Anti Aging
Hair Growth
Muscle Growth
Peptide Blends
Peptide Supplies
Peptides
Skin
Testosterone
Weight Loss
Kisspeptin 5mg/10mg
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.
$60.00 – $110.00
| Quantity: | 5mg, 10mg |
|---|---|
| Unit: | 1 vial |
| Contents: | Kisspeptin |
| Form/Appearance: | Lyophilized/Powder |
| Peptide Purity: | 99% |
| Sequence: | YNWNSFGLRF |
| Molecular Mass: | 1302.4 g/mol |
| Solubility: | Sterile / Bacteriostatic water |
| Synonyms: | KISS-1, Protein KISS-1, metastin, Kp-10 peptide |
FAQs
Related Products
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.It is one of the two primary hormones that may enhance incretin activity in rodent models, along with GIP.
GLP-1 is one of the major incretin (gut peptide secreted after nutrient intake) hormones in humans. It plays a pivotal role in many different mechanisms within the body:
- Insulin secretion
- Inhibits glucagon release (glucagon is secreted as a response in blood sugar drop)
- Suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis (glycogen is the primary carbohydrate stored in the liver)
- Delays gastric emptying
- Reduces appetite and energy intake
When talking about obese diabetic 2 type patients, GLP-1 assumes a special status in their treatment as it lowers HbA1c levels along with body weight, but without the risk of hypoglycemia.
However, the biggest problem with GLP-1 is its short half-live (of only 1 to 2 minutes) and this is why researchers turner to various other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, dulaglutide and, of course, semaglutide. Another thing researchers hope to achieve by turning to GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, is to develop an effective diabetes management drug which needs less frequent dosing.
Murine models suggested that semaglutide’s GLP-1 receptor activation affects insulin secretion, blood sugar homeostasis and beta cell protection. Further, in vitro studies showed its potential to also affect glucagon secretion. This insulin glucagon mechanics is what’s used to balance our pancreatic function and regulate metabolism.
References:
- Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2022 Jun;23(3):521-539. doi: 10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1. Epub 2022 Jan 7. PMID: 34993760; PMCID: PMC8736331.
- Meier JJ. GLP-1 receptor agonists for individualized treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2012 Dec;8(12):728-42. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2012.140. Epub 2012 Sep 4. PMID: 22945360.
500 in stock
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a critical coenzyme that’s present in every living cell and, as such, is involved in a number of metabolic and cellular processes. This is why NAD+ is so interesting for many different areas of research such as:
- Anti aging
- Metabolic disorders
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- And even cancer research
PeptideShop.com sells NAD+ peptide in vials of 100mg and is meant for laboratory use only. Researchers commonly use it to test its effectiveness on:
- DNA damage repair and gene expression
- Stress response regulation
- Slowing down the progression of degenerative disorders
- Metabolism pathway testing
But, as previously mentioned, we are still waiting on large scale human tests.
NAD+ Role In Cellular Maintenance
Cellular NAD exists in two forms:
- NAD+
- NADH
When there’s a shift in NAD+ and its level drops in favor of NADH, this is a hallmark of aging; though the exact mechanisms that lead to this drop still remain unknown.
Naturally, numerous clinical studies showed that increasing NAD+ levels leads to the reduction of age-related immune and metabolic changes. Meaning there is potential of using NAD+ in treating age related disorders.
NAD+ And Neurodegenerative Disorders
When speaking about aging, one of the most contributing factors is mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons. Aging also speeds up the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, triggering DNA damage and mitochondrial impairment.
Luckily, studies have shown that NAD+ treatment (and even supplementation) helped restore mitochondrial function, enhance neural function and even improve cognitive abilities.
NAD+ And Metabolic Disorders
We’ve seen a dramatic increase in metabolic disorders lately, making it one of the major global health problems. Of course, we use the term metabolic disorders to cluster a whole host of problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, as well as some cardiovascular pathologies.
NAD+ levels directly influence nutrient status in cells, so regulating them stands as a clear guideline to future research in hope of making NAD+ an FDA-approved way of treating metabolic and age related disorders.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7973386/
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:
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.
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
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.
