Peptides and Osteoporosis

Peptides and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, which is characterized by an increase in bone fragility and vulnerability to fractures, is speculated to be one of the most prevalent systemic skeletal system diseases. The healing of fractures in research models of osteoporosis is delayed and compromised due to microarchitectural destruction in bone tissue. Recent studies in different animal research models have examined the impacts of three significant peptides, BPC-157, AOD 9604, and MOTS-c, in research models of osteoporosis.

 

BPC-157 and Osteoporosis

BPC-157 is a synthetic amino acid sequence of the naturally available Body Protection Complex (BPC) present in gastric juice. Researchers may suggest that BPC-157 may lead to improvement of healing in numerous types of wounds, acceleration in various forms of tissue healing, both internal and external, potential anti-inflammatory effects, among other impacts.

Intramuscular exposure to BPC-157 exhibited promising results compared to the percutaneous exposure of autologous bone marrow or autologous bone grafting (the effectiveness could also be seen after local exposure). In the light of the stomach’s significance for bone homeostasis, the potential relevance of BPC-157’s effect (local or intramuscular effectiveness, lack of unwanted effects) could be speculated as a basis for choice methods in the future management of healing impairment in animals and requires further investigation.

 

AOD-9604 and Osteoporosis

AOD-9604 is a peptide that consists of a fragment of growth hormone without apparent proliferative effects, which researchers may speculate has multiple effects on bone. The IGF-1 and direct cellular pathways are suggested to be activated by AOD-9704, which is approximately 8% of the growth hormone molecule. AOD-9604 is suggested not to exhibit any effect on the IGF-1 pathway, which may result in significant insulin resistance. This product has been suggested to be utilized with increasing success in the potential research of local pain like osteoarthritis and tendonitis.

South Korean researchers investigated the potential effects of AOD-9604 via intra-articular exposures with or without hyaluronic acid in a collagenase-induced knee osteoarthritis rabbit model. Each exposure was given for 4-7 weeks after the first intra-articular collagenase exposure. The degree of cartilage degeneration was then assessed using the morphological and histopathological findings. Eight weeks after the first collagenase exposure, the degree of lameness was also potentially observed. The intra-articular AOD9604 exposures using ultrasound guidance have been suggested to show enhanced cartilage regeneration. The combination of AOD9604 and HA exposures has been suggested to be more effective than AOD9604 or HA exposure alone in the collagenase-induced knee OA rabbit model.

 

What is MOTS-c?

Thirty-seven known genes, including 22 tRNAs, 2rRNAs, and 13 polypeptide subunits of the electron transport chain complexes, are encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Recent research studies suggest small open reading frames in the rRNA loci that may be transcribed and translated into short peptides called mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), which may exhibit biological activity. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-encoded peptide with 16-aa’s encoded within the 12S rRNA locus of mtDNA in cells.

MOTS-c may translocate into the nucleus in response to metabolic stress and regulation of adaptive nuclear gene expression. This may allow the peptide to promote resistance to metabolic stress by upregulating the mitochondrial genome. Upregulating these genes may encourage mitochondrial biogenesis. AMPK, if activated, may restore homeostasis by potentially initiating catabolic processes for ATP production in case of energy deficits. In addition, some research papers may suggest that MOTS-c potentially decreases insulin resistance and increases GLUT4 uptake in muscle.

 

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing.  Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law.  All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.

Epitalon: Correlation in DNA Telomeres and Sleep

Epitalon: Correlation in DNA Telomeres and Sleep

Research studies in 1973 suggest that the exposure to Epithalamin was followed by a restoration of the estrous cycle in old female rats with persistent estrus syndrome. This might have lowered the threshold of sensitivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary complex to feedback inhibition by estrogens in old animals. The long-term exposure to the preparation has been suggested to prolong the animal’s life span, slow down the aging of cells in the reproductive system, improve parameters of immune function, and inhibit the development of spontaneous tumors induced by some chemicals or X-irradiation and transplanted tumors.

