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CJC-1295 DAC
If you’re a peptide researcher (or plan on becoming one), you should know the difference between CJC-1295 and CJC-1295 DAC. CJC-1295 DAC features an additional component at the end of the peptide chain, also known as a drug affinity complex or DAC.
This small fragment changes the peptide’s functionality and extends its half-life to six to eight days. It might have a prolonged effect of up to two weeks.
Below, we will showcase the main similarities and differences between these two peptides, including their properties, characteristics, and mechanism of action.
What is CJC-1295 DAC peptide?
This peptide resembles the regular CJC-1925 since it is a modified form of natural GHGR (1-29). However, this one differs from CJC-1925. It has an additional molecule known as a “drug affinity complex.”
DAC features a couple of oxygen and nitrogen atoms connected by chemical bonds. According to some findings, this small number of atoms could significantly impact peptide breakdown rate and its use in the body.
What is CJC-1295 Peptide?
This peptide is also known as “modified growth hormone releasing factor (1-29)”, “ModGRF 1-29”, or “Modified GRF (1-29).” You may also encounter the name “CJC-1295, without DAC.”
All these names imply a specific peptide molecule containing a short amino acid chain. As many studies have indicated, this peptide may boost growth hormones in the bloodstream.
Growth hormone may have a significant role in several vital internal activities. It could facilitate cellular reproduction, repair, and growth, help with tissue repair, improve muscle cell development, support skin cells, and other functions.
While the body naturally produces growth hormone, this production tends to naturally decrease. According to some research done in laboratory settings, CJC-1295 may encourage the natural production of growth hormone, increasing its levels, which could lead to quicker repair, fat cell burn, and muscle cell growth.
Differences between CJC-1295 DAC and CJC-1295
As research studies have outlined, here are some fundamental differences between these two peptides.
Half-life
The main distinction lies in their half-lives. CJC-1295 is thought to mimic the body’s natural peptide. The endogenous GHRH has a short half-life of just a couple of minutes. Similarly, CJC-1295 has a brief half-life of around half an hour.
Regarding the second peptide, the additional DAC could significantly alter the organism’s peptide use. Researchers believe that DAC offers a peptide, a lysine linker, which could protect and prevent it from degrading.
Moreover, the DAC component could extend the half-life of this peptide to about six to eight days.
Properties of CJC-1295 DAC peptide
It is believed that CJC-1295 DAC boosts growth hormone levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, several studies suggest the following:
- Scientists and researchers need to focus their attention to studying the potential of growth hormones on growth and muscle recovery.
- Growth hormone may help convert fatty tissue into energy.
- Growth hormones are linked with collagen production in the skin, which means this peptide may also help with skin regeneration and skin cell development.
- CJC-1295 DAC may positively impact sleep patterns.
- Growth hormone is essential for tissue regeneration and helps the organism recover from damage.
References:
Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Mar;91(3):799-805. doi: 10.1210/jc.2005-1536. Epub 2005 Dec 13. PMID: 16352683.
Sam L. Teichman, Ann Neale, Betty Lawrence, Catherine Gagnon, Jean-Paul Castaigne, Lawrence A. Frohman, Prolonged Stimulation of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Secretion by CJC-1295, a Long-Acting Analog of GH-Releasing Hormone, in Healthy Adults, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 91, Issue 3, 1 March 2006, Pages 799–805,
$110.00
| Quantity | 10mg |
|---|---|
| Unit | 1 vial |
| Form/Appearance | Lyophilized/Powder |
| Peptide Purity | 99% |
| Sequence | Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg |
| Molecular Mass | 3647.95 g/mol |
| Solubility | Sterile / Bacteriostatic water |
FAQs
Related Products
Semax is an interesting nootropic that can capture the attention of researchers, health professionals, and enthusiasts alike. It was originally developed in Russia back in the 1980s and 1990s. Nowadays, Semax is believed to enhance a range of cognitive and neuroprotective properties.
Many know this peptide by its trade name, such as Semaxum, and it has been extensively researched by institutions such as the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Science.
