What are peptides?
Peptides are chains of amino acids that are link directly to signals sent between cells of human body.
These chains of amino acids can contain anywhere ranging from 2 to 40 individual amino acids. These are like bit smaller than the many regular proteins present in our body which then easy for your body system to utilize them and process.
Each of the peptide has its own particular function. For Instance: some may act as hormones, while the others may work as body neurotransmitters. Some of them can have direct interactions with the human body as the result of response to activities body perform or even something you eat.
Peptides have an important role in how the human body responds to the diet and exercise. If body have issues of fatigue, sex endurance, or body injury and healing are concerns, peptides help in enhance improvements.
What is Peptide Therapy?
Scientists are doing deep research on peptides due to their outstanding role in our physical and mental functions. Currently, there are over 80 US FDA approved peptide medications are available.
Peptide therapy has less toxicity and high potency and specificity. Their high chemical and biological diversity has proved in enhancement in cell growth.
Number of peptides that have been formulated and developed and they are showing high efficacy, safety and tolerability profiles. One of the great benefits of therapeutic peptides is that they can be linked to any body’s processes. Also studies have shown that they may be easier for the human body to absorb because of their elemental nature.
History of Peptide Therapeutics
All life on the Earth is controlled by a number of complex and well-coordinated chemical interactions which involve large number of proteins at the molecular level. Specific type of the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) lays down the foundation for all cellular processes that whether directly or indirectly help to regulate the series of activities of enzymes starting from transportation of ions, transcription process of nucleic acids and also various type of post-translational modifications of translated proteins.
Emil Fischer is considered as the founder of peptide chemistry and originator of the term known as peptide. In the start of the twentieth century, Fischer had a clear vision to foresee the day whilst a protein might be synthesized. Subsequent to this beginning, the progression was slow for the next 50 years. In 1953, the chemical synthesis of oxytocin by duVigneaud become a landmark achievement. After that there are large number of discoveries of large number of biologically active peptides. In last three decades, there are number of peptides discoveries leading to peptide libraries and peptide vaccines.
Benefits of peptide therapy
1. Enhancing immune function
One peptide called Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1) is showing great results in assisting strength of the immune system. Thymosin Alpha-1 is a peptide which is basically isolated from thymus gland as this compound is responsible for restoring of the immune function. The thymus is present in the upper anterior part of the chest behind the sternum and between the lungs. This gland helps in regulating the immune system. As a human immune function becomes weak, it leaves the body more vulnerable to illness. TA-1 is prescribed to the patients to optimize the performance of human immune health and improve general wellbeing by preventing viral and bacterial infections.
2. Cyto-protection and neuro-protection
Scientists discovered a new 24 bases amino acid peptide known as Humanin (HN) which can suppress neuronal cell death. Several studies have also confirmed that HN could be important in the prevention of angiopathy-associated Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction (MELAS), and other types of β-amyloid accumulation-associated neurodegeneration.
3. Tissue repair
Peptides like Thymosin Beta 4, Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), IGF-1 and CJC-1295/Ipamorelin are all peptides that can help you for tissue regeneration process.
Thymosin Beta 4 enhance vessels of blood, muscle cells, and skin cell regeneration and migration which result in much speedy and effective wound repair as well as quick recovery from injury. Thymosin beta peptide is stimulated from the thymus gland.
Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) is a very important inducer growth of muscle. It helps muscle cells in trauma to split resulting in creating new muscle cells in muscle growth and repair. It is important for recovery, repair of cells and the growth of new cells.
IGF-1 help in performance and in aiding for muscle building. It is the most essential growth factor that human bodies produce.
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combination help in release of Growth Hormone and IGF-1 and minimize body fat by forcing body to burn its stored fat as a source of energy. This is also known to enhance cellular repair & its regeneration, and production of collagen.
4. Wound healing
Certain type peptides have ability to stimulate the production of collagen known as “glue” which binds the cells together also called as connective tissue.