 

Studies on Epitalon and Circadian Rhythms

The night release of endogenous melatonin have been associated with peptide production in the pineal gland, and the circadian hormone rhythm may be normalized in the blood plasma. Research models of pineal gland dysfunction might exhibit an increase in the night melatonin level, for which Epithalamin and Epithalon may exert modulatory effects. The pineal gland preparations may potentially increase melatonin concentration.

 

Pituitary Gland and Rapid Cell Aging

Epithalamin was given along with the regular courses in 39 research models of coronary dysfunction, while 40 models (control group) received standard procedures. Long-term exposure to epithalamin (six courses over three years) resulted in an apparent decrease in the aging of the cells in the cardiovascular system, possible prevention of age-associated impairment of physical endurance, and normalization of the circadian rhythm of melatonin production, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. The geroprotective potential of the peptide from the pineal gland were posited, and research models exposed to epithalamin exhibited a significant decrease in mortality rates compared to controls.

 

Epitalon and Chromatin

The function of chromatin is to protect the DNA structure and sequence and effectively pack DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell. The activation of ribosomal genes, decondensation of pericentromeric structural heterochromatin, and the release of genes repressed due to the age-related condensation of euchromatic chromosome regions might be induced by Epitalon. Thus, Epitalon may have potential to activate chromatin by modifying the heterochromatin and heterochromatinized chromosome regions in aged cells.

 

Telomerase Elongation and the Hayflick Limit

Each cell consists of DNA as an instructional guide showing how to divide and grow. The telomeres shield the DNA inside each cell. The exposure of Epitalon to functional cells may have exhibited increase the telomerase enzyme, which strengthens telomeres; an approximate increase of 33% was observed in the length of the telomeres.

 

White Blood Cells

Melatonin may prevent age-specific decreases in the levels of blood lymphocytes in the standard photoperiod. In contrast to melatonin, Epitalon appeared to have significantly reduced the lymphocyte count and increased the neutrophil count in some age periods. During cell aging, there might have been an increase in the leukocytes’ alkaline phosphatase activity. As compared with other light conditions, constant light was suggested to promote an early increase in the alkaline phosphatase activity (at 12 months), associated with accelerated development of the pathological process in the organism.

 

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing.  Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law.  All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.

Sermorelin Studies and Growth Hormone

Sermorelin Studies and Growth Hormone

Comparing Sermorelin and Growth Hormone

Sermorelin, a member of the peptide group known as the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analogues, might contribute to improving wound healing, hunger hormone signaling, bone density, cell age mitigation, and maintaining endogenous growth hormone production in periods of natural decline. It is considered an interesting peptide for researchers, especially working in domains related to hGH and anti-aging of cells, and has been suggested for potential as a testing reagent in animals. The reasons why this is considered an interesting peptide are mentioned below.

Growth hormone (hGH) supplementation has been researched in cases of growth hormone deficiency. Although there have been speculative advances in the production methods of hGH, several risks are still speculated to be associated with its exposure in research models. Unintended ancillary impacts associated with hGH might include joint pains, an increased risk of diabetes, swelling in joints, and increased risks of some types of cancer. The reason behind the speculated effects associated with the supplementation of hGH is because it may disrupt the normal physiological feedback mechanisms. Two things might happen due to the interruption of the normal controls on the secretion of hGH. First, there might be a much more abrupt rise and fall in the hGH levels, affecting the response of organs and tissues to the peptides and potentially elevating the risks associated with hGH high levels. This phenomenon is speculated to be known as square-wave physiology.

The second speculated reason associated with unintended and potentially detrimental ancillary action is the suppression of feedback mechanisms due to high hGH levels, which might destroy the normal 24 hours pattern of hGH secretion. Sermorelin peptide exposure has been suggested to mitigate both the problems associated with supplemented hGH. Sermorelin acetate appears to be subjected to normal physiologic feedback mechanisms, and thereby, the normal patterns of hGH secretion may be maintained. Sermorelin peptide might maintain the normal pattern and, at the same time, boost the hGH set point.