What is Semax?
Semax is a peptide best known for its neurogenic, neuroprotective, and nootropic properties. It was developed based on the molecular structure of ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone. Preliminary studies in small-scale human trials, animals, and cells indicate potential benefits of Semax use.
In the U.S. and multiple countries around the world, this component is the basis for a number of medicines that are used in clinical practices for the treatment of optic nerve atrophy, dys-circulatory encephalopathy, and ischemic brain stroke.
Potential benefits
Some of the benefits Semax may include:
- Increased short-term memory and attention
- Better non-proliferative diabetic neuropathy
- Can assist during recovery from hypoxia/stroke
- Can help with glaucoma optic neuropathy
- May act as an analgesic
- It may help in treating ADHD
- It may help protect the brain from various types of damage and stress
How Does Semax Work?
Semax increases BDNF or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. BDNF is one of the most active neurotrophins, which help control and stimulate neurogenesis, creating new neurons in the brain. This component helps support neuroplasticity, allowing nerve cells in the brain to adapt to new situations and recover from injury.
Additionally, BDNF encourages the survival of existing neurons and supports the growth, creation, and regeneration of new synapses and neurons.
This nootropic also helps minimize the breakdown of enkephalins. Enkephalins are mostly involved in reducing inflammation, decreasing pain, boosting immune cell activity, and preventing cancer cell growth.
They also play a role in pain, emotional behavior, learning, and memory. Balanced enkephalins are necessary to maintain normal brain function. Therefore, researchers are led to believe that Semax may potentially relieve pain. However, more research is needed to confirm the preliminary findings.
References:
Medvedeva EV, Dmitrieva VG, Povarova OV, Limborska SA, Skvortsova VI, Myasoedov NF, Dergunova LV. The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis. BMC Genomics. 2014 Mar 24;15:228. doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-228. PMID: 24661604; PMCID: PMC3987924.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987706005391
Gusev, E. & Martinov, Michail & Kostenko, E. & Petrova, Lyudmila & Bobyreva, S.. (2018). The efficacy of semax in the tretament of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke. Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii im. S.S. Korsakova. 118. 61. 10.17116/jnevro20181183261-68.
Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, helps us bond with our loved ones and is often released through touch, exercise, and music.
What is Oxytocin?
This natural hormone manages crucial aspects of male and female reproductive systems, including lactation, labor, delivery, and certain aspects of human behavior. The hypothalamus produces oxytocin, but the posterior pituitary gland releases and stores this hormone into the bloodstream.
Hormones are chemicals that manage various functions in the human body by carrying messages through blood to tissues, muscles, and organs. These signals instruct your body what to do and when to do it.
The hypothalamus is part of the brain that controls functions such as heart rate, digestion, body temperature, and blood pressure. On the other hand, the pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized endocrine gland placed at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus.
Synthetic Forms of Oxytocin
A synthetic form of oxytocin is used in hospital settings, particularly when doctors need to induce labor in childbirth if it hasn’t begun naturally or to help with contractions. Healthcare providers may also use this hormone to speed up the delivery of the placenta, which is the third stage of labor, and minimize the risk of heavy bleeding.
Function of Oxytocin
As previously mentioned, the two main functions of oxytocin are to encourage uterine contractions in childbirth and labor and to boost contractions of breast tissue to help with lactation after childbirth.
However, apart from these, oxytocin has other important roles, such as:
- Placenta-infant bonding
- Romantic attachment
- Trust
- Recognition
- Sexual arousal
The effects of oxytocin on the human brain are complex, and scientists are currently researching the role of oxytocin in various conditions.
- PTSD
- Depression
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Anxiety
- Anorexia
- Addiction
Florea T, Palimariciuc M, Cristofor AC, Dobrin I, Chiriță R, Bîrsan M, Dobrin RP, Pădurariu M. Oxytocin: Narrative Expert Review of Current Perspectives on the Relationship with Other Neurotransmitters and the Impact on the Main Psychiatric Disorders. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Jul 11;58(7):923. doi: 10.3390/medicina58070923. PMID: 35888641; PMCID: PMC9318841.
