrated to obtain a liquid extract that contains a natural source of cellular growth factors rich in neurotransmitters signaling molecules, peptide mediators or cytokines, depending on the original substrate. The role of these peptide mediators is to help the body achieve balanced health or homeostasis and to perform repair and rejuvenation functions. (1)

The bioactive peptides come in single dose vials either frozen or non-frozen. Frozen extracts are the most concentrated and their effects are stronger. The frozen vial is held in the hand until thawed and then the liquid is taken by mouth, held for a minute and swallowed. This method increases absorption of the peptides into the blood vessels. The rest of the liquid is quickly absorbed through the stomach lining into the bloodstream. It is best to take these preparations on an empty stomach for maximal absorption.

Bioactive peptides are formulated in single or combination preparations of different tissues: thymus, adrenal, shark cartilage, central nervous system (CNS), mesenchyme, liver, pancreas and spleen. The sources of these products are the glands and tissues of healthy animals such as pigs and sharks. The product that I have prescribed the most in my clinic is called NatCell[R] CytoFactors. This proprietary mixture contains mesenchyme, adrenal, thymus and also shark cartilage fractions.

Mesenchymal extract is obtained by breaking down mesenchymal stem cells from mammal extra-embryonic connective tissue to liberate active molecules. Dr. Niehans, a reputed Swiss endocrinologist, already used it in the 1930's to rejuvenate aging cells. (2) Mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to become any kind of cell to help restore damaged or aging tissues. (3) They provide regenerating factors and can boost the energy production of cells. Mesenchymal extract is also a rich source of growth factors and is expected to help in reducing pain.

Stress and debilitating fatigue are probably the most common complaints in modern living. Those are often symptoms of low or altered adrenal function. Extracts made from adrenals provide natural signaling factors that promote improved adrenal function, and help maintain proper corticosteroid balance. (4) Adrenal depletion results in the reduction of physical and emotional resistance as well as in general exhaustion and weakness. Supplementation with adrenal extract may stimulate such a sluggish gland by providing the little hormonal kick needed to shift back in the right gear.

The thymus gland is the master gland of the immune system. The thymus gland shrinks in size with age but its importance remains the same. By age 30, the thymus has decreased in weight by two-thirds and its lymphocytes content by 90%. By age 60, functional thymic tissue has almost completely disappeared. The gradual loss of thymic hormones leads to an increased susceptibility to infections, cancer and autoimmune diseases as we age. (5) Any medicine that restores the integrity and enhances the efficiency of the thymus gland increases the resistance to disease and prolongs life span. Thymic extract may help support an optimal immune balance. Tests have shown that thymic extracts have four times the immune-stimulating effect of standardized Echinacea. (6)

Collagen is like fillers to support the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) in cartilage, tendons, skin and other connective tissues. ECM can be destroyed by a special class of enzyme called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs behave like cutters. They cleave the fibrous networking of ECM. Aging, longterm sunlight exposure and wear and tear of joints are all associated with increased MMP activity. This results in loss of skin elasticity, wrinkling, sagging, atrophy as well as arthritis and joint immobility. MMPs are also overactive in various inflammatory and degenerative diseases e.g. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, macular degeneration, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, psoriasis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, atherosclerosis, arterial restenosis after angioplasty and aneurysm development. (7)