Another reason for preferring Sermorelin acetate over hGH is that with time, the hGH-deficient organism often acquires resistance to hGH, and hence the effect of the peptide is may be reduced or lost. This phenomenon might result from the decrease in the number of receptors for a given ligand and is known as tachyphylaxis. Too much hGH over a prolonged period of time results in a decrease in the number of hGH receptors, which finishes the effect of hGH. The only way to overcome this effect is considered to be the halting of supplementation to allow the recovery of the receptors. Research studies might suggest that Sermorelin peptide may potentially not be subjected to tachyphylaxis; its exposure might increase GHRH-Rs.

 

Sermorelin Acetate and Body Composition

Sermorelin acetate might favor lean body mass over fat mass, which exemplifies an apparent aspect of peptides in encouraging bone growth and muscle growth over the deposition of fat. Hypogonadism might be particularly problematic in animals who experience speculated increased effects of lack of sex hormones. Sermorelin peptide acetate is also speculated to be explored for reversing muscle atrophy other than testosterone, which is considered a strong standard of mitigating hypogonadism.

 

Sermorelin Acetate and Wound Healing

Sermorelin peptide has been suggested to have positive effects on wound healing rates. Sermorelin peptide might help in reducing scar formation. Scars leading to wound healing may potentially cause tissue- and organ-level dysfunction. Scarring (fibrosis) of the heart is troublesome as the scars in cardiac tissue might interfere with the heart’s ability to conduct electrical impulses and contract efficiently and correctly. Some research studies in animal models have suggested Sermorelin’s potential to protect heart cells from death, improve blood vessel growth, increase the production of extracellular matrix components, and reduce inflammatory cytokine levels. All of these factors might reduce the size of scars following cardiac injury, which thereby might improve cardiac functioning.

 

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing.  Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law.  All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.

Overview of Ipamorelin and Peptide Research

Overview of Ipamorelin and Peptide Research

Ipamorelin is a derivative of the growth hormone-releasing peptide-1, which is derived from the natural protein hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin is often termed the hunger hormone. The stomach produces ghrelin, and its exposure appears to stimulate caloric intake. The cells in the anterior pituitary gland are speculated to be activated by ghrelin, which might increase the levels of growth hormone and neuropeptide Y. Ghrelin is of speculated significant value in cognitive function, energy metabolism, and may influence the sleep-wake cycle.

Peptide Sequence: Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys

Molecular Formula: C38H49N9O5

Molecular Weight: 711.868 g/mol

 

Ipamorelin Peptide Mode of Action

The GHS receptor, also called the ghrelin receptor, is highly expressed in the anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Growth hormone is released from the anterior pituitary gland as the agonists bind to the GHS-R in the pituitary gland. Five of the most active GHS-R binding amino acids appear to be present in Ipamorelin, making this short peptide the smallest known GHS-R agonist. The exposure to Ipamorelin in animal models reportedly resulted in the stimulation and the release of neuropeptide Y, which may lead to an increased appetite, decreased pain perception, and changes in energy metabolism.

 

Food Intake

The specific receptors required for stimulating the release of neuropeptide Y are situated in the hypothalamus, and the binding to the GHS-R might trigger the release of this peptide. The release of neuropeptide Y is associated with an increase in food intake. Therefore, it might alter food preferences, thereby increasing the storage of energy as fat.

 

Pain Perception

Research suggests the potential of Ipamorelin in reducing neuropathic pain, the pain associated with nerve dysfunction, and reducing visceral pain, the gastrointestinal tract, and organ pain. Research studies in rats indicate a reduction in pain perception by as much as 2-fold.

 

Bone

Some research studies in rats suggest an association of Ipamorelin with the regulation of bone turnover and promotion of mineralization of existing bones and the formation of new bones. Research in rats suggests the effectiveness of Ipamorelin in offsetting the effects of substances like corticosteroids and certain conditions considered to compromise bone density and increase bone formation by as much as four-fold. In addition, Ipamorelin has been suggested to prevent aberrant fat deposition seen with high corticosteroid levels and prevent bone loss.