Kendrick KM, Guastella AJ, Becker B. Overview of Human Oxytocin Research. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2018;35:321-348. doi: 10.1007/7854_2017_19. PMID: 28864976.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453013002369
Tesamorelin is a 44 amino acid long, synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue. It was primarily developed and used to treat visceral fat buildup in HIV positive patients suffering from lipodystrophy (a condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution).
Tesamorelin peptide activates GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, resulting in growth hormone synthesis and release. This GH release further stimulates the production of Ilike growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is naturally low in obese and diabetic patients.
The good thing about tesamorelin is that it was approved in the US back in 2010 for the treatment of abdominal fat in HIV positive patients as a part of the antiviral therapy-related lipodystrophy. It has also been evaluated as a potential therapy of insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver and, of course, obesity. These clinical studies are still ongoing and we’ll need more information to confirm its effectiveness.
The usual tesamorelin dosage for patients is 2mg given in the form of a subcutaneous injection, once a week. As for the side effects, patients did not report that many, but from the ones we have documented, most common are:
- Application site irritation
- Itching
- Peripheral edema
- Mild nausea
- Redness
More importantly, tirzepatide therapy was not associated with hepatotoxicity and is very unlikely to cause any clinically apparent liver injuries.
Reference:
Metastin or Kisspeptin is believed to have the ability to prevent the spread of cancer or metastasis. This peptide is produced by the hypothalamus, which stimulates the release of GnRH or gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which then causes follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to be released from the purity gland.
Kisspeptin is used in testosterone replacement therapy instead of hCG to increase testosterone levels. That’s why it has emerged as a crucial regulator of the mammalian reproductive axis.
This peptide was first discovered in 1996 when it managed to inhibit melanoma cell lines. It belongs to a family of peptides that are derived from the KISS1/kiss1 gene structure, forming from prepro-kisspeptin, which has differential proteolysis for a common precursor.
Kisspeptin is classified as an RF or neuroactive peptide with a specific Arg-Phe-NH2 motif.
Benefits:
Kisspeptin binds to receptors in the pituitary gland, triggering a response that prompts the gland to release neurotransmitters, signaling the release of LH and FSH.
Based on numerous animal studies, scientists have managed to uncover the following benefits:
- Boosts the production of testosterone naturally
- Regulates fertility
- Increases sexual drive
- Improves immune response
- Boosts brain function
- Promotes weight loss
How does Kisspeptin work?
This peptide stimulates the release of GnRH or gonadotropin-releasing hormone. It enters the purity gland through receptor sites, causing a gland to release neurotransmitters, which later signal the releases of FH and LH. These hormones play a crucial role in the production of oestradiol and testosterone.
Kisspeptin mimics the action of hCG and clomiphene, and according to some animal studies, it can affect fertility in female and male animals.
Distribution of Kisspeptin
Kisspeptin was first found in the placenta, and later, it has been observed in the small intestine, pancreas, ovaries, and testis in mammals. The primary expression of Kisspeptin and its receptors have been shown in two big neuronal populations within the hypothalamus of rodents, the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and the arcuate nucleus.
Cagrisema 10mg is one of the latest PeptideShop’s peptide blends, which combines cagrilintide and semaglutide. Each vial contains a combination of lyophilized cagrilintide and semaglutide, 5mg each, tested for purity and strength, and suitable for lab experiments and chemical trials.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 is one of the main gut peptide hormones in humans, which plays a role in many different mechanisms within the body from insulin secretion, glucagon release, gastric emptying, appetite and energy intake.
And cagrilintdide is an amylin analogue co-secreted with insulin, which plays a role in glycemic control and gastric emptying.
Researchers hypothesize that this combination profoundly influences receptor changes in the brain, insulin secretion, appetite regulation and glucagon secretion.
