November 2014

  1. How do Peptides Work?

    How do Peptides Work? There are a large variety of peptides, which are used in scientific studies for a range of purposes.   Studies have been conducted on animal test subjects to determine which peptides work best for specific projects. Peptides are intended for laboratory research only.  Not for human consumption. What Are Peptides? In layman’s terms, peptides are a compound of two or more amino acids through the binding of the carboxyl group of one and the amino group of the other. The peptide bond is created once the water molecule is eliminated. Peptides can be looked upon as small proteins. For instance, anything that has 49 amino acids or less are considered peptides – however, this isn’t a golden rule for determining what is and isn’t a peptide. A dipeptide is a peptide that consists of two amino acids that are bonded by a single peptide bond. Tripeptides are peptides that have three amino acids that have two peptide bonds that bound them together. Polypeptides are simply one elongated un-branched line of amino acids that are bound together by peptide bonds, but isn’t complex enough to be considered a protein. Proteins, by the way, consist of polypeptides. The Functions of Peptides in the Body In order for the body to work properly, amino acids are needed to produce peptides. The body stops the production of peptides as it ages or due to stress, poor diet and physical changes. These scenarios can cause a down-regulated production of peptides. For instance, as the body ages, the growth factor, known as IGF-1, is reduced naturally. There are a variety of functions that peptides have in the body. Some peptides act similar to neurotransmitters and others act like hormones. When used in test subjects, peptides are shown to influence physical exercise and diet. In order to increase muscle growth, a certain amount of amino acids are needed. This will produce HGH, human growth hormones. Peptides have been used in studies involving bodybuilding and athletic test subjects, to see if it can counteract down-regulations in growth factors. In the studies that administer peptides to animal test subjects, results show that the peptide is easily digested by the body, since it is small enough to be broken down, unlike with larger protein molecules. It is also believed that peptides are more beneficial than amino acids that are un-bonded and unstable. Types of Peptides Creatine and glutamine peptides are widely used in research studies. In the research, it shows that the body absorbs them quicker and has few adverse effects. Peptides can come in powder, pill or injection form. Studies show that peptides that are in the injectable form help to produce growth hormones, enhance lean body mass and reduce the percentage of body fat in test subjects; it is also shown to speed up the recovery process after working out. Some of the peptides within this category include IGF-1, GHRP-6 and Ipamorelin. The peptides that are commonly used in anti-aging studies include SNAP-8 and Pal-GHK. As studies continue for peptides, more research details will be released in regards to their effectiveness for muscle building, weight loss, athletic performance enhancement and anti-aging. Disclaimer: Peptides are still undergoing extensive research and is not intended for consumer use. When purchasing peptides, it’s important that they only be used for experimental purposes. Strict laboratory guidelines should be followed when conducting tests using peptides. It is also recommended that safety equipment be worn by researchers. If exposure to a peptide occurs, it’s important to wash it away as quickly as possible.  
  2. What is ACE-031?

    ACE-031 is categorized within the protein family. It is consistently used in laboratory research to determine its ability to improve muscle mass. This protein is also being used for research in regards to neuromuscular disease treatment. The hypothesis of the studies is to see whether ACE-031 can be used to preserve physical function and boost strength of test subjects. Studies are still ongoing, so more is being learned on a regular basis about what this peptide can do. Proteins like ACE-031 are not approved for human consumption. What Exactly is ACE-031? This is a protein that’s being investigated to determine if it can be used for therapeutic purposes for building muscle and enhancing the strength of test subjects. It does this by allowing molecules to bind to cell surface receptors – this is also where it signals through. These cell surface receptors are known as Activin Receptr Type IIB, also known as ActRIIB. ACE-031 is a recombinant fusion protein that is produced when a portion of the ActRIIB receptor and a part of the standard antibody are joined together. This then creates a decoy version of ActRIIB that circulates and eliminates proteins like GDF-8 (also known as myostatin) and other molecules that limit the muscle’s strength or growth. How the ActRIIB Sends Signals and Promotes Muscle Growth The proteins in the TGF-B superfamily are used to regulate muscle growth. These act as the on and off switch for the production of muscles. In order to stop muscle growth, several molecules, such as GDF-8, intermingle with the ActRIIB receptor, which stops the production of muscle. When these off switches aren’t present, the muscle increases in mass radically. Studies Using ACE-031 for Building Muscles When ACE-031 was administered to test subjects, it showed that it helps to promote muscle growth and inhibit signaling from ActRIIB receptors. ACE-031 then binds together with other proteins that use the ActRIIB receptors to signal a limitation to muscle growth. Once bonded with these proteins, ACE-O31 stops communication with the ActRIIB, which then allows muscles to increase in size. Since ACE-031 stops certain proteins from sending signals through the ActRIIB, its effect on lean muscle exceeds those of just myostatin alone. When used on test subjects, ACE-031 shows growth of lean muscle and increased strength over test subjects that haven’t been treated with the protein. This has been used on healthy test subjects and those with diseases related to muscle wasting and weakness. For research involving skeletal muscle building, a single dose of ACE-031 was administered to test subjects. In two weeks, over two pounds of muscle was developed in those test subjects. It was also noted that the ACE-031 decreased leptin and increased adiponectin, which altered the biomarkers of fat metabolism and the formation of bone. It also changed resorption due to the decreased CTX and increased BSAP. The side effects of ACE-031 doses of different levels were mild or transient. No serious adverse effects were seen. Some of the adverse effects that were witnessed in test subjects included bleeding from the nose, signs of a headache and reactions at the injection site. The half-life of ACE-031 is 12 days, according to research. Disclaimer: ACE-031 is not intended for use in humans. The studies that were performed using this protein were for the purpose of research and experimentation only. It’s not recommended for purchase for any other reason than for testing. It is advised that any research conducted using ACE-031 should be done in an experimental setting that complies with strict lab guidelines. It is important that safety equipment be worn while experimenting with ACE-031. If one of the researchers is exposed to the protein, the area should be cleansed thoroughly to avoid adverse reactions.

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