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Livagen

Also known as: Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala, KEDA, Liver Bioregulator

Livagen (KEDA) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) from the Khavinson bioregulator program targeting hepatic (liver) tissue. It is researched for liver function restoration, hepatoprotection, chromatin decondensation, and anti-aging effects on hepatocytes.

Last updated: February 1, 2025Reviewed by: PeptideHub Research Team

Livagen is a 408.41 Da research peptide. Livagen (KEDA) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) from the Khavinson bioregulator program targeting hepatic (liver) tissue. It is researched for liver function restoration, hepatoprotection, chromatin decondensation, and anti-aging effects on hepatocytes.

Also called: Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala, KEDA, Liver Bioregulator

408.41

Molecular Weight

Daltons

0

Strong Evidence

benefits

4

Studies Cited

peer-reviewed

5000-10000

Typical Dose

mcg

Overview

Livagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide consisting of Lysine-Glutamic acid-Aspartic acid-Alanine (KEDA), developed as a liver-specific bioregulator by Professor Khavinson's group. Among the Khavinson bioregulators, Livagen is notable for its demonstrated ability to induce chromatin decondensation in hepatocyte nuclei; physically 'opening' regions of DNA that become compacted and transcriptionally silent with aging. This chromatin remodeling is proposed to reactivate gene expression patterns associated with youthful liver function. Studies have shown Livagen induces heterochromatin decondensation in senescent human fibroblasts and hepatocytes, reactivating ribosomal gene clusters that are silenced during aging. It has also demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in models of toxic liver injury and age-related hepatic dysfunction. Livagen is used in combination with other Khavinson bioregulators for thorough anti-aging protocols.

Key Takeaways: Livagen

  • Research doses typically range from 5000 to 10000 mcg via subcutaneous injection
  • 0 benefits with strong evidence, 1 moderate, 3 preliminary
  • Half-life: Minutes (typical of short peptides)
  • 4 cited research studies in this guide

Mechanism of Action

Livagen's most characterized mechanism is chromatin decondensation in hepatocyte nuclei. As cells age, regions of euchromatin (transcriptionally active) convert to heterochromatin (silenced), reducing the expression of genes necessary for cellular function. Livagen has been shown to reverse this process, particularly at ribosomal DNA gene clusters (NOR regions) and other liver-specific gene loci. This decondensation is proposed to occur through direct peptide-histone interaction, modifying the electrostatic associations between histones and DNA. Research also shows Livagen upregulates hepatocyte-specific detoxification enzymes (cytochrome P450 family), albumin synthesis, and antioxidant enzyme expression in liver tissue. Hepatoprotective effects include reduction of lipid peroxidation, normalization of hepatic enzyme levels (ALT, AST), and support of hepatocyte regeneration following toxic injury.

Research Benefits

Livagen at a Glance

Primary mechanism:

Livagen's most characterized mechanism is chromatin decondensation in hepatocyte nuclei.

Top researched benefits:
Chromatin Decondensation (Gene Reactivation)HepatoprotectionLiver Function Restoration in AgingAnti-Aging Gene Expression

Chromatin Decondensation (Gene Reactivation)

Moderate Evidence

Demonstrated ability to reverse age-related heterochromatin formation in hepatocytes, reactivating silenced gene clusters including ribosomal DNA.

Hepatoprotection

Preliminary

Protects liver cells from toxic damage with normalization of hepatic enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation in animal models of liver injury.

Liver Function Restoration in Aging

Preliminary

Research shows improved hepatocyte function markers including albumin synthesis and detoxification enzyme expression in aged liver tissue.

Anti-Aging Gene Expression

Preliminary

Proposed restoration of youthful gene expression patterns in hepatocytes through physical chromatin remodeling.

Evidence Key:
Strong EvidenceMultiple human trials
Moderate EvidenceLimited human / strong preclinical
PreliminaryEarly research
AnecdotalCommunity reports

Research Dosing Protocols

Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

Research ProtocolDose RangeRoute
Standard research protocol500010000 mcgSubcutaneous injection
Oral capsule protocol500010000 mcgOral capsule

Frequency

Once daily during treatment courses

Timing

No specific timing requirements

Cycle Length

10-20 day courses, repeated 2-3 times per year

Research Notes

  • 1Notable for chromatin decondensation mechanism, unique among bioregulators.
  • 2Frequently combined with Epitalon and other organ-specific bioregulators.
  • 3Research primarily from Russian institutions.
  • 4No serious adverse effects reported.

Reconstitution Guide

Standard Reconstitution

Vial Size

10 mg

Bacteriostatic Water

2 mL

Concentration

50 mcg

per 0.1 mL (10 units)

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Gather Materials

Livagen vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.

2

Equilibrate Temperature

Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).

3

Sanitize

Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.

4

Draw Water

Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.

5

Add Water to Vial

Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.

6

Mix Gently

Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.

7

Store Properly

Refrigerate at Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution. Up to 30 days refrigerated.

Storage Temperature

Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution

Shelf Life

Up to 30 days refrigerated

Important Notes

  • Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.
  • Small, stable tetrapeptide.
  • Store lyophilized at room temperature or refrigerated.

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • !Injection site reactions (mild)
  • !No significant adverse effects reported
  • !Well tolerated in published research

Potential Interactions

  • Compatible with other Khavinson bioregulators.
  • Caution with hepatotoxic medications (Livagen is hepatoprotective but interaction data is limited).
  • No adverse interactions reported.

Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Research Studies

The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.

Livagen induces chromatin decondensation in senescent cells

Khavinson VKh, et al.2004Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
PMID: 15452592

Demonstrated KEDA peptide induces heterochromatin decondensation in aged human fibroblasts and hepatocytes, reactivating ribosomal gene clusters (NOR regions).

Tetrapeptides interact with histone H1 and modulate chromatin structure

Khavinson VKh, et al.2005Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine

Showed Livagen interacts with histone H1, modifying histone-DNA electrostatic associations to promote euchromatin formation and gene accessibility.

Hepatoprotective effects of liver-specific peptide bioregulators

Khavinson VKh, et al.2010Advances in Gerontology

Demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in animal models of toxic liver injury, with normalized ALT/AST levels and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis.

Short peptides regulate chromatin remodeling in aging

Khavinson VKh.2009Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine

thorough review of chromatin decondensation by short peptides, with Livagen as the primary example of age-related chromatin remodeling reversal.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Livagen (KEDA) is a liver-specific tetrapeptide bioregulator from the Khavinson program. It is notable for its demonstrated ability to decondense heterochromatin in aging liver cells, reactivating silenced genes.

Livagen is one of the best-characterized bioregulators for chromatin remodeling. Its ability to physically 'open' compacted DNA regions in aging cells and reactivate ribosomal gene clusters is a distinctive mechanism with published evidence.

Livagen is researched as a hepatoprotective and liver-restorative peptide, not as a treatment for liver disease. Patients with liver conditions should maintain standard medical care.

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Research & Educational Use Only

All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.