Though this combination has not yet been fully tested, we have data from a study on the effects of Cagrisema on patients with type 2 diabetes.This was a 32-week, double-blind study across 17 sites in the USA, conducted on 92 individuals in total.
Final results showed that cagrisema resulted in clinically relevant improvements in glycaemic control (significant change in HbA1c) and, more importantly, a greater weight loss versus semaglutide as well as cagrilintide.
References:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01163-7/abstract
Obesity’s become a global pandemic, currently affecting one third of the entire population, and this is why we can look at it as a chronic disease that requires appropriate treatment.
When talking about obesity, amylin hormone is of great importance as it gets secreted along with insulin and acts as food intake inhibitor, delaying gastric emptying and suppresses post-prandial glucagon responses to meals.
For this reason, there is a tendency to include amylin management in newly developed medication.
And one such compound is cagrilintide – lipidated long-acting amylin analogue.
Though it still hadn’t been thoroughly tested on humans, numerous rat studies showed incredible potential. One such in vitro study involving rats set out to compare cagrilintide’s effectiveness against pramlintide (an FDA-approved diabetes 1/2 medication).
The study showed that pramlintide reduced food intake by 25% in the period of 0-24 hours (it did not cause reduced food intake after 24 hours). But the dosage was substantial – 1000 nmol/kg.
On the other hand, cagrilintide was able to reduce food intake by approximately 50% with a minimal dosage of only 3 nmol/kg. More importantly, this food intake reduction spanned across 60 hours from the moment it was injected.
These results clearly show the potency of cagrilintide in weight loss and diabetes management medication, especially because it acts over such a long time period (allowing subcutaneous injections to be applied once a week).
Reference:
Dehestani B, Stratford NR, le Roux CW. Amylin as a Future Obesity Treatment. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2021 Dec 30;30(4):320-325. doi: 10.7570/jomes21071. PMID: 34929674; PMCID: PMC8735818.
Also called Bremelanotide, PT-141 is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist that promotes dopamine release. Since it has such a high affinity for MC4R (Melanocortin 4 Receptor), in the presynaptic neurons of the hypothalamus, it has been approved as a treatment for HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) in premenopausal women. Under the brand name Vyleesi, Bremelanotide is the first and only FDA-approved way of HSDD treatment.
Sexual Dysfunctions
As we already said, PT-141 is an effective treatment for HSDD in premenopausal women but it’s important to note it should not be used as a treatment in women who already went through menopause or as a way of boosting sexual performance in men. These have not yet been fully tested.
We’ve seen the effectiveness of PT-141 (Bremelanotide) demonstrated in numerous studies. One such study followed female test subjects over the course of 52 weeks where the treated group received a 1.75mg dose right before anticipated sexual intercourse. All participants showed higher scores on general arousal, desire and orgasm, as compared to the placebo group. Also, no major side effects were linked to PT-141 application – the “most severe” ones were nausea, flushing and headache, which only occurred in around 10% of the participants.
Interestingly enough, scientists are still unsure about the Bremelanotide’s exact mechanism of action and how it leads to increased sexual desire in female patients. All we know is that it’s a potent alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone, binding predominantly to the receptors MC4R and MC1R, and, to a certain extent, to MC1R-MC5R.
PT-141 And Erectile Dysfunction
At the beginning of the article we said that PT-141 (bremelanotide) should not be used to increase sexual desire in men… but this is not entirely true as there is some emerging evidence that this peptide does affect male sexual performance.
Currently, there are a number of effective ED treatment options available. One of the most fail-proof and common ones, incidentally the most invasive one, is an intracavernosal injection – where an injection is applied directly to corpus cavernosum (spongy tissue that runs through the shaft of the penis).
Naturally, researchers are on the lookout for a new, less invasive treatment option and are testing PT-141 as such. Though research is still in its early stages, results showed significant increases in both duration and the erection quality in both “regular” men, as well as those known to be taking viagra.
