GHRP-6 10mg

GHRP-6, or growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide, belongs to a group of synthetic peptides that are developed with the potential to regulate and stimulate growth hormone levels. Additionally, GHRP-6 is a naturally occurring neuromediator and opioid peptide called met-enkephalin.

Initially, growth hormone-releasing peptides, GHRR, were developed to mimic the mechanisms of action of GHRHs or growth hormone-releasing hormones. When growth hormone-releasing hormone was first isolated in 1984, scientists believed that these compounds might work differently, with GHRHs showing a certain affinity to bind with ghrelin receptors.

Ghrelin is also known as the hunger hormone; when the stomach is empty, this hormone is naturally produced. Therefore, scientists believe that GHRHs may appear to govern actions through hypothalamus stimulation and may have the potential to affect various functions, like nutrient absorption and metabolism.

GHRP-6 research

Improves memory

The role of physical activity in memory formation and learning has been investigated for quite some time. While we don’t know the exact mechanism of action, scientists believe that physical activity boosts learning and cognition, particularly when exercise is done right after the learning task.

Originally, the advantages of exercise on cognition managed to improve blood flow and vague reference to growth hormone. Research conducted on rodents has helped to clarify why GH might be an important factor in memory formation. They revealed that GHRP-6 can help to convert short-term memories into long-term memories and solidify newly formed memories.

Protects brain tissue

Animals that had stroke are used to investigate the ability of this peptide to protect neurons and other cells in the central nervous system from a poor blood supply. Therefore, GHRH-6 not only protects brain tissue during an acute stroke but can reverse memory following a stroke if the peptide is administered in a timely manner. It appears that ghrelin and its analogues affect programmed cell death or apoptosis and minimize inflammation in the brain, guarding neurons against the surrounding environment following stroke and genetic programming.

Protects Parkinson’s Neurons

Based on a study conducted in 2018, it appears that GHRP-6 can protect brain tissue. It revealed that ghrelin receptors are found in part of the brain that is affected by Parkinson’s disease, which is also called substantia nigra.

In laboratory settings, conditions linked to Parkinson’s disease exhibit a decrease in the expression of ghrelin receptors in the substantia nigra. Moreover, rodents with the same defect showcase Parkinson’s symptoms when this antagonist is injected. To some extent, this shows that GHRP-6 might be useful when it comes to Parkinson’s disease.

Scientists believe this peptide may minimize apoptosis in neurons by binding to the diminished receptors, preventing or slowing down Parkinson’s disease.

Reduces scaring and improves skin appearance

According to studies conducted on animals, GHRP-6 might improve the survival of various types of cells by minimizing programmed cell death. This peptide also works with the CD36 receptors, which are known to boost vessel growth, primarily in wounds. Trials on rats show that these properties make GHRP-6 highly effective in healing wounds, closing wounds, improving collagen levels, and reducing the appearance of scar tissue.

This peptide could also prevent the development of hypertrophic scars. Similar to keloids, these scars happen because of abnormal deposits of extracellular matrix proteins. However, GHRP-6 prevents this tissue from forming, which could be a massive advantage for test subjects who are suffering from this condition.

Minimizes heart problems

Research affecting pigs, which were studied in relation to heart attacks, showed that GHRP-6 could prevent oxidant cytotoxicity; in other words, this peptide might be able to protect cells from free radicals. Scientists are hoping to develop a drug, based on these findings, which can be administered after a heart attack to protect cells that are vulnerable but still functional. In the future, these types of drugs could be able to lower death rates and enhance long-term outcomes following heart attacks.

Sex motivation and mood

According to some research on male rats, ghrelin receptors in the central nervous system affect motivation and sexual behavior. High levels of ghrelin, for example, can enhance sexual motivation. Clinical studies with GHRP-6 and a modified GHRP-6 developed to antagonize the ghrelin receptors have indicated that ghrelin receptors in specific parts of the brain can modulate reward-seeking behavior and sex behavior.

Summary

As previously mentioned, GHRP-6 has multiple applications in the healthcare environment. However, more research is required before this peptide can be used in humans. So far, scientists are satisfied with the results they have received, and they continue their research. They hope that one day, this peptide will be the answer to many health questions.

References:

C.-C. Huang, D. Chou, C.-M. Yeh, and K.-S. Hsu, “Acute food deprivation enhances fear extinction but inhibits long-term depression in the lateral amygdala via ghrelin signaling,” Neuropharmacology, vol. 101, pp. 36–45, Feb. 2016.

S. Beheshti and S. Shahrokhi, “Blocking the ghrelin receptor type 1a in the rat brain impairs memory encoding,” Neuropeptides, vol. 52, pp. 97–102, Aug. 2015.

K. Tóth, K. László, and L. Lénárd, “Role of intraamygdaloid acylated-ghrelin in spatial learning,” Brain Res. Bull., vol. 81, no. 1, pp. 33–37, Jan. 2010.

N. Subirós et al., “Assessment of dose-effect and therapeutic time window in preclinical studies of rhEGF and GHRP-6 coadministration for stroke therapy,” Neurol. Res., vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 187–195, Mar. 2016.

S. J. Spencer, A. A. Miller, and Z. B. Andrews, “The Role of Ghrelin in Neuroprotection after Ischemic Brain Injury,” Brain Sci., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 344–359, Mar. 2013.

Y. Suda et al., “Down-regulation of ghrelin receptors on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra contributes to Parkinson’s disease-like motor dysfunction,” Mol. Brain, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 6, 20 2018.

Y. Mendoza Marí et al., “Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 Enhances the Healing Process and Improves the Esthetic Outcome of the Wounds,” Plastic Surgery International, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/psi/2016/4361702/. [Accessed: 23-May-2019].

M. Fernández-Mayola et al., “Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 prevents cutaneous hypertrophic scarring: early mechanistic data from a proteome study,” Int. Wound J., vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 538–546, Aug. 2018.

J. Berlanga et al., “Growth-hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP6) prevents oxidant cytotoxicity and reduces myocardial necrosis in a model of acute myocardial infarction,” Clin. Sci. Lond. Engl. 1979, vol. 112, no. 4, pp. 241–250, Feb. 2007.

L. Hyland et al., “Central ghrelin receptor stimulation modulates sex motivation in male rats in a site dependent manner,” Horm. Behav., vol. 97, pp. 56–66, 2018.

H.-J. Huang et al., “The protective effects of Ghrelin/GHSR on hippocampal neurogenesis in CUMS mice,” Neuropharmacology, May 2019.

Korbonits, Marta, and Ashley B. Grossman. “Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide and Its Analogues.” Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, vol. 6, no. 2, Mar. 1995, pp. 43–49