Peptides

Peptides are naturally occurring short chains of amino acids. It is usually less than 50 amino acid chains in length. Peptides are generally cell surface signaling molecules that indirectly affect cellular activity. It has a pleiotropic effect that has a quick on and off mechanism, but can have lasting epigenetic changes. It usually has synergistic properties with other peptides, supplements, hormones, antibiotics and most other therapies. Peptide therapies are generally tissue-specific while hormones are less precise with broad effects. It regulates most every known process and system in the body in a tissue and cellular specific manner. There are several categories of peptides including immune modulating, tissue repair and healing, sleep, low libido, growth hormone secretagogues and brain peptides for memory, depression, insomnia, traumatic brain injury and anxiety.

Examples of peptides.

MOTS-C

It is a peptide that is 16 amino acids long. It is a mitochondrial-derived peptide or sometimes called energy peptide. It can turn on the mitochondria to make more energy that targets skeletal muscle and fat cells. This peptide is useful in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and those who want to lose weight. In addition, literature suggest that MOTS-c decreases insulin resistance and increases GLUT4 uptake in muscle.

CJC-1295 and IPAMORELIN

CJC 1295 stimulates growth hormone secretion and will keep a steady increase of HGH and IGF-1 with no increase in prolactin, leading to fat loss, and increased protein synthesis, in turn promoting growth. CJC 1295 is a tetrasubstituted 29-amino acid peptide hormone, primarily functioning as a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog.

Ipamorelin is a selective GH-Secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist. Used together with CJC-1295, there is larger increase in growth hormone than used separately. Another use for both peptides combined is for sleep.

THYMOSINE B4

Thymosin Beta 4 is a peptide, produced naturally by the thymus gland. Thymosin Beta 4 plays a role in tissue repair. T4 has been known to play an important role in protection, regeneration and remodeling of injured or damaged tissues. The gene for T4 has also been found to be one of the first to be upregulated after injuries. Thymosin Beta 4 is mostly prescribed for acute injury, surgical repair and for senior athletes. Additionally, it has most recently been shown to help regrow hair in addition to PRP.

THYMOSINE ALPHA 1

Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1) is a peptide, or small protein, produced naturally by the thymus gland. It plays an extremely important role in the immune system. The thymus is where immune cells known as T cells mature and are released when prompted to do so by the Ta1 peptide. Ta1 has been shown to enhance the function of certain immune cells called T and dendritic cells. It is used in the treatment of Hepatitis and AIDS. Ta1 has shown exceptional promise in the treatment of Lyme disease.

PT-141

PT-141 works directly through the nervous system to increase arousal, desire, and satisfaction with sex. Although most of the research has been targeted to women with female sexual dysfunction it has been found to be an effective medication in treating sexual dysfunction in both men (erectile dysfunction or impotence) and women (sexual arousal disorder).

BPC-157

BPC 157 is a peptide chain composed of 15 amino acids, it is a partial sequence of body protection compound (BPC) that is discovered in and isolated from human gastric juice found in the stomach. Numerous research has demonstrated that it accelerates the healing of many different wounds, including tendon-to-bone healing, and superior healing of damaged ligaments. Further research suggest systematic healing of intestinal damage such as fistulas, inflammatory disorders, gastric ulcers, gastro-intestinal cramps, Crohn’s disease and leaky gut.

KISSPEPTIN

Kisspeptin can influence testosterone levels and sex-related behaviors like drive and motivation. It can stimulate Leydig cells to produce testosterone without the result of hypogonadism shown with exogenous testosterone usage. Research also suggests it may help to reverse some of the effects of aging. It also shows other physiologic effects such as helping with egg implantation and maturation in reproduction, as well as the prevention of ectopic pregnancy.