Semax 50mg
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.
$80.00
Quantity: | 50mg |
---|---|
Unit: | 1 vial |
Contents: | Semax |
Form/Appearance: | Lyophilized/Powder |
Peptide Purity: | 99% |
Sequence: | Ac-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro |
Molecular Mass: | 859 g/mol |
Solubility: | Sterile / Bacteriostatic water |
Synonyms: | ACTH (4-7)PGP, HY-P1146 |
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CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) developed by ConjuChem Biotechnologies.
GHRH is a 44-amino acid long peptide which our hypothalamus synthesizes and in the pituitary gland, it binds to the growth hormone (GH) receptors, resulting in the release, regulation and pulsatile secretion of GH.
We already talked about GH therapy as being FDA approved in conditions such as GH deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, idiopathic short stature etc. Recombinant human GH treatment is generally performed as one daily, subcutaneous injection which elevates the levels of GH serum in the blood.
One of the major problems with this approach to treatment is that the efficacy of GH therapy is hard to determine due to the lack of biological serum biomarkers. Currently, most facilities are using levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 to monitor the efficacy of this therapy but these levels may vary wildly (due to growth velocity, glucose tolerance, insulin levels etc.).
Furthermore, GH abuse extended across multiple sports disciplines, making it even harder to suppress and put this problem under control.
Researchers hope to solve this problem by employing new biomarkers of GH action and secretion. One such way is to employ newly developed molecules, such as CJC-1295, shown to increase both GH and IGF-1 levels in the blood, without affecting the pulsatility of GH secretion. CJC-1295 also has a prolonged half-life of 8 to 10 days, due to its ability to bind to the endogenous serum albumin.
So, what scientists are hoping to achieve with CJC-1295 is both a safe way of promoting GH secretion as well as making it measurable in a laboratory setting. There were numerous studies tackling this issue, but we still need further testing to confirm these preliminary findings.
Reference:
Sackmann-Sala L, Ding J, Frohman LA, Kopchick JJ. Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2009 Dec;19(6):471-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ghir.2009.03.001. Epub 2009 Apr 21. PMID: 19386527; PMCID: PMC2787983.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
TB-500 is a 43 amino acid long synthetic peptide, analogue of thymosin beta-4. Thymosin beta-4 is a widely distributed peptide, and present in virtually all mammalian cells, which plays a pivotal role in many different processes in the body – it increases angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), proliferation, inhibits apoptosis (cell death) and inflammation.
Numerous animal clinical trials also showed that thymosin beta-4 can be used to indicate myocardial, liver and renal problems.
Angiogenesis:
Thymosin beta-4 promotes angiogenesis, triggers cell proliferation and migration, as well as the formation of capillary-like structures in cells. It also triggers blood perfusion (local fluid flow) by increasing capillary density.
Apoptosis:
Thymosin beta-4 inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting the transforming growth factor pathway. It also prevents nucleus pulposus (spinal disk providing shock absorption during movement) cell apoptosis and slows down cellular aging.
Inflammation:
In mouse models Tβ4 significantly dropped the number of inflammatory cells in the brains of the treated animals. It also prevented the production of proinflammatory cytokines and effectively blocked the increase of ethanol-induced inflammatory factors.
Heart Health:
Clinical data showed that thymosin beta-4 has a positive effect on both acute phase (immediately following the injury) where it preserves the ischemic myocardium, as well as in the chronic phase, in which it activates the growth of vascular cells.
After observing Tβ4’s benefits in animal models, it’s not surprising TB-500 gained so much popularity recently, since it acts as Tβ4’s synthetic analogue. Numerous clinical studies (in animal models) showed TB-500 as a potent way to improve blood vessel growth and fluid flow, accelerate wound healing, reduce oxidative stress and bind protein.
Of course, more research is needed to determine the full effects of this peptide, its safety and effectiveness in human test subjects.
Reference:
Xing Y, Ye Y, Zuo H, Li Y. Progress on the Function and Application of Thymosin β4. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Dec 21;12:767785. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.767785. PMID: 34992578; PMCID: PMC8724243.
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.
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.
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
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