Peptides are defined as molecules that consist of between 2 and 50 amino
acids, whereas proteins are made up of 50 or more amino acids.
Bioactive peptides have become extremely popular in the antiaging industry,
as they can aid in weight loss, improvement in aging skin, improvement in
muscle to fat mass ratio, improvement in immune function, and improvement in
overall sense of well-being.
Below is a list of some of the peptides that we offer in our practice as
part of our Peptide Therapy program:
Peptide Therapy for Inflammation
BPC157
Body Protection Compound-157, is a synthetic peptide made up of 15 amino
acids. It was initially isolated from human gastric juice and is now
produced in a laboratory as well.
Potential benefits:
Accelerated healing: BPC-157 has been shown to accelerate the healing of
various tissues, including tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. It
may help to reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of new blood
vessels, which can promote faster healing.
Anti-inflammatory effects: BPC-157 may have anti-inflammatory effects,
which could help to reduce pain and swelling in the body.
Protection of the digestive system: BPC-157 has been studied for its
potential to protect the digestive system from damage caused by factors
such as alcohol, stress, and NSAID use. It may help to promote the
healing of ulcers and prevent further damage to the gut lining.
Joint health: BPC-157 may have beneficial effects on joint health, such
as reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new cartilage.
Anxiety and depression: Some studies have suggested that BPC-157 may
have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, possibly by influencing the
levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Dosing: the typical BPC-157 dosage for subcutaneous injection is 200 to 300
micrograms (mcg) per day, in a single daily injection, taken consistently
each day for up to 4 weeks. Individuals have injected up to 800 mcg,
typically divided into 2 doses in the day, without side effects. If
continued dosing is desired after 4 weeks, it is commonly recommended that
the individual take at least a 2-week break.
A peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized
for modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function. Thymosin alpha-1
has been utilized in the treatment of immunocompromised states and
malignancies, as an enhancer of vaccine response, and as a means of curbing
morbidity and mortality in sepsis and numerous infections. Studies have
postulated that thymosin alpha 1 could help improve the outcome in severely
ill Covid-19 patients by repairing damage caused by overactivation of
lymphocytic immunity and prevent the excessive activation of T cells.
Some examples of human studies that have been conducted with Thymosin
alpha-1:
A study published in the journal Vaccine in 2004 evaluated the safety
and immunogenicity of a Tα1-based influenza vaccine in healthy
volunteers. The results suggested that the vaccine was safe and
well-tolerated, and it induced a strong immune response against the
influenza virus.
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical
Oncology in 2011 evaluated the efficacy of Tα1 in combination with
chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The
study found that the combination therapy was associated with longer
progression-free survival and overall survival compared to chemotherapy
alone.
A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology in 2012
investigated the effects of Tα1 on immune function in patients with
chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The results suggested that Tα1
treatment improved immune function and reduced inflammation in these
patients.
A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Clinical and
Experimental Allergy in 2013 evaluated the efficacy of Tα1 in
combination with allergen-specific immunotherapy in patients with
allergic rhinitis. The study found that the combination therapy was
associated with greater improvement in symptoms and reduced need for
rescue medication compared to immunotherapy alone.
Dosing of Thymosin alpha-1: 1.6 mg subcutaneously 2 times per week.
Thymalin
A polypeptide that consists of 28 amino acids and is derived from the thymus
gland. It has been studied for its potential immunomodulatory effects, and
some studies suggest that it may help to stimulate the production of immune
cells and enhance immune function. Thymalin has also been studied for its
potential anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to promote tissue
repair. Thymalin was approved as an immunomodulator by the USSR Ministry of
Health in 1982.
For further reading on human studies with Thymalin, a Powerpoint
Presentation is available upon request.
Dosing: 10 mg daily for 10 days; may repeat every 6 months.
A synthetic peptide, which was identified as the active component of a
bovine pineal gland extract. Epitalon has been studied for its potential
anti-aging effects and some studies suggest that epitalon may help to
increase the length of telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends
of chromosomes that shorten as we age. Human studies:
Epitalon decreased the level of LDL and VLDL lipoproteins and increased
HDL in patients with NIDDM. In these same patients with hypertension,
epitalon, decreased BP and improved myocardial contraction.
Administration of epitalon in patients with asthenia syndrome
(fatigue/lack of energy) revealed nearly complete elimination of their
symptoms.
Administration of epitalon in elderly individuals promoted the complete
normalization of antioxidant indices.
Epitalon has been studied in cancer patients, mostly with hormone
dependent cancers, such as breast, uterine, and ovarian. Results showed
improved cellular immunity and significantly decreased the incidence of
recurrences and metastasis as compared to the control.
