Research

Sermorelin Acetate and Aging

Growth hormone is a Goldilocks hormone, which is to say that it has an optimal level for producing the best outcomes. Too much GH increases morbidity and mortality, but so does too little. There is good evidence to suggest that at least part of the reason we age is because growth hormone levels decline over time, leaving us with sub-optimal levels of this important messenger. This decline in GH levels is referred to as somatopause and it has become a major focus of anti-aging science and research.

Somatopause is defined by the common symptoms we associate with aging: difficulty maintaining muscle mass, increased fat deposition, loss of bone density, declining energy and libido, higher cholesterol levels, and changes in skin texture and elasticity. Exercise helps to prevent these aging effects precisely because it keeps GH levels high, but more and more research suggests that exercise can only do so much to offset the roughly 40% decline in GH levels that occurs between the ages of 20 and 70¹. Supplementation may, in fact, be necessary to achieve optimal GH levels. This, ironically, increases exercise capacity, which makes it easier to maintain GH levels moving forward.

It was initially thought that Sermorelin and similar peptides simply reduced the effects of aging without actually prolonging life. For instance, Sermorelin improved muscle mass and body composition, but researchers thought it unlikely that the peptide could help us live longer. Research in mice, however, shows that Sermorelin, specifically, does improve longevity. The improvement is interesting however, as the research revealed a dramatic increase in average life expectancy but no change in maximum life expectancy².

The above research is consistent with the idea that Sermorelin helps to maintain optimal body chemistry and thus maximizes lifespan. It does not extend maximum life expectancy, but it does help more individuals to get closer to their maximum lifespan. What is more, Sermorelin improves health and general function, meaning that individuals are more active and functional during their extended lives.

The benefits of Sermorelin in reducing the effects of aging include, but are not limited to:

• improved metabolism,

• improved body composition (more muscle and less fat),

• improved immune function,

• enhanced wound healing,

• better cardiac function, and

• improves sleep.

MK 677 Benefits

MK 677 (a.k.a. Ibutamoren, Oratrope, Crescendo) is a selective ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue) receptor agonist. Research shows that it increases secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Research has shown the major MK 677 benefit is that it activates the growth hormone axis without increasing levels of cortisol. MK 677 promotes a lean body composition by favoring muscle and bone deposition while simultaneously increasing fat burning. It is being investigated as a potential treatment for GH deficiency, certain bone and muscle conditions, disordered sleep, and as an appetite stimulant.

MK 677 Does Not Increase Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone known to suppress inflammation and increase the production of sugar in the liver. It is an important hormone for immune function and electrolyte balance, but too much of it leads to fat deposition, bone loss, high blood sugar, immune suppression, and muscle wasting. Some growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonists can increase cortisol levels, which dampens their positive effects. One MK 677 benefit, a result of its high specificity, is that it does not increase cortisol levels. Thus, the benefits of MK 677 in stimulating the GH axis are not offset by concomitant stimulation of cortisol release.

Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin are both peptide-based therapeutics that belong to the class of growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs). They are used for different purposes and have distinct receptor binding properties, but because they both affect natural growth hormone (GH) levels, they have similar effects in many respects. Both peptides have seen renewed research interest, however, thanks to a boom in the weight loss field led by peptide compounds like semaglutide and liraglutide. While both Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin are associated with changes in body composition, fat mass, and lean body mass, there is a great deal more to what these peptides can do.

Tesamorelin vs. Ipamorelin: Properties

Tesamorelin is approved for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This very narrow approval belies the peptide’s wider use as an agent for altering body composition. Research indicates that Tesamorelin can reduce fat mass, boost muscle and bone mass, improve peripheral nerve regeneration, and may even be useful in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment.

Ipamorelin, which underwent phase II clinical trials for the treatment of postoperative ileus, is known to be the most selective ghrelin receptor (aka growth hormone secretagogue receptor/GHSR) agonist yet discovered. It increases plasma growth hormone levels in animals but has no effect on prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, or adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. The astounding specificity of Ipamorelin makes it a highly useful peptide for studying the effects of increased GH levels with confounding results by elevating levels of other hormones.

Fifteen years ago, orexins were identified as central regulators of energy homeostasis. Research indicates that orexins are key modulators of the sleep-wake cycle and that these neuropeptides also affect feelings of satiety and hunger. Given their role in energy homeostasis, it was hypothesized that orexin levels are likely regulated, at least in part, by the growth hormone axis. Recent research supports this fact and suggests that growth hormone releasing hormone analogues, such as sermorelin, may be effective in treating conditions in which orexin release is dysfunctional (e.g. narcolepsy) [1].

MK677 and Ipamorelin are both selective agonists of the ghrelin receptor. Ipamorelin is a peptide analogue of ghrelin whereas MK677 is an unusual molecule that doesn’t fit into any specific category (it isn’t a peptide). These two compounds, while affecting a similar receptor, have different properties and produce different biochemical results. Many people are interested in the differences between MK677 vs Ipamorelin. Below is a look at how these compounds differ as well as how they are alike.

MK677 vs Ipamorelin

MK677, also known as Ibuatmoren and Oratrope, is an orally active, non-peptide, selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor. MK677 shares no structural similarities with ghrelin and therefore no structural similarities with Ipamorelin. Research shows that MK677 increases the secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) without affecting cortisol levels. It is currently under investigation for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency, muscle wasting, bone wasting, and appetite stimulation. MK677 has a long half-life and once-daily dosing in most trial settings.

Ipamorelin is a peptide analogue of ghrelin that stimulates the secretion of GH. It is among the most selective of ghrelin analogs with research revealing no effect on ACTH, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, or cortisol levels. Ipamorelin has been investigated in the treatment of GH deficiency, muscle wasting, and post-surgical ileus. It has also been the subject of numerous clinical trials for its ability to increase bone strength and mineralization.

BPC-157 vs TB-500

BPC-157 and TB-500 are both potent healing peptides with vast amounts of research investigating their properties and potential uses. Both are also synthetic derivatives of naturally occurring proteins that have been modified to enhance their already abundant features. Both peptides have been shown to improve immune function, enhance healing throughout the body, and even thwart the ravages of age in some ways. Still, BPC-157 vs TB-500 is a valid comparison as these two peptides are not the same and do not share all of the same functions. Below is a look at why someone might choose BPC-157 over TB-500 or vice versa. 

BPC-157 vs TB-500: General Wound Healing

Both TB-500 and BPC-157 have been shown to accelerate wound healing and tissue repair. BPC-157, a derivative of body protection compound (BPC), has a dose-dependent effect on the growth and migration of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for extracellular matrix repair[1]. TB-500, a derivative of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ-4) has a similar effect that it produces by manipulating actin filaments. Actin is a protein that plays central roles in cell reproduction and migration. Research shows that TB-500 can increase the rate of fibroblast growth and migration as well as boost health and migration of cells of the immune system.