Cartalax (AED: Ala-Glu-Asp)

1. Basic Overview

• Alias: AED Peptide
• Amino Acid Sequence: H-Ala-Glu-Asp-OH
• Molecular Weight: 303.27 Da
• Form: Lyophilized white/off-white crystalline powder
• Origin: Developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson, St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It belongs to the tissue-specific short peptide bioregulator series, targeted primarily to chondrocytes and connective tissue.
• Core Feature: Ultrashort tripeptide bioregulator that penetrates chondrocyte nuclei to modulate gene expression. Investigated to balance cartilage anabolism/catabolism, boost extracellular matrix synthesis and slow degenerative joint changes.

2. Mechanism of Action

1. Nuclear Gene Modulation in Chondrocytes

   Cartalax easily crosses cell and nuclear membranes, interacting with promoter regions of cartilage-related genes. It upregulates transcription factors (SOX9), collagen type II and aggrecan synthesis, the primary structural components of articular cartilage.

2. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Catabolic Effects

   Suppresses pro-inflammatory mediators IL‑1β, TNF‑α, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down cartilage matrix. Reduces chronic low-grade inflammation within joint tissue.

3. Anti-Senescence & Anti-Apoptosis

   Downregulates p53, p16 and caspase pathways; inhibits chondrocyte senescence and oxidative stress-induced cell death. Improves survival of aging cartilage cells.

4. Connective Tissue Homeostasis

   Regulates fibroblast activity in tendons, ligaments and intervertebral disc tissue. Restores equilibrium between tissue formation and degradation.

Distinction: Unlike healing peptides such as BPC‑157 that act via systemic growth signaling, Cartalax works as a tissue-specific epigenetic bioregulator targeting chondrocyte gene expression.

3. Main Research Applications

• Preclinical osteoarthritis, articular cartilage degeneration models
• Age-related joint deterioration and chondrocyte senescence research
• Tendon, ligament and intervertebral disc connective tissue studies
• In vitro chondrocyte culture & extracellular matrix metabolism experiments
• Combined bioregulator research alongside Cardiogen, Livagen, Thymalin

4. Reconstitution Protocol

1. Warm lyophilized vial to room temperature; disinfect rubber stoppers with alcohol and fully air-dry.
2. Slowly inject solvent along the inner vial wall. Avoid direct impact onto powder to prevent peptide denaturation and foaming.
3. Gently swirl to dissolve powder. DO NOT SHAKE OR VORTEX.
4. Qualified solution: clear, colorless liquid. Discard if turbidity, particles or discoloration occurs.

Storage Guidelines

• Unreconstituted lyophilized powder: −20°C, light-proof sealed container; stable for up to 24 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Reconstituted solution: Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 14 days maximum. Do not freeze.

5. Preclinical Research Administration Protocol

Animal Research Dose Reference

• Low exploratory dose: 0.05–0.2 mg/kg daily
• Standard experimental dose: 0.2–0.8 mg/kg daily
• Typical research cycle: 10–30 consecutive days
• Washout interval: Minimum 4 weeks between treatment cycles

Timing: Morning administration is widely adopted in published rodent protocols.

6. Precautions

1. Strictly laboratory experimental material only. Not for human medical use.
2. Long-term gene-modulating effects are not fully characterized; exercise caution in tumor-bearing animal models.
3. Limited safety data for pregnancy, lactation and juvenile animal subjects.
4. Mild injection site redness and irritation may occur after repeated subcutaneous dosing. Rotate injection sites.
5. Strict aseptic technique required for all reconstitution and injection operations.
6. Most research data comes from Russian-language publications; independent Western large-animal validation remains limited. Interpret experimental outcomes prudently.

Short Version (For Product Listing / Customer Message)

Cartalax (AED)

Reconstitution Tips