We still need more research to confirm all these findings and determine the safety and efficacy of using PT-14 as a reliable ED treatment option, but clinical studies suggest we are heading in this direction.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/bremelanotide
PeptideShop.com is selling insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) LR3 in vials of 3mg, in a lyophilized state, and it requires dissolution. Your choice of diluent will depend on the nature of your lab testing, but the most common ones are certainly sterile distilled water, or a sterile dilute acetic acid.
IGF-1 LR3 is based on IGF which has been chemically altered to have a prolonged half-life. This allows it to be more effective and increases the duration of its action.
IGF-1 is a 70 amino acid long peptide chain, similar in structure to insulin, which is able to bind to the insulin receptors found within the body. Insulin-like growth factor 1 is one of the principal mediators of human growth hormone (GH). What this means is IGF-1 plays a crucial role in promoting cell growth, differentiation and has a distinct anabolic effect, especially in adults.
IGF-1 LR3 And Cell Proliferation
Since IGF-1 is a part of a wide growth factor network, it plays a part in cellular proliferation and differentiation, especially in muscles and connective tissue. It also delays cell apoptosis, preventing premature cell death.
The difference between IGF-1 and IGF-1 LR3 variant is, as we said before, LR3’s longer half life; it remains in the bloodstream longer and expresses its action over a longer period.
In vitro medical studies showed that this peptide leads to the increase of muscle cells, not by hypertrophy but by actual cell division. This “side effect” proved of interest in the bodybuilding world where individuals would use (abuse) it to improve their results and get results faster. It came to a point where this peptide was declared a doping agent and banned in different high level sports competitions.
Of course, this is not something we approve of, as we are only selling peptides for laboratory testing.
IGF-1 As A Medical Disease Marker
We’re used to talking about IGF-1 and its LR3 counterpart, in the context of medical therapy and treatment, but its levels might point to a medical problem – deficiency within the body. There are many different reasons for IGF-1 deficiency, but it’s suspected that the main one is GH and growth hormone receptor defects. This is especially common in children where primary IGF deficiency is detected and treated.
IGF-1 LR3’s Effects On Myostatin Regulation
Myostatin is a protein found in muscle tissue of the skeletal system, mainly responsible for hypertrophy and cell division and differentiation. We’re not talking about muscle building here, but normal bodily muscle development during the growth period.
Deficiencies with this hormone will lead to muscle dystrophies, where affected individuals experience muscle loss, decreased quality of life as well as life expectancy. This is why researchers are so hung up on developing a IGF-1 LR3 treatment protocol that would help regulate myostatin protein, prevent muscle loss and improve the quality of life of the patients.
Sadly, we are still in the early stages of testing and research – most commonly used models are animal ones, and we have yet to see the effects of this therapy in humans.
IGF-1 LR3 Effects On Cell Aging
In addition to cell proliferation, differentiation and wound healing, some animal studies showed IGF-1 LR3 affects cellular longevity (by protecting them and prolonging apoptosis).
Besides general wellbeing, this therapy can be aimed at slowing down the progression of deteriorating diseases such as dementia or muscle dystrophy. These results have been reported in mice studies, but we should move into human testing soon.
References:
Bailes J, Soloviev M. Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Its Monitoring in Medical Diagnostic and in Sports. Biomolecules. 2021 Feb 4;11(2):217. doi: 10.3390/biom11020217. PMID: 33557137; PMCID: PMC7913862.
Numerous studies have shown that this peptide may represent numerous opportunities for competent scientists to investigate, especially cartilage regeneration and fatty tissue mitigation.
What is Fragment 176-191 peptide?
This synthetic amino acid sequence mimics the hGH sequence, starting from position 177 to position 191.
AOD 9604, or “lipolytic extract,” is another name for Fragment 176-191. Many researchers argue that Fragment 177-191 may be an important research compound in the context of obesity. They believe it can potentially burn fat in animal models in laboratory settings.
Despite positive results, Fragment 176-191 hasn’t been used for human research purposes and doesn’t have official medical approvals.
