1. GHRP-2 and Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Research shows that ghrelin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and blocks proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-a by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor pathway. One study was conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of GHRP-2 in LPS-treated rats. LPS administration in rats damages the liver cells and raises the level of transaminases, nitrates, and hepatic TNF-a. Researchers found that rats treated with GHRP-2 experienced the reduced effects of LPS on transaminases, nitrates and TNF-a. Further, the anti-inflammatory effect on non-parenchymal cells in the liver was observed [1].
In another study, the anti-inflammatory effect was observed in arthritis rats. Male wiser rats with arthritis-induced Freund’s adjuvant were either treated with saline water or GHRP-2 for eight days. The result found that GHRP-2 administration alleviated the external symptoms of arthritis in addition to reducing the levels of IL-6. Further researchers investigated if ghrelin or its agonist (GHRP-2) can modulate the release of IL-6 directly from immune cells. They incubated peritoneal macrophage cultures with GHRP-6 and found that it prevented IL-6 and nitrate release from cells under study. This indicates that GHRP-6 has an anti-inflammatory activity that might be mediated by ghrelin receptors present in immune cells [2].
2. GHRP-2 and Appetite
Ghrelin and its agonists are involved in appetite regulation. A clinical trial involving 10 prepubertal children was conducted to assess the effect of GHRP-2 on appetite. Participants received GHRP-2 900ug/kg twice a day for 12 months. The results found that 7 out of 10 patients reported an increase in appetite during the first 6 months of the study [3].
In another study, 7 healthy males received a subcutaneous infusion of GHRP-2 or saline water. Researchers found that participants who took GHRP-2 ate 26-46% more as compared to the control group [4].
3. GHRP-2 and Heart Health
GHRP-2 has been shown to promote heart health. One study conducted on myocardial stunning in a rabbit model found that GHRP-2 treatment for 14 days prevented diastolic dysfunction while recombinant human growth hormone didn’t show this effect [5].
Further, it can prevent cardiac remodeling following a heart attack and improve ventricular dysfunction. Research on the hamster model showed that GHRP-2 administration reduced myocardial fibrosis and slowed down the progression of left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. Further, it was suggested that suppression of oxidative myocardial stress by GHRP-2 led to these beneficial effects [6].
4. GHRP-2 and Sleep
Research shows that GHRP-2 can extend the 2nd and 3rd stages of the sleep cycle by 50%. Furthermore, it has the potential to decrease the occurrence of deviations from regular sleep patterns by up to one-third [7]. On the contrary, one study didn’t find any significant association between GHRP-2 and slow-wave sleep [8].
5. GHRP2 and Muscle Health
One study in Yaks found that GHRP-2 injections caused an increase in myofiber diameter and area of skeletal muscle. This might be due to the increased secretion of growth hormone and IGF-1 by GHRP-2. Further, it promoted protein synthesis and upregulated the mRNA expression of IGF-1 and GH in the liver and skeletal muscles [9].
GHRP-2 has also been shown to prevent muscle proteolysis followed by injury. In one study, researchers investigated how GHRP-2 affects E3 ubiquitin ligase expression (associated with muscle breakdown) in rats with thermal injury. Administration of GHRP-2 through slow in vivo release for 24 hours via minipump effectively reduced the mRNA expression of IL-6, as well as the E3 ubiquitin ligases, MuRF-1 and MAFbx. Moreover, GHRP-2 decreased the total and myofibrillar protein breakdown in the rat EDL muscle caused by burns [10].
6. Current Status of GHRP-2
GHRP-2 is a synthetic agonist of the GH receptor and ghrelin. It might have a beneficial effect on sleep, appetite, heart and muscle mass. Despite its potential therapeutic properties, it has not yet been approved by the FDA. We need more studies to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans. GHRP-2 purchase is limited to educational and research institutions. Buy GHRP-2 for your research from Element Sarms for quality and authenticity.