IGF-1 DES (1mg)

What is the IGF-1 DES Peptide?

IGF-1 DES is a form of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In this peptide, the N-terminal sequence comprising Glycine-Proline-Glutamine is missing, assisting it in its potential to be resistant to certain inhibitors, and increasing its bioavailability. It is reported to exhibit a ten times greater potency than the untruncated version, with roles in hypertrophy and cellular growth research.^[1] The researchers report that “The increased potency is retained in part when the variant is administered in vivo, with selective anabolic effects particularly evident in gut tissues.” It also appears to induce anabolism in catabolic conditions such as those seen during chronic illnesses, as an anti-inflammatory agent against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and also certain neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.

Specifications

AKA: Insulin-like growth factor 1, des-(1-3)-, Des(1-3) IGF-1, 4-70-insulin-like growth factor 1

Sequence: TLCGAELVDALQFVCGDRGFYFNKPTGYGSSSRRAPQTGIVDECCFRSCDLRRLEMYCAPLKAAKSA

Molecular Formula: C₃₁₉H₄₉₅N₉₁O₉₆S₇

Molecular Weight: 7365.4225 g/mol

PubChem: 135331146

CAS Number: 112603-35-7

Reconstitution: Required

IGF-1 DES vs. IGF-1

Due to its low binding capacity to IGF-1 binding proteins (IGFBPs), IGF-1 DES may be 2-3 times more potent than IGF-1 in lowering blood sugar, may also exhibit neuroprotective properties and potential anabolic effects on skeletal muscle cells. It appears to have the desirable qualities of faster clearance from the circulation and quicker and higher peak activity. These properties make it a potentially desirable option for controlling hyperglycemic conditions so that effects similar to insulin administration may be achieved without the long-term side effects associated with higher doses. Of note, the anabolic effects of IGF-1 DES appear to occur even when the calorie intake is limited, resulting in significant improvements in body weight, nitrogen retention, and food conversion efficiency.

Research

IGF-1 DES and Neurological Disease
IGF-1 aids in promoting neuronal growth and differentiation as well as viability. This is achieved by its ability to promote the synaptic formation, enabling better memory retention. Researchers suggest that IGF-1 DES may similarly promote the formation of mature synapses as well as their maintenance. More precisely, they may help maintain desired concentrations of presynaptic synapsin-1 protein and post-synaptic PSD-95 protein. These molecules appear to regulate the neurotransmitters released and synaptic structure maintenance, which adversely affect motor skills, behavior, cognitive functioning, and language development. Clinical trials suggest that in ALS patients, IGF-1 administration limits disease progression and improves muscular strength and lung functioning. They also may have a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons and improve behavioral patterns in Parkinson’s Disease patients.^[2] In addition, IGF-1 DES appears to have the potential to help in preserving the neuron density and number of excitatory synapses in the brain in patients of Rett syndrome and chromosome 22 deletion syndrome. These peptides may also reduce the toxic effects of NDMA over-stimulation and resultant neuronal death by protecting neurons from excitotoxicity.

IGF-1 DES and Autism
IGF-1 analogs have been suggested by researchers to exhibit potent effects on synapses, making them potential ideal therapeutic choices for disorders caused by disruptions in synaptic development. These include autism, fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Angelman syndrome. Low IGF-1 concentrations in the brain have been associated with faulty development and progression of autism.^[3] However, IGF-II and analogs like IGF-1 DES may reverse these events, improve social interaction, novel-object recognition, contextual fear conditioning, reduce obsessive behavioral patterns, and improve grooming and memory.

IGF-1 DES and Cognition
With increasing age, the levels of IGF-1 in the brain decline, affecting learning and memory negatively. Ongoing research suggests that administering IGF-1 DES improves excitatory post-synaptic potential significantly by ~40%, suggesting the peptide’s potential to benefit cognitive function, particularly in age-related synaptic dysfunction.^[4] The scientists reported that “the acute actions of des-IGF-1 at hippocampal excitatory synapses may provide insight into the mechanism by which long-term increases in plasma IGF-1 impart cognitive benefits in aged rats.” Moreover, IGF-1 DES appears to have better penetration power across the blood-brain barrier than the untruncated protein, making them potentially better at enhancing synaptic transmission. This potential would make them more effective in protecting neurons and reducing neuronal death, thereby protecting against neurological diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease.

IGF-1 DES and Immune Function
IGF-1 receptors are present on the surface of mononuclear cells and neutrophils.^[5] Recent findings have suggested that IGF-1 DES may boost hydrogen peroxide release from mononuclear cells and encourage neutrophils to mature into pathogen-killing blastocytes.^[6] These effects may improve immune function, bringing their potential as an effective adjuvant to antibiotics for inducing immunity against infectious diseases.

IGF-1 DES and Wound Healing
Fibroblast cells present in the dermal layer are responsible for tissue repair in case of any injury. This can be affected by various IGFBPs that bind and reduce the effect of IGF-1 at its other receptors.^[7] Certain inflammatory cytokines can also alter IGFBP levels, which may impact healing. However, by administering IGF-1 DES, which appears to remain unaffected by IGFBP, it may be easier to overcome these hurdles induced by inflammatory cytokines. The resultant improvement in fibroblast growth and differentiation would hasten wound healing.

IGF-1 DES and Cancer
Cancerous cells in undifferentiated or early stages of differentiation are difficult to treat and dysfunctional, whereas cells in more differentiated stages grow more slowly. IGF-1 DES may slow cancer growth by promoting the differentiation of certain types of cancerous cells. IGF-1 DES is different from IGF-1 as it does not bind to IGFBPs, apparently allowing these peptides to cross the blood-brain barrier upon exogenous administration. Studies suggest its potential in skeletal muscle and neuronal growth, neuronal development, and wound healing. Applications in disorders caused due to stroke, cancer, autism, and the like are also being researched. Researchers report IGF-1 DES may result in some side effects and possesses low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability, as seen in mice models. The per kg dosage in mice does not apply to humans.

References