How GHRP-6 May Affect Muscle Growth

WHAT IS GHRP 6?

GHRP 6 is a first-line synthetic hexapeptide and a met-enkephalin derivative. It comprises a chain of 6 unnatural D amino acids with the sequence (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2). Additionally, the peptide also contains two methyl groups as modifications. It happens to be the first hexapeptide studied in animal model studies and was identified more than a decade ago.
Growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 recognizes and binds to specific receptors at the pituitary or hypothalamic glands. Studies have shown that GHRP 6 receptors are abundant in different peripheral tissues such as the heart, adrenal, ovary, testis, lung, and skeletal muscle.

Growth hormone-releasing peptides are often synthetically designed short sequences of amino acids that enhance the release of growth hormones in animal test subjects. Scientists are actively exploring and yet to fathom their mode of operations completely. They have been hypothesized to induce a possible dual-site of action on our bodies’ pituitary and hypothalamus glands.
Research findings highlight that GHRPs reduce inflammation because of their antioxidant functions, enabling cardioprotective and cytoprotective benefits. The following article highlights the role of GHRP 6, its mechanism of action, and its effects on the growth hormone release.

Bodybuilders are athletes who actively invest in body transformation as a professional career. They are often required to rapidly change their body build, composition, and appearance for professional reasons. Hence, many actively use food supplements to enhance and hasten physical exercise results, thereby striving for desired training and physique milestones. Hence, the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) group of peptides is extremely popular among bodybuilders.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Studies in animal test models show that GHRP 6 stimulates ghrelin. Ghrelin, in turn, increases the production of growth hormone (GH) by acting at the level of the pituitary or hypothalamus through a specific receptor that is different from that of the endogenous Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH).

The four important organs of the test subjects that demonstrate the role of GHRP 6 include the pituitary gland, central nervous system, liver, and stomach.

1. Protects the Heart
GHRP 6 mediates cardiac remodeling. It mediated a switch in the nervous system response from sympathetic (increased blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) to parasympathetic. This control helps to improve short-term health and outcomes, in addition to reducing the need for prolonged cardiac treatment as well as scar tissue healing.

2. Protects muscle
The peptide has been found to protect muscle cells generally and is not helpful for the heart alone. GHRP-6 helps control the calcium flow and mitochondrial dysfunction in the muscles of rats suffering from cachexia (extreme weight loss due to illness or chemotherapy). It also helps to keep the muscle cells viable by maintaining mitochondrial integrity. Thus, GHRP 6 may catalyze reestablish proper calcium regulation post-chemotherapy as calcium ion levels get disturbed.

3. Improves Fat Measures
Dyslipidemia is a physiological condition that is characterized by elevated fat levels in the blood. GHRP 6 helps control blood sugar and prevents the onset of insulin resistance in rats. It can be used as an alternative to the existing lipid medications to treat severe dyslipidemia.

BENEFITS OF GHRP 6 PEPTIDE

People are often unaware of the spectrum of benefits peptides can offer to us. Peptides being a short stretch of amino acids and often structural analogs of biological proteins and hormones, can be easily absorbed by the body. Hence our immune system does not trigger any response towards them. They mediate the beneficial effects of biological hormones but do not show any adverse reactions. Apart from stimulating the release of HGH, they can improve overall metabolism and physiological functioning. Peptides help to reduce fat, promote muscle growth, and development of lean muscle mass. Mood elevation, cardiac well-being, and sexual health are also some of the diverse effects of peptides. Hence they are often used by athletes and bodybuilders for a better fitness regimen.

Supplement companies often promote the peptides as factors that help boost muscle growth, improve fat metabolism and enhance workout efficiency. Unfortunately, there is not enough scientific evidence to support such commercial claims. GHS peptides are currently banned in professional sports, and the safety of their long-term use is unknown. Only a few of the GHS are approved to be used for treating specific medical conditions. Hence, off-the-shelf use of these molecules is not recommended for health reasons.

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not for human or animal consumption. All the information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.