Learn How These Molecules Implicate the Following Areas of Biology

Liver

Decline of liver health occurs naturally with age and is accelerated by modern diets and lifestyle.

The Propion Molecules™ interact with a receptor in the liver called PXR. Weak activation of PXR in a chronic fashion triggers recycling and proliferation of new hepatocytes (liver cells). Humans are evolutionarily adapted to regulate the PXR receptor with high levels of the Propion Molecules™, but this self-regulatory mechanism gets easily disrupted through age and diet, leading to lower regenerative activity in the liver. Read more.

GI Inflammation

Propion 1™ interacts with the aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor. AhR is found in the epithelial cells that make up the lining of your gut wall. It is also expressed in gut immune cells. Propion 1™’s interaction with AhR regulates the differentiation and function of these immune cells, such as T cells and innate lymphoid cells, promoting anti-inflammatory, regenerative cytokine production while suppressing excessive pro-inflammatory signaling that could lead to tissue damage. Read more

Leaky Gut

Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions between gut epithelial cells become disrupted, allowing bacteria, toxins, and partially digested food to pass into the bloodstream. This condition can be triggered by factors such as chronic inflammation, poor diet (e.g., high sugar or processed foods), alcohol consumption, stress, infections, and certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, is also a significant contributor, as it reduces the production of beneficial metabolites critical for gut health, such as Propion 1™.

Propion 1™ acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut epithelium. It also enhances the expression of tight junction proteins, such as occludin and claudins, which are critical for maintaining a robust intestinal barrier. By strengthening these tight junctions, Propion 1™ reduces intestinal permeability and prevents harmful substances from translocating into the bloodstream, thereby mitigating systemic inflammation and associated complications. Additionally, IPA’s ability to modulate gut microbiota composition and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria further supports its role in preventing and potentially supporting a tight gut. Read more

Lifespan

Getting older is beautiful, but aging is counterproductive to quality of life.

In a study using rotifers, a microscopic organism used to study aging, maximum lifespan of Propion 2™-treated rotifers reached 300% that of the untreated control group. Read more

Neurological Health

The Propion Molecules™ protect neurons’ mitochondria against the kinds of neurotoxins that humans are constantly exposed to. Think of the mitochondria like a car engine. In the process of creating energy, a car engine creates toxic byproducts that clog the engine and erode itsfunction over time. Similarly, as the mitochondria creates ATP, toxic chemicals form that erode mitochondrial health. The Propion Molecules™ scavenge the building blocks of these toxic chemicals so they do not form in the first place to destabilize the mitochondria, extending the functional lifespan of neurons. Many other molecules act similarly, but none that we know of to the same degree of efficacy. In this study, neurons were exposed to toxins after being treated with Propion 1™ and Vitamin C. Neurons unexposed to toxins were used as a control group. Even in the face of toxic chemicals, Propion 1™-treated neurons released 4% as many chemical indicators of mitochondrial stress compared to the unexposed control group, while the Vitamin C-treated neurons released 225% as many. Read more

Skin Health

The Propion 1™ molecule interacts with AhR receptor, which is highly expressed in the skin as well as the gut. AhR activation influences the differentiation of keratinocytes and the production of skin barrier proteins like filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin. These proteins are essential for maintaining the skin's physical and chemical barrier, which protects against water loss and external irritants. AhR also regulates immune responses in the skin by controlling the expression of cytokines and antimicrobial peptides, i.e. it promotes the response to pro-inflammatory factors and the resolution of inflammation.

Additionally, the Propion Molecules™ are highly protective against radiation-induced oxidative stress. Though this has not been demonstrated in skin cells specifically, skin is exposed to the same kind of radiation as the organs in these studies. Read more

Mitochondrial Function

Heart Health

Propion 1™ enhances reverse cholesterol transport, a process where excess cholesterol is transferred from peripheral tissues to high-density lipoproteins (HDL) for delivery to the liver and excretion. This reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which strains the heart. Additionally, Propion 1™ reduces systemic inflammation (with significant implications for heart health) by stabilizing gut barrier integrity, thereby lowering the translocation of inflammatory molecules into circulation. It also directly modulates immune cell activity, promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine production while suppressing pro-inflammatory responses. This systemic anti-inflammatory effect alleviates stress on the cardiovascular system and reduces the progression of inflammatory-driven vascular damage.

Furthermore, both Propion Molecules™ are potent antioxidants that neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage vascular endothelium and promote plaque formation. Propion 2™, in particular, penetrates deeply into mitochondria, stabilizing the electron transport chain (ETC) and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. By preserving mitochondrial function in endothelial and cardiac cells, the Propion Molecules™ enhance energy production and protect against oxidative damage, supporting overall heart health. Read more

Immune System

Propion 1™ exerts profound effects on the immune system, both by directly interacting with immune cells and by influencing systemic processes that modulate immune function. One of its primary mechanisms involves activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a nuclear receptor expressed by gut-associated immune cells such as T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Through AhR signaling, Propion 1™ promotes the differentiation of regulatory T cells and stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-22, which not only supports gut barrier integrity through its regenerative effects on epithelial tissues. By reinforcing tight junction proteins, such as claudins and occludins, Propion 1™ mitigates the diffusion of microbial toxins and antigens from the gut into the bloodstream, reducing the burden on immune cells, which are limited in the amount of work they can do before they begin to dysfunction. Propion 1™ also contributes to a balanced immune system by modulating the gut microbiota, fostering the growth of beneficial bacterial species that produce other metabolites which support immune homeostasis. Read more

Reproductive Health

Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of diminished ovarian reserve and ovarian dysfunction. In the ovaries, excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation damages granulosa cells, which are crucial for nurturing developing oocytes and producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This damage leads to increased apoptosis (cell death) and impaired follicular function, accelerating follicular atresia and reducing the pool of viable oocytes. Moreover, oxidative stress adversely affects the microenvironment of the ovary by promoting lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes. These effects compromise oocyte quality, leading to poor fertilization rates and increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. Chronic oxidative stress also triggers inflammatory pathways and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, further exacerbating tissue damage and hormonal imbalances.

By neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species, Propion 1™ protects the cells in the ovary, including those that support the development and maturation of eggs. It also helps maintain a healthy balance of cell signaling pathways that promote cell survival and reduce inflammation. Propion 1™ has been shown to improve the health of ovarian cells and preserve their function by reducing damage to their DNA, lipids, and proteins. These protective effects contribute to maintaining the reserve of healthy eggs and supporting hormonal balance. Read more

Weight

The Propion Molecules™ regulate weight through multiple mechanisms associated with glucose processing, fat processing, and inflammation. They likely also trigger increased GLP-1 release by L-cells, which is associated with hunger and satiety. Propion 1™ strengthens gut barrier integrity by promoting the expression of tight junction proteins, reducing systemic inflammation caused by endotoxins leaking into the bloodstream. It also fosters the growth of beneficial gut bacteria which are linked to improved metabolism and better regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. Furthermore, low-grade, chronic inflammation is closely associated with weigh and metabolic dysfunction. The Propion Molecules™ reduce inflammatory signaling in the gut and systemically, alleviating inflammation that can contribute to impaired insulin signaling and impaired fat metabolism. Read more

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