PEG-MGF (Pegylated MGF) (5mg)

What is the PEG-MGF peptide?

Pegylated Mechano-growth factor (PEG-MGF) is a truncated and partially modified variant of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It appears to stimulate myoblast (muscle cell) proliferation and differentiation. It has further been researched for its potential to increase endurance, stimulating the function of the immune system, and decreasing cholesterol and total body fat control. PEG-MGF may also hasten wound healing via immune function regulation. Attachment of polyethylene glycol moiety to another chemical compound is termed “Pegylation”. Pegylation appears to increase the plasma stability of a compound like MGF by decreasing its clearance in the kidneys as well as potentially masking its immunogenicity. Pegylation may be considered a common, and typically advantageous modification. MGF appears to have a shorter half-life in blood, contrarily in muscles. Hence, the pegylation of the peptide may overcome its rapid clearance from the body.

Specifications

AKA: Pegylated MGF, Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor

Molecular Formula: C121H200N42O39

Molecular Weight: 2888.16 g/mol

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

PubChem: SID 178101669

Reconstitution: Required

PEG-MGF Research

PEG-MGF and Skeletal Muscle
Muscle injuries are frequent in sports and can range from strains and sprains to extreme avulsion injuries. Sometimes they require surgical intervention with a not-so-perfect outcome and prolonged recovery. Murine studies suggest that direct adminstration of MGF in the muscles may decrease pro-inflammatory hormone production, reduce oxidative stress, and protect the muscle cells.^[1] The scientists reveal that “Although MGF overexpression did not obviously affect muscle regeneration outcomes, the findings are novel and provide insights on the physiological roles of MGF in muscle regeneration.” Researchers Sun et al. also suggested that muscle inflammation may be regulated by MGF, as well as the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages to injury sites. The research mentioned above is based on prior reports of induction of IGF-1Ea and IGF-1Eb (both closely related to MGF) by exercise-induced muscle injury. This receptor stimulation may reduce aging, improve lean body mass, and better energy balance in humans. This function suggests that PEG-MGF can produce effects similar to IGF-1 leading to improved muscle repair, enhanced fat metabolism, and overall increases in lean body mass. A research experiment in MGF reported an increase mean muscle fiber size in exercising mice by about 25% when administered through the intramuscular route. Researchers Goldspink and Jakeman considered it a concerning limitation as the peptide might require direct administration into every muscle to treat hypertrophy.^[2] The increased plasma stability of PEG-MGF could potentially resolve the challenge of multiple intramuscular injections.

PEG-MGF and Heart Muscle Repair
Research carried out in the department of bioengineering at the University of Illinois observed that MGF may inhibit hypoxia-induced programmed cell death of cardiac muscles.^[3] The peptide appears to promote regeneration and healing after a cardiac attack by recruiting cardiac stem cells to the site of tissue injury. Rats treated with MGF within eight hours of hypoxia appeared to sugger less cell death and greater stem cell recruitment compared to placebo controls. Dr. Doroudian, the lead author of the research, suggests that the nanorod-mediated MGF delivery to the damaged cardiac tissues provides localized, long-term therapy of the bioactive peptide to damaged tissues.
Localized delivery of MGF may further controls pathologic hypertrophy post-cardiac arrest. Rats treated with PEG-MGF appeared to exhibit better hemodynamics and less cardiac remodeling than untreated ones. Carpenter et al. have also reported a 35% approximate reduction of cardiomyocyte injury (post-heart attack) upon this peptide treatment.

PEG-MGF and Bone Repair, Growth
PEG-MGF has been observed to promote osteoblast proliferation and hasten bone repair in rabbits. Rabbits treated with high doses of MGF appeared to exhibit equivalent bone healing in just four weeks compared to controls in six weeks duration. The findings highlight the potential to use the peptide in faster bone healing in patients.

PEG-MGF and Cartilage
MGF may also improve the function of chondrocytes, the cells essential for cartilage health and deposition. Studies in mice suggest that MGF promotes the migration of chondrocytes from bone – their site of origin – into cartilage where they appear to function.^[4] The researchers also noted that “The results also demonstrate that the degeneration of OA cartilage can be delayed by MGF treatment partially via unfolded protein response regulated by protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and suggest a potential therapeutic application of MGF for OA treatment.” PEG-MGF is suitable for this milieu because it may be administered into compromised joint spaces and remain for an extended duration. Theoretically, a single administration could be effective for weeks or even months compared to the limited duration of standard MGF in minutes or perhaps hours.

PEG-MGF and Dental Applications
Human periodontal ligament cell culture studies indicate that the pegylated peptide may be able to improve osteogenic differentiation and enhance MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression.^[5] These factors improve the repair of the ligaments that attach the tooth to bone and provide alternatives to tooth extractions and implants. The peptide may even salvage damaged or avulsed teeth after they get surgically re-implanted.

PEG-MGF and Neuroprotection
Alexander Walker, Editorial Assistant at BioMed Central, has reviewed a study based on the long-term effects of elevated levels of MGF in the brain and central nervous system.^[6] The work observes how increased MGF apparently decreases the effects of age-related neuron degeneration. Mice administered with the peptide appeared to maintain their cognitive ability and function optimally for long into old age. As per Walker, “the efficacy of MGF in the brain is age-dependent,” as the mice in the study had shown better outcomes initially and over the long-term, if the peptide over-expression occurred earlier in life. MGF use may improve muscle weakness and decrease the loss of motor neurons in murine models of ALS. According to Dluzniewska et al., it is naturally produced in the brain after hypoxic injury and is over-expressed in the segments with highest neuronal damage.^[7] External MGF administration may help to alleviate the impact of various neurological diseases. Experimental research reports that PEG-MGF appears to exhibit minimal side effects, low oral bioavailability, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg dosage in mice does not match up to humans.

References