1. IGF-1 Des and Muscle Health
Research indicates that insulin-like growth factor 1 and IGF-1 Des enhance muscle growth and hypertrophy. Overexpression of IGF-1 in muscles causes an increase in muscle size. A cross-sectional study in women found that low levels of IGF-1 were associated with poor knee extensor muscle strength, slow walking speed, and difficulty with mobility tasks [1].
The activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by IGF-1 is the possible mechanism through which it promotes muscle building. In one study, researchers found that IGF-1 causes the proliferation of myofibroblast in a dose-dependent manner. Further, they found that insulin-like growth factor 1 influences the myoblasts to enter a new cell cycle and increase the expression of cell cycle-dependent genes. However, the effect was diminished by Inhibitors of PI3k and Akt, indicating that PI3/Akt pathway is important for cell growth induced by IGF-1 [2]. Furthermore, one study reveals that IGF-1-specific muscle expression counteracts muscle wasting caused by angiotensin II [3].
2. IGF-1 Des Potency
The only structural difference between IGF- Des and IGF-1 is the lack of three amino acids at the N-terminus. This minor difference results in the inability of IGF-1 Des to bind with insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFPB) present in plasma and tissues, making it more available for receptors compared to IGF-1. This results in increased bioavailability and potency of IGF-1 Des.
Plus, less affinity of IGF-1 Des to bind with plasma IGFPB results in its increased clearance from the body. This means that the variants that bind poorly to IGFPB have a short duration of action, faster onset of action and rapid withdrawal as compared to IGF-1 [4]
In a study, researchers compared the hypoglycemic effects of IGF-1 and its variant IGF-1 Des in marmosets and pigs. They administered varying doses of test drugs in anaesthetized and conscious animals and measured the blood glucose level over a period of four hours. The results found increased potency of IGF-1 Des (2-3-fold) compared to IGF-1 [5].
Furthermore, one study found that des (1-3) IGF-I administration in 55 kg pigs depressed blood glucose levels with more potency compared to IGF-1 [6].
3. IGF-1 Des and Cognitive Function
IGF-1 plasma concentrations decline with age, and so does cognitive function. Research shows that IGF-1 is associated with improved cognition and neuroprotection. It stimulates cellular processes that promote cell survival, thus protecting neuronal loss [7]. A study found that long-term IGF-1 administration in aged animals increases neurogenesis, vascular density and utilization of glucose in parts of the brain involved in memory and learning [8].
One study determined the actions of IGF-1 in the rat brain and found that it increased excitatory synaptic transmission in CA1 by 40%. It also found that the increased post-synaptic mechanism was due to the involvement of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors. Further, it was revealed that the increased synaptic transmission was blocked by PI3k inhibitors, indicating that this effect is dependent on PI3k activation [9].
4. IGF-1 Des and Bone Health
Scientific literature shows that insulin-like growth hormone is a critical mediator of bone health. Research shows that decreased serum IGF-1 is associated with a vertebral fracture in patients with diabetes mellitus, suggesting IGF-1 as a potential marker of vertebral fracture [10].
One study found that IGF-1 and growth hormone administration resulted in increased bone resorption and bone formation. Plus, IGF-1 increased bone healing and showed rapid improvement in patients with Tibia and hip fractures [11].
5. IGF-1 Des and Autism
Deficiency in insulin-like growth factor 1 is associated with social malfunction in children. One study found that IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in children with autism than those without it [12].
Furthermore, it prevented apoptosis and reduced the expression of microRNA (miR-339-5p) that is involved in programmed cell death. It also speculated that the p38 MAPK pathway might be involved in the downregulation of microRNA (miR-339-5p) [9].
IGF-1 is known to improve brain network dysconnectivity, a neurobiological feature of ASD (autism spectrum disorder). Plus, it can also alleviate symptoms of Rett syndrome, having similar characteristics as ASD, in children. This indicates IGF-1 as a potential treatment for disorders like ASD and schizophrenia [13].
In a study, nine children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), a type of autism disorder, were enrolled in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. They were given IGF-1 and a placebo for 3 months in random order. The results found the IGF-1 phase to be associated with improvement in social impairment and restrictive behaviors [14].
Summary
IGF-1 Des is a potent natural analog of insulin-like growth hormone. It retains the properties of IGF-1 and is involved in cell differentiation and proliferation. Research shows that it can help build muscle mass and strength. Further, it’s a mediator of bone health and might reverse age-related cognitive decline. At Element Sarms, IGF-1 Des purchase is available for educational and research institutes. Only buy IGF-1 Des if you are a licensed researcher.