 

Ipamorelin Peptide & Heart Function

The relationship between ghrelin and heart function is a complicated one. However, research in cell cultures and research in animal models indicate that ghrelin may help protect the heart after a heart attack or other cardiac damages. Furthermore, it might also be that ghrelin produced in minute amounts in the vascular system may help in reducing the scar formation and the successive hypertrophy of the heart. This might thereby put a stop to the long-term consequences of heart damage and also heart failure.

 

Gender Differences in Ipamorelin Peptide Responses

Research studies conducted in mice, rats, and pigs suggest that the peptide may exhibit objectively larger benefits in females than males. The relative lack of testosterone in females compared to males has been hypothesized to be the foundation for why the peptide may potentially be more effective in females. The lower levels of testosterone have been associated with a decrease in muscle anabolism and lower bone mineral density. Research studies are ongoing to confirm any other reasons associated with the higher potential effectiveness of the peptide in females.

 

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing.  Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law.  All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.

Adipotide and Obesity Related Studies

Adipotide and Obesity Related Studies

Adipotide is a peptidomimetic compound having the molecular sequence of CKGGRAKDC-GG-D(KLAKLAK)2. The molecule has been suggested to mediate selective apoptosis of blood vessels, which supply adipocytes, thus causing weight loss in rhesus monkeys and mice. White adipocytes may be formed due to excess energy consumption compared to utilization. The targeted blood vessels upon Adipotide peptide exposure appears to undergo atrophy (shrinkage), leading to apoptosis (cell death), hence preventing blood supply to the white fat cells. Therefore, the adipocytes might suffer from an ischemic injury due to oxygen and nutrient deprivation and finally undergo apoptotic cell death.

The stereochemical structure of the molecule might allow it to bind to two cognate receptors (prohibitin and ANXA-2) found exclusively on blood vessels of white adipose tissues. High tissue specificity might prevent it from targeting brown fat tissues. Thus it may potentially not influence adaptive brown fat thermogenesis, which is crucial, especially for newborn organisms who can conserve only limited heat. The body surface area to volume ratio might promote high rates of heat loss in such cases.

 

Adipotide and Obesity

In 2008, epidemiological studies suggested that various conditions may be intricately linked to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus), cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarction, and cancers. Interestingly, morbidity might be determined by the distribution of adipose tissues within the organism. Abdominal fat might be more harmful in certain areas of placement due to higher lipolytic function. Adipose tissue comprises lipid storing adipocytes (cells) and vascular macrophages, and preadipocytes. An increase in adipose mass might be caused by excess lipid deposition in adipocytes leading to hypertrophy and subsequent hyperplasia. It might further trigger the infiltration of macrophages and conversion of preadipocytes to adipocytes. The blood supply might also promote this microenvironment. Adipotide has been suggested by researchers to target this blood supply, thereby causing irreversible ischemic injury and apoptosis of adipose tissues.

 

Selected Research Studies

In 2004 a study named “Reversal of obesity by targeted ablation of adipose tissue” by Mikhail G Kolonin et al. observed that targeted apoptosis in the vascular bed of white adipose tissue may potentially mitigate obesity. Obese mice exposed to a peptide sequence CKGGRAKDC binds to a multifunctional vascular membrane protein called prohibitin. It appeared to induce a decrease in adipose tissue mass and normalization of overall metabolic processes without any significant ancillary impact.

In 2011, research entitled “A Peptidomimetic Targeting White Fat Causes Weight Loss and Improved Insulin Resistance in Obese Monkeys” by Kirstin F. Barnhart et al. established the ligand-directed peptidomimetic named Adipotide (with sequence CKGGRAKDC-GG-D(KLAKLAK)2 ) as a prototype of anti-obesity peptides in obese monkeys. Adipotide was observed to induce apoptosis in the vasculature of white adipose tissue leading to rapid weight loss, improved insulin and renal function in the monkeys.

