MGF (Mechano-Growth Factor) (5mg)

What is the MGF Peptide?

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) is an alternative name for the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1Eb (IGF-1Eb) an isoform of IGF-1. It has been studied for its potential in the remodeling of muscles, cellular survival, and cellular proliferation.^[1] New studies on this specific isoform highlight its potential for activating satellite cells in skeletal muscle, suggesting that this particular isoform may also activate satellite cells in skeletal muscle, protect neurons, and helps to overcome the age-related loss of muscle mass.^[2] The principal function of MGF is its possible efficacy in the reparation of severe muscle wear and tear, especially that caused by injury or exercise. The peptide levels may increase significantly after muscle injury. Further, its concentration appears to correspond with skeletal muscle growth and differentiation as found in rodent models.

MGF Specifications

AKA: Mechano-Growth Factor

Molecular Formula: C124H204N42O41S1

Molecular Weight: 2971.99 g/mol

Sequence: yr-Gln-Pro-Pro-Ser-Thr-Asn-Lys-Asn-Thr-Lys-Ser-Gln-Arg-Arg-Lys-Gly-Ser-Thr-Phe-Glu-Glu-Arg-Lys-Cys

Reconstitution: Required

Research

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) and Inflammation
Inflammatory cells such as macrophages and the specific signaling molecules released, bring about muscle regeneration. Macrophages have been observed to produce MGF in the backdrop of muscle inflammation. IGF-1Ea (MGF) not only appears to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects but also extends the life of macrophages. The specific relevance of this effect is hitherto known, but it is speculated that the use of external MGF may improve the rate of muscle cell healing through macrophage modulation.^[3]

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) and Age
IGF-1 has multiple variants, and the synthesis of these isoforms gets influenced by different factors. The splicing and formation of different splice variants of IGF-1 are affected by developmental factors, hormones like growth and steroid hormones, and age. Age, in particular, is a crucial deciding factor for the regulation of IGF-1 splicing. The predominant variants in young men are class 1 and class 2, whereas elderly people show prevalence of class 1Ea. The switch in the predominant splice variant acts as a relevant starting point and helps to understand the biology of aging better. The overall significance of this change in terms of obvious signs of aging isn’t clear, but it offers an experimental starting point for understanding better the aging process. It has been suggested that MGF may reduce the loss of muscles with age progression though an in-depth study is essential.

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) and Cardiac Cells
The peptide was reported by researchers to potentially protect cardiac muscles from ischemia in sheep models of myocardial infarction (heart attack). The work found a 35% decrease in cardiomyocyte compromise after MGF was used following cardiac arrest.^[4] The researchers also concluded that “the E domain of MGF protects the myocardium against ischaemia, thus improving cardiac function post-MI.” This finding is of great relevance as minimal medical interventions could alleviate the impact of a heart attack while it was still occurring. The use of MGF may be a simple and safe alternative compared to stents or clot-dissolving drugs that have far-reaching complications. The molecule has opened up a new experimental approach to the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. It may reduce the impact of the heart attack by one-third when given to first responders. The peptide has the potential for improved benefits since heart attack is the highest cause of adult deaths in developed countries worldwide.

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) and Muscle Growth
MGF appears to promote hypertrophy and repair of muscle by stimulating muscle stem cells (called satellite cells). Research in murine models observed a 25% increase in the size of mean muscle fiber following MGF administration for three weeks.^[5] The researchers outline that “The discovery of MGF and muscle IGF-1 provides a link between physical activity and gene expression. This underlines the need for the elderly to remain active as the locally produced growth factors supplement the circulating IGF-1 levels.” The peptide is speculated to improve muscle conditions in degenerative diseases and stimulate the benefits of exercise on muscles. The latter speculation stems from the underlying importance of muscle mass in baseline metabolism. Boosting muscle mass improves basal metabolism and aids in fat burning. Thus the ability to increase lean body mass helps combat serious issues like obesity and allied health hazards. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe degenerative muscular disease, is often treated by transplanting precursors of muscle cells (called myogenic precursor cells). The transplantation helps to improve dystrophin production and ameliorates the disease conditions. Unfortunately, low survival rates post-transplant have never made the procedure therapeutically viable. Mouse studies have observed that MGF may help survive the precursor cells, thus making the transplantation successful.^[6] Therefore the use of the peptide may become a choice of DMD treatment alongside transplantation and not just a niche alternative.

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) and Brain Development
Studies on the brains of developing mice have observed the presence of MGF as early as 2010. The study sheds light on the neuroprotective potential of the peptide.^[7] Researchers find that MGF appears to be over-expressed in hypoxic brains of rats in the regions of the brain which undergo neuron regeneration. The influence of the peptide on neuron health was suggested in the murine model of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS leads to loss of motor neurons and overall progressive body of weakness. Treatment with MGF appeared to improve both the symptoms mentioned above. MGF has been suggested to be better than other IGF-1 isoforms in the regeneration of regions of adult brains after global ischemia. MGF may show potential to be used in the treatment of ALS.

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) and Cartilage
Cartilage, one of the most crucial connective tissues of our body, can get damaged due to injury, the repeated strain on a joint (osteoarthritis), or inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Unfortunately, cartilage does not recover well for various reasons, including inadequate blood supply and a lack of stem cells necessary for significant tissue regeneration. Studies have observed MGF to be capable of helping in more effective cartilage regeneration. MGF may promote the survival of chondrocytes (primarily involved in cartilage health and recovery) following mechanical stimuli. In the backdrop of physical stress and damage to the cartilage tissue, MGF may boost the survival and migration of chondrocytes (via YAP signaling and other pathways) to injury sites.^[8] Chondrocyte movement helps in better cartilage repair and restoration of function. The peptide has been observed to hold potential for preventing injury and disability over a long time span. Overloading chondrocytes causes apoptosis leading to disc degeneration in the human spine under continued mechanical stress in the spine. MGF may help to inhibit the apoptosis of these cells, inhibiting disc degeneration of the spine. The use of the molecule as a supplement against spinal disc degeneration is an area of active study.

Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) Research Direction

MGF has been researched for its potential to promote the protection of neurons and muscles as well as cartilage regeneration and hence may hold therapeutic importance. Therefore, it is a potential candidate for pharmaceutical development, and the peptide may be used in several path-breaking treatments over the next decade. In addition, new roles of MGF are being unraveled regularly. Experimental studies report MGF to exhibit minimal side effects, low oral bioavailability, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. The dosage necessary for mice (per kg) does not scale to humans.

References