The Many Advantages of GHRP-6

by | Apr 22, 2021 | Research

GHRP-6 is a hexapeptide that is derived synthetically from met-enkephalin. This hexapeptide was identified almost a decade ago and is the first to be studied in animal test subjects. It consists of a chain of six unnatural D amino acids named L – Histidine, D – Tryptophan, L – Alanine, L – Tryptophan, D – Phenylalanine, and L – Lysine.

It is a member of the Human Growth Hormone Secretagogue family, which is a substance that results in the secretion of a different substance. There is no structural similarity between GHRP-6 and Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It works by using some specific receptors that are available at the hypothalamic or the pituitary level. Studies are showing the presence of GHRP-6 in various peripheral tissues like the adrenal, heart, testis, ovary, skeletal muscle, and lung.

GHRP-6 shows cytoprotective effects related to non-growth hormones, such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects.
In the United States, the GHRP-6 is still not approved for therapeutic use.

Structure of GHRP-6

Structure of GHRP-6

Molecular Formula: C46H56N12O6
Molecular Weight : 873 g/mol
Sequence: His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
CAS Number: 87616-84-0

Mechanism of Action

The animal test subject studies have shown that “Ghrelin,” i.e., the “hunger hormone,” is stimulated by Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide – 6. The stimulation is done via the Ghrelin receptor, which acts at the hypothalamus or the pituitary level via specific receptors that are not similar to the endogenous Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and thereby signals an increased production of Growth Hormone (GH). Various administration routes and doses were tested in order to show the effects of GHRP-6 on the GH release.
In response to the production of the Growth Hormone, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is produced by the liver. The IGF-1 is necessary for the promotion of cell proliferation and the prevention of cell death.

The role of GHRP-6 is demonstrated by the central nervous system, pituitary gland, stomach, and liver are the four important parts of the test subjects.

Effects of GHRP-6

The animal test subject studies were carried out to study the GHRP-6. Various theoretical benefits of the GHRP-6 are shown in the studies since it increases the production of the growth hormone from the pituitary gland and mimics the ghrelin, i.e., the hunger hormone known to protect the hormone neurons. The various benefits of Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide – 6 are as follows:

– Increase in the growth of muscles
– Increase in the growth of bone tissue
– Increase in the immunity
– Improvement in sleep
– Decrease in the body fat
– Reduction in problems related to heart
– Improvement in the functioning of the brain
– Healing of the injuries on time
– The skin appearance is also improved by smoothing wrinkles
– Reduces the heightened blood pressure
– Healthy cholesterol is promoted

Enhancement of the Healing Process and Improvement of the Aesthetic Outcome of the Wounds

The GHRP-6 shows an impact on the accumulation of the extracellular matrix proteins, which thereby attenuated the inflammation of the wound, accelerated the wound closure, and improved the aesthetic outcome of the wound. The attenuation of the immunoinflammatory mediators, their effector cells, and the reduction of fibrosis-inducing cytokines have shown to be involved in the GHRP-6 pharmacodynamics in the rat experiments that were based on the clean full-thickness controlled wounds. The combined action of these mechanisms has shown to modulate the fibroblast’s response to injury, resulting in precocious closure with reduced scarring. The most appreciable observation is that these mechanisms have not shown any interference with the angiogenic repopulation or the reepithelialization process. The successive studies have signified the potential of various GHRPs to ameliorate the systemic and the local inflammatory processes by inhibiting the action of NF-κB. This results in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and acting as a chemokine receptor antagonist.

Different Experimental Studies and the Benefits

The studies in a rat model with liver cirrhosis have shown that GHRP-6 exhibits antifibrotic effects. In both the therapeutic and preventive administration schemes, the parenchymal fibrotic induration was prevented by GHRP-6 in more than 85%, while in 75%, the accumulated fibrotic material was removed. In a microarray experiment, the differentially expressed genes indicated the modulation of gene expression associated with redox metabolism by the GHRP-6. The exogenous administration of GHRP-6 has also been shown to exhibit pharmacological benefits in varied experiments conducted during the last 15 years. Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide – 6 has also led to cytoprotective effects, encompassing the cardiac and the extracardiac organs. The numerous experimental scenarios that included reperfusion/ ischemia have shown that GHRP-6 exhibits antiapoptotic and antiestrogenic properties.

GHRP-6 for Muscle Growth

GHRP-6 has been shown to promote the anabolic environment in the body, which helps a person gain muscle mass faster. The increased production of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the release of the growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland are the factors associated with gaining muscle mass. The protein synthesis in the body is increased with the increase in these factors.

GHRP-6 for Fat Loss

GHRP-6 has also been shown to be associated with fat loss after its administration; the body is enabled to burn fat at an optimal rate. GHRP-6 has been shown to improve the body’s metabolic rate, which improves the overall body functioning associated with the fat-burning potential.

Anti-aging benefits of GHRP-6

The collagen production increases due to the GHRP-6 usage, which consequently promotes lean muscle mass and enhanced energy levels. Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide – 6 has also been shown to enhance the ability of the body to repair its old and worn-out cells and improve the health of the body joints.

Side Effects of GHRP-6

In addition to the numerous health benefits, many side effects are also associated with the GHRP-6, which should be considered while using it. The different side effects are as follows:
– Since GHRP-6 is a Ghrelin mimic, it develops an increased hunger
– Minor headache and dizziness is experienced by GHRP-6 usage since it stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete HGH
– Use of GHRP-6 increases the cortisol hormone, which then causes joint pain

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