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
Growth hormone replacement therapy has long been accepted as one of the most effective ways of treating GH deficiency and related conditions. This therapy uses recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and, despite its longstanding usage record, it has been surrounded by controversy. Even though, in the short term, this therapy is very effective, when it comes to long term effects, issues start to arise:
- Long term improper dosage can lead to some severe side effects
- This therapy may affect normal physiology after prolonged application
- Some federal regulations might interfere with the therapy
- There’s even some concerns that this therapy may awaken latent cancers and cause metabolic disorders
There is one more major problem with dosage because the body can’t properly modulate tissue exposure to rhGH. Meaning, the practitioner uses their “best guess” to access the appropriate dosage.
This is why researchers are looking for alternative ways to stimulate GH production by targeting GH secretagogues and promoting pituitary gland health. One such molecule is sermorelin, a GHRH analog that impacts the hypothalamic-pituitary-pituitary-somatotropic axis.
It’s used for both treatment and diagnosis of GH deficiency as research studies showed sermorelin promoted change in GH levels similar to those observed with endogenous GHRH. It also stimulates FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which implies a potential role in the treatment of hypogonadism.
Though we need larger, longitudinal studies, sermorelin proved as a promising GH and IGF-1 stimulator and diagnostic agent.
Reference:
Walker RF. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency? Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):307-8. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.307. PMID: 18046908; PMCID: PMC2699646.
Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, Rivera-Mirabal J, Yu J, Kovac J, Pastuszak AW, Lipshultz LI. Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Transl Androl Urol. 2020 Mar;9(Suppl 2):S149-S159. doi: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.30. PMID: 32257855; PMCID: PMC7108996.
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.
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.
Hunger and satiety signals are controlled by serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and a number of other systems within our body. When talking about weight loss and appetite modulation, there are agents that do it through pure central nervous system pathways, and those that target peripheral signals (that travel to the central nervous system).
This is why we have so many different weight loss options, since medication is based on substances affecting different pathways, signals and weight management systems. One such drug, aimed at improving adipose tissue function and fatty acid metabolism is AOD9604.
AOD9604 is a modified form of human growth hormone fragment 176-191, developed to stimulate prolipid mobilizing and lipid oxidation (during which fatty acids decompose into carbonyl compounds, unsaturated aldehydes, ketones and other substances).
Even though AOD9604 has not yet been deemed FDA-approved,a number of studies showed its administration led to a significant weight loss and improvements in glucose tolerance (in both animal and early stage human studies).
Another such study done on 300 obese individuals in Australia showed that AOD9064 administration more than tripled weight loss in test subjects, compared to those on a placebo drug. Furthermore, this study proved that long-term treatment is not likely to cause resistance to AOD9064 based medication, making it a perfect candidate for future weight loss medication and treatment.
So far, animal and human studies both showed AOD9064’s effectiveness in helping test subjects lose weight, improve glucose tolerance, while presenting with minimal side effects. Further research studies are needed before including it into an FDA-approved treatment procedure, but the initial findings show a great potential.
Reference:
Michael D. Jensen. Potential Role of New Therapies in Modifying Cardiovascular Risk in Overweight Patients with Metabolic Risk Factors. 06 September 2012
Cerebrolysin is a porcine-derived peptide preparation, with a low molecular mass and a variety of research applications. An interesting thing about cerebrolysin is that its preparation contains nerve growth factors, BDFN (brain derived neurotrophic factor), Ciliary nerve growth factor, p-21 and orexin. This means that cerebrolysin contains molecules with:
- Pharmacodynamic properties – it expresses biochemical, physiological and molecular effects within the body.
- Neurotrophic properties – it aids in growing, repair and neuron maintenance
- Neuroprotective properties – it strengthens the neural pathways as well as the neurons themselves and improves synaptic plasticity.
Cerebrolysin Chemical Structure
It’s a bit difficult talking about cerebrolysin as it does not have a single chemical structure, rather, it’s a combination of several different peptides. As such, cerebrolysin is actually labeled an “orphan drug” by the FDA. What this means is it did show promise in disease treatment and prevention (in clinical trials), but only in orphan diseases. Orphan disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the US. This is why this peptide mix is not a profitable venture for further, independent studies, and research is only possible with financial help from the government.
But in the particular case of cerebrolysin, the government did, in fact, intervene, due to its potential in dealing with dementia and because of its neuroprotective capabilities.
This peptide mix was first developed in Austria, back in 1940 and has since become a vital medicine in Asia, especially Russia and China. Research studies showed that it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and express its pharmacodynamic effects on both brain and the spinal cord.