Three of the most commonly used peptides are BPC-157, TB-500 and CJC-1295. These peptides have become popular, because they work wonders with respect to helping heal injuries related to connective tissues. Most of the connective tissue problems happen to tendons and are a result of excessive exercise, lifting too much weight and repetitive use or stress injuries. A tendon injury can be a big issue in life and can alter the fitness progress along with affecting other vital aspects of life which include restful sleep, the livelihood and extra-curricular activities.
5. Decrease in adipose tissue
Some peptides are involved with burning of body fat, especially at the abdomen area, and increasing muscle mass both of which help to lose weight. Most of these peptides fall under the category of growth hormone-releasing peptides and include:
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CJC 1295
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Ipamorelin
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Tesamorelin
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Hexamorelin
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GHR-2
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HGR-
6. Post-workout recovery
Fitness has become a passion for many people This has led people to participate in sports leagues, training clubs and to achieve more fitness goals.
There were the days when only elite athletes were worried about things like high performance and accelerated recovery. Even the casual runner finds himself looking for help getting soreness and fatigue under control.
A recovery plan should include for strong fitness routine. Problems like injuries will occur if the muscles are not allowed to rest, regenerate or heal. Recovery in proper way result in muscle growth and strength building for which most people desire for. Peptides increase the normal process of repairing of tissue, enhance the sequence of events that take place for full muscle recovery.
The correct peptides increase the blood flow and healing process to begin quickly. It is now possible to use vital proteins and cellular structures at the place of damaged tissue. This helps in repair faster.
Peptides can also increase the recovery processes by helping in better sleep quality and minimizing general soreness after workouts.
Speedup recovery means a quick return to the field, track or gym.
7. Benefits of peptide to the skin
Peptides can strengthen integrity of skin, its color and elasticity in many ways. They promote hydration of skin surface and improve the skin tone. They boost the collagen, reduce Skin wrinkles, and repair skin damaged by sunlight.
These peptides include
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Growth Hormone Stimulants: Ipamorelin and CJC 1295
Growth hormone known as CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin are the most commonly used anti-aging peptides. Specific formulations involve combining these two growth hormone stimulants peptides as CJC 1295/Ipamorelin.
In regenerative medicine, anti-aging is described as the prevention of the loss or damage of natural muscle mass. This medical term for the loss of muscle is called as sarcopenia. Restoring muscle tone increases the flow of blood and delivery of different nutrients to skin cells.
The longer time we will retain our lean muscle mass, the better will be metabolism is.
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BPC-157
It is another a peptide which promotes the new blood vessels formation in skin damaged by sunlight.
8. Improvements to hair growth
Peptides have been found to fight the inflammation. They decrease hair loss and stimulate new hair growth in different ways. It inhibits DHT – a hormone that damage hair growth production in scalp. DHT is converted from testosterone hormone with an enzyme called as 5-alpha reductase. By blocking this enzyme, peptides prevent the production of DHT hormone and therefore prevent further hair loss.
Peptides also help in increase hair follicle size to make hair look healthier. They promote blood flow to the scalp surface to feed hair follicles. They increase the number of fat cells on the scalp surface, and prolong the cycle of hair’s growth. These changes result in hair growth that look strong, thick and healthy.
9. Anxiety or Depression
Do Peptides Affect Mood?
The short answer is YES. Peptides can affect the way you react and feel and hence affecting your mood.
How Many Types of Peptides We have for Anxiety?
Thanks to the latest technology in science, there are different peptides and peptide treatments are available for anxiety, such as
DHH-B
This peptide Dihydro Honokiol-B (DHH-B), is made by Magnolia tree bark which has been utilized in different traditional medicine for the generations. Inflammation in body, increased sleep time, cognitive health, loss of weight, stress reduction and anxiety are some of the ailments that its bioactive components have been proven to cure.