In 2011, Fernanda I. Staquicinia et al. analyzed vascular marker(s) for different organs in their work entitled “Vascular ligand-receptor mapping by direct combinatorial selection in cancer patients.” The survey included 2.35 × 106 motifs from a peptide library in research models of cancer, uncovering ligand-receptors specific to particular vascular beds. Among the four native ligand-receptors found, two appeared to be native ligand-receptors (cathepsin B/apolipoprotein E3 and integrin α4/annexin A4) that existed across tissues. The other two exhibited tissue-specific prevalence – prohibitin/annexin A2 exclusive for the white adipose tissue and RAGE/leukocyte proteinase-3 found in bone metastases. Thus prohibitin and ANXA-2 might be found to be receptors specific for vasculature of white fat tissue.

 

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing.  Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law.  All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.

Differences in CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin for GHRH Delivery

Differences in CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin for GHRH Delivery

Both Sermorelin and CJC-1295 are peptide derivatives of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and are often compared regarding their properties and functions. In addition to the number of actions they share, CJC-1295 and Sermorelin also appear to exhibit differences. Sermorelin is also known as GHRH 1-29, the first 29 amino acids from a large growth hormone-releasing hormone is the structure of Sermorelin. The structure of CJC-1295 also appears to consist of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, but the difference might be that there is a modification in some of the amino acids.

 

The Structure of CJC-1295

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 Formula: C152H252N44O42

Molecular Weight: 3367.954 g/mol

 

The Structure of Sermorelin

Sequence: Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Met-Ser-Arg

Molecular Formula: C149H246N44O42S

Molecular Weight: 3357.933 g/mol

 

Clearance and Structure

GRF (1-29) indicates the growth hormone-releasing factor (1-29), and is another name for Sermorelin. The modified form of GRF (1-29), which is sometimes speculated to be known as Mod GRF (1-29) or tetrasubstituted GRF (1-29), is another name for CJC-1295. The potency of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH is speculated to be the same as the potency of the full 44 amino acids of GHRH. Still, the natural metabolic clearance processes may clear very rapidly. To decrease the clearance rate and boost the half-life, Sermorelin can be modified so that CJC-1295 can be made more resistant to enzymatic cleavage. Research studies indicate that Sermorelin’s half-life is somewhere around five minutes, while the half-life of CJC-1295 appears to be 30 minutes.

 

DAC or no DAC?

The modification in CJC-1295 is often be done by adding a lysine residue and DAC, i.e., a chemical structure, to the carboxy-terminal end. DAC stands for drug affinity complex. The role of DAC is to help bind the molecules that it is attached to with the blood protein albumin. This action may help them extend the half-life of these compounds and extend their duration of action. With DAC, the time of total clearance of CJC-1295 might roughly increase from 1 hour to more than 96 hours.

 

Plasma Growth Hormone: CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin

The levels of Growth Hormone in the blood are suggested to be raised under the influence of both Sermorelin and CJC-1295, by the stimulation of the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor in the anterior pituitary gland. Since both Sermorelin and CJC-1295 might operate at the level of the receptor of GHRH, they may preserve the normal pulsatile function of Growth Hormone secretion. However, Sermorelin appears to provides the more natural ebb and flow of Growth Hormone as it appears to be cleared much faster as compared to CJC-1295. The best way to explain the two peptides and their effects on the Growth Hormone curve is that both might raise the Growth Hormone levels and also both raise the preserving peaks and troughs, while the overall amount of time spent at the higher Growth Hormone levels might be extended by CJC-1295. In other words, it might be that the sharp peaks are turned into plateaus to some extent by the CJC-1295. With this, the effects of Growth Hormone may potentially be boosted substantially, and the physiology may also be altered to some degree. Still, one of the main reasons to prefer Sermorelin over the peptide CJC-1295 is that Sermorelin might provide the most speculated natural ebb and flow pattern.

 

Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing.  Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law.  All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.