Growth hormone
According to research, it appears that hGH Fragment 176-191 may not produce any side effects often related to hGH supplementation. Several adverse effects, such as, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and increases in IGF-a levels, have cast doubt on hGH’s use as an obesity treatment. However, when it comes to hGH Fragment 176-191, it doesn’t seem to be impacting blood IGF-1 levels or negatively affecting carbohydrate metabolism.
A trial conducted on Zucker rats in 2000 showed no detrimental effects on insulin sensitivity. Also, an investigation on obese mice done in 2001 did not seem to affect insulin secretion.
Properties
Studies conducted on animals suggest that this peptide can exhibit significant theoretical properties, which will be outlined below:
- The main potential of this Fragment is its lipolytic properties or, in other words, fat-reducing potential. While growth hormones promote development in infancy, they have also been speculated to have an important purpose in maturity.
- Lipoprotein lipase inhibitors may be activated in fat cells,
- By stimulating lipolysis in adipocytes may lead to a decrease in fat cell bulk,
- It might lead to loss of fat from the host body,
Weight
A 14-day trial researching overweight mice came to a conclusion that Fragment 176-191 may have increased skeletal muscle thermogenesis and boosted fat burning.
The study results indicated that this peptide may have enhanced beta (3)-AR RNA (ADRB3) levels, which caused rapid weight reduction in overweight animals but didn’t have much effect on lean mice.
Cartilage
Based on other animal research, it appears that hGH Fragment 176-191 may boost the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA). When Fragment 176-191 was combined with hyaluronic acid, it might boost cartilage formation in white rabbits which have issues with osteoporosis.
References:
Habibullah MM, Mohan S, Syed NK, Makeen HA, Jamal QMS, Alothaid H, Bantun F, Alhazmi A, Hakamy A, Kaabi YA, Samlan G, Lohani M, Thangavel N, Al-Kasim MA. Human Growth Hormone Fragment 176-191 Peptide Enhances the Toxicity of Doxorubicin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2022 Jun 27;16:1963-1974. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S367586. PMID: 35783198; PMCID: PMC9249349.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0304416582900332
Habibullah, Mahmoud & Mohan, Syam & Syed, Nabeel & Makeen, Hafiz & Jamal, Qazi & Alothaid, Hani & Bantun, Farkad & Hakamy, Ali & Kaabi, Yahia & Samlan, Ghalia & Lohani, Mohtashim & Thangavel, Neelaveni & Al-Kasim, Mohamed. (2022). Human Growth Hormone Fragment 176–191 Peptide Enhances the Toxicity of Doxorubicin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 16. 1963. 10.2147/DDDT.S367586.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that showed a significant growth hormone secretion potential both in vitro and in vivo studies. In vivo studies, it showed a similar potency and effectiveness as GHRP-6 (a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide) as it stimulates GH release via the GHRP receptors.
What’s interesting about ipamorelin is that it did not raise ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) nor cortisol level significantly; something we’ve seen happening with GHRP-6 and GHRP-2. So, we can conclude that ipamorelin is the first GHRP-receptor agonist with GH release selectivity similar to GHRH. This is why ipamorelin is an interesting candidate for further testing.
In addition to stimulating GH secretion, this peptide has seen some interesting use in the treatment of postoperative ileus (POI), a condition characterized by transient loss of gastrointestinal motility following abdominal surgery.
The exact mechanism behind POI is a complex one, involving many different bodily structures; in addition, condition is often worsen due to the opioid drugs used for patient pain management.
In rodent studies, ipamorelin was found to selectively stimulate ghrelin (hormone produced by our stomach, affecting food intake, deposition and growth hormone release) without raising cortisol or adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. These effects were shown in both lower GI tract as well as the upper, making this peptide a viable candidate for potential POI treatment.
References:
Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, Thøgersen H, Madsen K, Ankersen M, Andersen PH. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998 Nov;139(5):552-61. doi: 10.1530/eje.0.1390552. PMID: 9849822.