Senolytic
Aging cells and cognitive dysfunction can also be one of the reason for anxiety and depression. The fisetin in Senolytic with anti-inflammatory quality against microglial cells by blocking 5-lipoxygenase activity, suggesting that fisetin may delay the age related issues in brain function.
How are the peptides applied?
When it comes to peptide therapy, the most common form is subcutaneous injections because the injection allows the peptide to get into the bloodstream quickly and thus can be consumed by the body more efficiently. Some peptides are available in other forms like oral capsules, topical lotions or even in the form of nasal sprays. Each type of peptide may have its own unique way to be applied depending on its intended use.
How quickly might you see results?
For peptide therapy, it’s important to note that it’s not an instantly cured. Instead, peptide therapy is a supportive treatment that can increase your body’s innate healing.
Is peptide therapy right for you?
Research has shown that there are different peptides that are formulated to use for the conditions such as obesity, loss of muscle mass and joint pain. There are some peptides available that have are used to treat some inflammatory conditions such as chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia and healing of wound. There are specific peptides being used for some neurocognitive support such as depression, anxiety, stroke and brain injuries. There are some peptides which help hormone regulation and peptides to increase melanin, thus improving integrity of skin and skin tone as well as hair growth stimulation.
More than 100 peptide drugs are readily available in the United stated. They’re used for the treatment of the conditions like type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and elevated blood pressure. And large number are coming out all the time.
Did you know that the peptide therapy dates back to the 1920s? That is when doctors discovered diabetics patients did not produce enough amount of insulin, which is a natural peptide hormone that manages the sugar in the blood. Many medical companies then started to manufacture insulin. This led doctors to use insulin peptide hormone injections to balance their sugar levels. Today, there are more than 60 peptide hormones have been approved and are being used for medical use in the United States. The most example is Ipamorelin which is a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP). The Peptide therapy injections of Ipamorelin release growth hormones from the pituitary gland. This growth hormone can improve bone strength helps in healing of joint, reduce fat of body and increase energy. Also there are number of other peptides are being used in united states for boosting immune system, wound healing, skin toning and for hair health.
Conclusion
Peptides are amazing agents of nature that are 100% natural and consist purely of amino acids which are known as the building blocks of protein. These peptides have minimum side effects and that is the reason they can be consumed for healthy living. Peptides have ability of restoring youth, enhancing growth and regulate cellular function, repairing of wounds and injuries as well as promoting the sense of well-being.
Sources:
Jolene L. Lau, Michael K. Dunn,Therapeutic peptides: Historical perspectives, current development trends, and future directions,Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry,Volume 26, Issue 10, 2018,Pages 2700-2707,ISSN 0968-0896,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2017.06.052.
James Villepigue ,‘‘The power of peptides” Renew Life Rx,July 5,2019. https://www.renewliferx.com/newsletter/powerful-peptides-bpc-157-0-0
Zapała, Barbara & Kaczyński, Łukasz & Kiec-Wilk, Beata & Płatek, Teresa & Knapp, Anna & Thoresen, Hege & Wybranska, Iwona & Dembinska-Kiec, Aldona. (2010). Humanins, the neuroprotective and cytoprotective peptides with antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Pharmacological reports : PR. 62. 767-77. 10.1016/S1734-1140(10)70337-6.
Tramsformyou.(n.d.). 4 Best Peptides for tissue injury repair and recovery. https://www.transformyou.com/blog/4-peptides-enhance-tissue-injury-repair-and-recovery
Boulder Longevity Institute.( 2019, May 16). How to use peptides to shorten recovery time between workouts. https://boulderlongevity.com/use-peptides-for-faster-recovery-time-between-workouts/
Dr. Ignacio Guzman.(n.d). How Skin Care Peptides Help With Anti-Aging https://fresnointegrativemd.com/peptides-for-skin/
Shishira Sreenivas. “What are peptides.”Webmd, March 25, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-are-peptides