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Growth Hormone is responsible for several metabolic functions from early life to adulthood. Unfortunately, its secretion declines with aging, therefore, replacing GH or stimulating its secretion may be an appealing option that could confer benefits in normal physiological processes, such as aging, loss of muscle mass, strength, and exercise capacity. Ultimately, prolonging the ability to live independently.

This review summarizes the synergistic power of GHRPs and CJC-1295 in GH replacement, as seen in research using animal models.

WHAT ARE GHRPs

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides are synthetic, non-natural peptides that could secrete GH release from rat pituitary cells. They don’t have any structural similarities with Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone and act through specific receptors present either at the pituitary or the hypothalamic level both in animals.

Some of the GHRPs available for animal studies include GHRP-6, GHRP-1, GHRP-2, Hexarelin, and even the non-peptidyl GHRP known as MK-677.

The GH-releasing effect of GHRPs does not depend on sex but undergoes age-related variations. It increases from birth to adulthood and decreases afterward. However, the activity of GHRPs is still higher than that of GHRH. This is why, when used together, they could synergistically stimulate GH release.

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MECHANISM OF ACTION

Animal studies show that GHRPs act by blocking somatostatinergic activity at the pituitary and the hypothalamic level through a GHRH-mediated mechanism. However, the possibility that GHRPs act through an unknown hypothalamic factor is still open. The research found that these peptides release GH without affecting the negative feedback mechanisms in the GH pathway, which include somatostatin and IGF-1.

WHAT IS CJC-1295

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of the human Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone, with a substitution of four amino acids that render the compound more resistant to proteolytic inactivation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). It covalently binds to endogenous albumin after subcutaneous administration, thereby extending its half-life and duration of action.

Studies in animals (rats, pigs, and dogs) show that several days after a single administration of CJC-1295, serum IGF-I levels are still increased. In a recent report, CJC-1295 administered to healthy subjects caused a sustained dose-dependent stimulation of serum GH and IGF-I levels when injected at intervals of 1-2 weeks.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

CJC-1295 is a GHRH mimetic. It increases plasma levels of growth hormone from somatotropic cells in the pituitary gland of animal test subjects, without altering its normal pulsation. It doesn’t inhibit the effects of somatostatin.

This is why GHRH products can’t be integrated for anabolic purposes unless they are combined with a GHRP.

GHRPs AND CJC-1295 COMBINED

There is a marked age-related decline in GH secretion in both sexes. GH replacement may be successful in reversing many structural and functional abnormalities. It seems a potentially reasonable approach to prevention or even reversal of the frailty symptoms of aging. It is postulated that GH treatment could also improve muscle strength and functional performance.

In principle, treatment with peptides should offer a more physiologic approach to GH replacement, leading to a pulsatile rather than prolonged elevation in GH and preserving the capability for negative feedback inhibition of GH by rising levels of IGF-1.

While the effects of these two peptides differ clinically, they have synergistic effects on GH release, and therefore supplementation of both substances may be more effective than either alone.

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BENEFITS OF INCREASED GROWTH HORMONE LEVELS 

Aging is not a disease. It is a physiological state of relative GH deficiency. The combined use of GHRPs and CJC-1295 may result in several anecdotal benefits, as shown in research studies such as: 

• Increased muscle mass
• Increased strength
• Decreased body fat
• Improved quality of sleep
• Increased bone density
• Improves immune function
• Improved skin elasticity
• Improved tissue repair post-injury

CONCLUSION

Given the potential risks of exogenous GH use, alternative therapies using a combination of GHRPs and CJC-1295, that avoid these risks, would be welcome additions in the management of GH-deficient animals. They may have the advantage of a more physiological approach with theoretically decreased risk for side effects.

LOOKING FOR WHERE TO BUY PEPTIDES

You can purchase GHRPs and CJC-1295 from Loti Labs. Buy peptides which are USA-made for the integrity of your research. They are tested through HPLC and Mass spectrometry to ensure quality.

References:

1. Alba, M. et al. (2006). Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism.

1. Jette, L. et al. (2005). hGRF1-29-albumin bioconjugates activate the GRF receptor on the anterior pituitary in rats: Identification of CJC-1295 as a long-lasting GRF analog. Endocrinology.

1. Benquet, C. et al. (2004). (CJC-1295 (DAC-GRF), a long-acting GRF analog, enhances pulsatile GH secretion, increases IGF-I levels, and restores linear growth. Program of the 86th Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society, New Orleans, LA, p 491 (Abstract P3-109).

1. Ghigo, E., Arvat, E., Muccioli, G., & Camanni, F. (1997). Growth hormone-releasing peptides, European Journal of Endocrinology, 136(5), 445-460. Retrieved Jan 19, 2020, from https://eje.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/eje/136/5/eje_136_5_001.xml

1. Hersch, E. C., & Merriam, G. R. (2008). Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone and GH secretagogues in normal aging: Fountain of Youth or Pool of Tantalus?. Clinical interventions in aging, 3(1), 121–129.

1. Sigalos, J. T., & Pastuszak, A. W. (2018). The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sexual medicine reviews, 6(1), 45–53. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.02.004