Just now reading this I notice
microRNA is discussed in the last paragraph....he he


Current Study on the Role of miRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important components of the gene regulatory networks in neurodegenerative diseases. There is huge effort to find correlation between expression patterns of miRNAs and disease. MiRNAs are single-stranded non-coding RNA polynucleutides that control gene expression. They participate in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and gene cluster silencing (Bartel, 2004; Jansson, Lund, (2012). Majority of miRNA genes happen to reside in fragile areas of the human body including in the brain. They can act as tumor suppressors; however, their loss of function could transform a normal cell into a malignant cell. The loss of function could be credited to factors such as deletion, mutation, silencing or alteration of miRNA processes (Rothschild, 2014).

A study by Jansson and Lund (2012) points to miRNAs having key roles in stem cells and stem cell differentiation and in induced pluripotency. Jansson and Lund (2012) specifically mentioned miRNA 302 having shown to produce iPSC in both human and mouse fibroblasts (Anokye-Danso et al in Jansson & Lund, 2012); in addition, researchers emphasize that miRNAs could exert their full effects by via multiple targets (Jansson & Lund, 2012). Rothschild (2014) showed that miRNAs were able to regulate the expression and function of another protein-coding RNA (Rothschild, 2014).

Studies show that the asymptomatic early phase in PD is associated with specific changes in miRNA expression patterns. Xicepta’s Embryonic Peptide is rich in microRNAs and growth factors which explains why Agitan X containing EP work effectively in alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Xicepta’s goal is to perform further work on validating Agitan X using a larger population.

Agitan X is intended to be taken orally. Its proteins (growth factors, etc) and microRNAs will be broken down into their constituents (amino acids and nucleotides respectively) by digestive enzymes in the gut.

This is similar to trying to treat somebody with Type I diabetes with oral insulin - the insulin will be broken down into its constituent amino acids by gut enzymes. That is why oral insulin is not used to treat people with Type I diabetes.

It seems unlikely that they would be supplying the product for free during the study if there was nothing in it but protein powder. BTW, each daily dose has 1 g of mucuna providing about 40 mg of levodopa. I'm not sure what the reason for including so little is, either.

I agree with you Gerry that they likely have more than protein. I was just exaggerating to make a point. As opposed to a controlled production pharmaceutical drug, there is very little oversight as to supplements, as we all know. So, they can tell you whatever they want, but you don't really know what the ingredients, or the amounts, are. For instance, lets say there is really 2 or 3 grams of MP in there. That would be enough to give a levodopa effect to many people and help with their symptoms. In fact, the only logical reason they are putting MP into the formula is to juice the potential effects. As I previously said, a little levodopa and a little bit of placebo can go a long way to alleviate symptoms.

You're right, to each their own, so I won't think about debating with you whether the supplements you, or I, or anyone else takes actually work.

However, I have to respectfully disagree with your comments about placebo effect not being able to affect PD symptoms. You are just factually wrong about that. The placebo effect has been shown time and time again to impact all PD symptoms, including tremor. In fact, there are very few clinical trials on PD drugs, both approved and not approved, that haven't shown some placebo effect. It's one of the reasons it is so difficult to conduct PD research. A research review of 11 separate PD clinical trials including 850 volunteers showed that 16% of the placebo group patients had greater than 50% improvement in their symptoms. In addition, in many cases the placebo effect lasted as long as 18 months, so it doesn't have to be just an initial effect.

Research has also shown that the placebo effect is not just a figment of the volunteer's imagination. There are measured biochemical changes occurring in the brain. Scientists think the placebo effect may be so prominent in Parkinson’s clinical trials because of it's impact on dopamine. When a person is motivated to participate in a trial and anticipates a possible reward — for example, the easing of symptoms — these all boost dopamine activation in the brain. So, it is very possible that the placebo effect is causing real chemical changes that lead to real, although temporary, symptomatic relief. Once again, this would also include tremor. Logically, just feeling good and relaxed as a result of believing you are getting better can reduced tremor. We all know it typically is worse with stress.

Just wanted to point this out because it is one of the main reasons that we use clinical trials to prove efficacy and not anecdotal reports.

In any case, I still hope you're feeling well with whatever you take. In the end, you do whatever you can to see what helps.

Gary

Have anyone of you found out the dosage to take? I recvd my 15 day supply and couldn't nearly read the instruction because of the text being so tiny. Does anyone that is trying this supplement know the instructions on how to take correct dosage? And if we should take with food or not, what part of the day morn or before bed time. Please someone advise. Thanks so much.........😃

Hi Drevy

There should be a scoop inside. Just use one scoopful daily about the same time each day with or without food.

Gerry

[QUOTE=GerryW;1140579]The CEO of Xicepta, Dr. Soledad Manaay, answered as follows when I asked if it was ok to recruit more people for the study.)

What actually is the study Gerry?

From curiosity and Like others I have looked for further info:
I see Dr Gheorghe Mihaescu, also developed a product used for body building called Humanofort, I found posts from 2001 about it and another product used for pet care.
This is a description of the pet care product:
The natural growth factors in DOGtor Rx’s Formula are comprised of clusters of low molecular weight oligopeptides, which are quickly and easily assimilated and transported through the bloodstream to their specific receptor sites. Each of these growth factors has unique, bio-stimulating properties…
The active ingredient in DogtorRx is fertilized chicken egg extract, which contain heterologous oligopeptides that are able to cross the gastrointestinal mucosa. These peptides have a demonstrated adaptogenic effect and act at TWO levels:
Normalize the adrenal cortex activity (androgens, glucocorticoids, mineral-corticoids).
Cellular/tissue level (exert cyto-stimulating, cyto-protective and anti-oxidative properties).



The director of the company Dr Soledad M. Manaay, is not medical but holds a PhD in International Psychology with focus in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Dr. Manaay has extensive background in business development, management, public relations, and in strategic sales and marketing. She arrived in the US via the diplomatic service serving as a media attache. After she resigned from the foreign service she went on to become a successful entrepreneur having owned and managed a high-end boutique in Hawaii and co-publisher of a community newspaper that is now the longest-running paper of its kind in Hawaii. She also served as a real estate principal broker from 2001 to 2009 while working as PR Consultant.
See more at
https://www.crunchbase.com/person/soledad-manaay

[QUOTE=dilmar;1142088]Hi Dilmar,

As far as can tell, it's kind of a "take this and let me know if it helps" kind of thing. In other words, an open label kind of study. I suspect that the company obtained the rights to the embryonic peptide product and found that it seemed to help some people with PD. Now they want to try it on a larger number of people to see if a formal study is warranted. That's just a guess. You can call Soledad or the physician, Dr. Hayden, as they are both quite accessible.

Speaking of peptides, I tried the Russian product, Cerluten, the bioregulator peptide, and didn't notice any difference. I seem to be immune to the placebo effect given the number of things I have tried without effect. I remain optimistic, though.

Gerry,
Could you tell how much the scoop is supposed to be. 1 or2 tablespoon?
Thank

Drevy