For further reading on human studies with Epitalon, a Powerpoint
Presentation is available upon request.
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a
mitochondria-derived peptide that has been studied for its potential health
benefits, particularly in relation to aging and metabolic health.
Mitochondrial function deteriorates as we age and MOTS-c levels in
70-81-year-olds drop by nearly 21% compared to 18-30-year-old individuals.
Some of the potential benefits of MOTS-c include:
Improved insulin sensitivity: Studies suggest that MOTS-c may help to
improve insulin sensitivity, which is important for the regulation of
blood sugar levels and metabolic health.
Increased energy expenditure: Some research suggests that MOTS-c may
help to increase energy expenditure, which may have implications for
weight loss and metabolic health.
Improved cardiovascular health: MOTS-c has been shown to have potential
cardioprotective effects, including the ability to improve mitochondrial
function and reduce oxidative stress.
Improved physical performance: MOTS-c has been shown to have potential
benefits for physical performance, including the ability to increase
muscle strength and endurance.
Potential anti-aging effects: Some studies suggest that MOTS-c may have
potential anti-aging effects, including the ability to promote
mitochondrial biogenesis and reduce oxidative stress.
Dosing: 10 mg subcutaneously weekly x 4 weeks; take a 3 week break and
repeat as needed.
Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide that acts as a growth hormone
secretagogue, meaning it stimulates the secretion of growth hormone in the
body.
Human studies with ipamorelin:
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism, researchers investigated the effects of ipamorelin on growth
hormone secretion in healthy elderly individuals. They found that
ipamorelin increased growth hormone secretion without affecting
insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, suggesting that it may be a
useful therapy for age-related decline in growth hormone secretion.
Another study published in the same journal examined the effects of
ipamorelin on growth hormone secretion and body composition in obese
men. The researchers found that ipamorelin increased growth hormone
secretion and led to significant reductions in body fat, suggesting that
it may be a useful therapy for obesity and related conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation investigated
the effects of ipamorelin on glucose metabolism in healthy individuals.
The researchers found that ipamorelin increased insulin secretion and
improved glucose tolerance, suggesting that it may be a useful therapy
for diabetes and related conditions.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that is similar in structure to growth
hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It works by increasing the production and
release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland in the brain. Some
potential benefits of CJC-1295 include increased muscle mass and strength,
improved recovery from exercise, and reduced body fat.
Human studies with CJC-1295:
Researchers investigated the effects of CJC-1295 on growth hormone
secretion in healthy adults. They found that CJC-1295 increased growth
hormone secretion and had a sustained effect over several weeks.
Another study published in the same journal examined the effects of
CJC-1295 on body composition and metabolism in obese adults. The
researchers found that CJC-1295 reduced body fat and improved insulin
sensitivity, suggesting that it may be a useful therapy for obesity and
related conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation investigated
the effects of CJC-1295 on muscle mass and strength in older adults. The
researchers found that CJC-1295 increased muscle mass and strength,
suggesting that it may be a useful therapy for age-related decline in
muscle function.
The combination of ipamorelin with CJC1295 may have a synergistic effect on
increasing growth hormone levels in the body.
Some studies suggest that combining ipamorelin with CJC-1295 may enhance the
beneficial effects of each peptide individually. For example, a study
published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that
combining ipamorelin with CJC-1295 increased growth hormone levels more than
either peptide alone in healthy adults.
Another study published in the journal Endocrine Practice investigated the
effects of combining ipamorelin with CJC-1295 in adults with growth hormone
deficiency. The researchers found that the combination therapy led to
improvements in body composition, including reductions in body fat and
increases in lean body mass.
A compound found in Panax ginseng, a type of herb commonly used in
traditional Chinese medicine. RG3 nasal spray is a formulation of this
compound that is being investigated for its potential therapeutic benefits,
particularly in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown
that RG3 may help to improve cognitive function and memory, as well as
protect against neurodegeneration.
Human studies with RG3:
In a 2012 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research,
researchers gave RG3 to healthy middle-aged adults and found that it
improved their cognitive function, specifically in the areas of
attention and working memory.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that RG3
improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The
researchers also noted that RG3 had a protective effect on brain cells.
In a 2015 study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers gave RG3
to healthy young adults and found that it improved their exercise
performance and reduced muscle damage.
A 2016 study published in the journal Oncotarget found that RG3 had
anticancer effects in human breast cancer cells.
RG3 Dosing: doses have ranged from 10 - 200 mg per day. With RG3 nasal
spray, typically 2 sprays in each nostril is administered daily, with each
spray being 10 mg.