But, what does it do?
Since cerebrolysin is not a single chemical compound, as we already said, we can look at it, and its effects, through the components its made of:
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) – this is a protein found in our central nervous system, shown to have a profound effect on neuron growth, synapse growth and health. Research in depression and Alcheimer’s disease revealed disrupted BDNF pattern expression.
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GCNF) – this is an exceptionally important, naturally occurring peptide that promotes neuron survival, decreases the loss of neurons and, as some studies have pointed out, has the potential to aid the prevention of Parkinson’s and ALS.
- Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) – this is an interesting hormone affecting the growth of certain neural cells and has been a subject of numerous trials aimed at treating ALS.
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) – this is a particularly important peptide which regulates the growth, survival and neuron increase in number. Some studies showed NGF is one of the important factors in programmed cell death and regulation of certain immune system mechanisms.
Looking at these effects, it’s not hard to imagine why scientists used these molecules – to try and merge all these positive effects into one single mix. But were they successful? We actually have some clinical trials atesting to these possibilities:
- Cerebrolysin and Dementia – a study done in 2012 evaluated the outcomes of cerebrolysin therapy in patients with Alcheimer’s over the course of a 12 week treatment period. The study showed significant improvements in cognitive functions and the symptoms of dementia lasting up to several months after the study was finished.
- Cerebrolysin and Parkinson’s – we know that the onset of Parkinson’s disease has to do with the protection of dopamine producing neurons. The loss of these neurons is what leads to motor deficits characteristic for this disease. Unfortunately, we haven’t had human trials, but the one on mice showed that cerebrolysin administration protected these neurons and also lowered certain hormones responsible for Parkinson’s disease worsening.
- Stroke and Brain Injuries – though we don’t have many studies dealing with this topic, some small-scale ones showed cerebrolysin as being not only safe to use, but also helpful in recovery rate if given within 72 hours. Research in infants with brain injury induced communication delay also showed cerebrolysin improved therapeutic outcomes.
Even though these positive effects may seem overwhelming, leaving you wondering why cerebrolysin is not a mainstream, FDA-approved drug still, it’s important to note most of these findings were done on a limited sample (and mostly on animal studies). We have yet to see its effects in large-scale studies and, more importantly, see the long-term benefits of cerebrolysin therapy. Even though the initial results seem promising, we need to be patient and wait for more information before the final verdict.
References:
https://gsrs.ncats.nih.gov/ginas/app/beta/substances/37KZM6S21G%20
Allegri RF, Guekht A. Cerebrolysin improves symptoms and delays progression in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Drugs Today (Barc). 2012 Apr;48 Suppl A:25-41. doi: 10.1358/dot.2012.48(Suppl.A).1739721. PMID: 22514793.
Plosker GL, Gauthier S. Cerebrolysin: a review of its use in dementia. Drugs Aging. 2009;26(11):893-915. doi: 10.2165/11203320-000000000-00000. PMID: 19848437.
Masliah E, Armasolo F, Veinbergs I, Mallory M, Samuel W. Cerebrolysin ameliorates performance deficits, and neuronal damage in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1999 Feb;62(2):239-45. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3057(98)00144-0. PMID: 9972690.
Ozkizilcik A, Sharma A, Lafuente JV, Muresanu DF, Castellani RJ, Nozari A, Tian ZR, Mössler H, Sharma HS. Nanodelivery of cerebrolysin reduces pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. Prog Brain Res. 2019;245:201-246. doi: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.03.014. Epub 2019 Apr 2. PMID: 30961868.
Ozkizilcik A, Sharma A, Lafuente JV, Muresanu DF, Castellani RJ, Nozari A, Tian ZR, Mössler H, Sharma HS. Nanodelivery of cerebrolysin reduces pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. Prog Brain Res. 2019;245:201-246. doi: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.03.014. Epub 2019 Apr 2. PMID: 30961868.
Hassanein SM, Deifalla SM, El-Houssinie M, Mokbel SA. Safety and Efficacy of Cerebrolysin in Infants with Communication Defects due to Severe Perinatal Brain Insult: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Neurol. 2016 Jan;12(1):79-84. doi: 10.3988/jcn.2016.12.1.79. Epub 2015 Sep 11. PMID: 26365023; PMCID: PMC4712290.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.