Greenwood-Van Meerveld B, Tyler K, Mohammadi E, Pietra C. Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. J Exp Pharmacol. 2012 Oct 19;4:149-55. doi: 10.2147/JEP.S35396. PMID: 27186127; PMCID: PMC4863553.
Epitalon is a synthetic peptide, made up of 4 amino acids – alanine, glycine, glutamic and aspartic acid. It’s based on a natural peptide epithalamion, commonly extracted from the pineal gland. Some earlier studies showed epitalon’s antioxidant potential, so more recent ones started focusing on its anti-aging potential.
Recent studies also showed its potential in regulating DNA changes, treating infectious diseases… even addressing some types of cancer.
Anti Aging Properties
The fact that epitalon is epithalamin’s extract, means it has the ability to eliminate free radicals that cause tissue damage. A particular research study on flies and mice showed that, after epitalon’s administration, fruit flies mortality rate dropped by a whopping 52%, while the mortality rate in rats dropped by 27%, as compared to the control studies. What researchers learned from this study was that regular epitalon administration stimulated the synthesis and secretion of melatonin, which inhibits free radical production and its subsequent damage.
There was another in vitro study on human somatic non-reproductive cells suggesting that epitalon peptide affects telomerase activity. Telomerase is an enzyme present in cells, allowing them to live longer. So, essentially, this study showed the researchers that this therapy leads to the prolonged cell lifespan. Of course, we still need full scale human studies to see the full extent of prolonged cell lifespan.
DNA Effects
Epitalon also interacts with DNA gene expression, allowing it to have an indirect effect on a whole host of potential bodily functions – from immune system, to skin, tendon and connective tissue repair.
This essentially allows epitalon peptide therapy to have a dual potential effect – on the one hand, it strengthens the immune system and protects the body from outside factors, and on the other, it allows the body to repair and regenerate its structures on its own.
Skin Cell Regeneration
We already talked about epitalon’s effect on DNA and genes. This effect extends to the fibroblast producing and maintaining MMP2. Interestingly, this peptide also affects other skin components, such as collagen and elastin.
Of course, we still have yet to see definitive human studies, but animal ones showed promising results. Young and old rats exposed to epitalon showed skin fibroblast proliferation of 29 and up to 45%. Not only that, epitalon also activates enzymes that slow down programmed cell death.
References:
Yue X, Liu SL, Guo JN, Meng TG, Zhang XR, Li HX, Song CY, Wang ZB, Schatten H, Sun QY, Guo XP. Epitalon protects against post-ovulatory aging-related damage of mouse oocytes in vitro. Aging (Albany NY). 2022 Apr 12;14(7):3191-3202. doi: 10.18632/aging.204007. Epub 2022 Apr 12. PMID: 35413689; PMCID: PMC9037278.
Anisimov VN, Mylnikov SV, Khavinson VK. Pineal peptide preparation epithalamin increases the lifespan of fruit flies, mice and rats. Mech Ageing Dev. 1998 Jun 15;103(2):123-32. doi: 10.1016/s0047-6374(98)00034-7. PMID: 9701766.
Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003 Jun;135(6):590-2. doi: 10.1023/a:1025493705728. PMID: 12937682.
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic version of human alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and acts as a non selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. It was mainly developed as a sunless tanning option, but some clinical studies showed it also causes spontaneous penile erections, as well as general sexual stimulation.
Some of the other “side effects” researchers noticed were reduction in compulsive behavior, reduced glucagon production, hunger suppression and even some limited addiction control.
Melanotan 2 Effects On Autism
There is some additional recent clinical research suggesting there might be a link between Mealnotan 2 and autism. Of course, melanotan treatment cannot reverse autism, sadly, but it may act on some aspects of this disorder and make it more manageable.
In mouse model studies researchers recorded that MT2 stimulated oxytocin release, which had the potential to reduce (in some cases counteract) common ASD behaviors – behaviors that include:
- Hand clapping
- Bouncing on toes
- Body rocking
- Holding body parts in unusual positions
- Repeating vocalizations etc.
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