Research on GHRP-2 Peptide?
Stimulation of Growth Hormone (GH) Secretion: Research has shown that it stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion by acting on somatotroph cells in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Studies show it increases GH mRNA expression and release, even in individuals with impaired GHRH signaling, demonstrating a GHRH-independent mechanism (1).
Studies have also demonstrated that GHRP-2 modulates receptors such as GHRH-R and GHS-R, thereby enhancing GH secretion. Additionally, it stimulates ACTH release via PKA and PKC pathways. These effects make it a potent synthetic peptide for promoting GH secretion and related endocrine functions (2).
Anabolic and Metabolic Effects: Research shows that it boosts anabolic and metabolic effects by increasing growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 levels. This helps promote muscle growth, protein synthesis, and stronger bones. It also prevents muscle atrophy by reducing activity in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and supports fat breakdown through increased lipolysis and less fat storage (3).
Additionally, the peptide is known to stimulate appetite, increasing energy intake. These benefits make it a promising option for addressing issues like metabolic syndrome, obesity, muscle loss, and growth delays in both animals and humans (4).
IGF-1 Elevation: The peptide stimulates growth hormone (GH) release, leading to elevated Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which support tissue growth, repair, and protein synthesis. Studies show it enhances IGF-1 expression in liver and skeletal muscle, particularly with high-protein diets, and activates pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR for muscle growth. Its ability to boost IGF-1 makes it valuable for research on cellular regeneration, recovery, and addressing growth retardation, metabolic disorders, and age-related muscle loss (5).
Potential Cardioprotective and Neuroprotective Effects: It demonstrates cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, superoxide production, and apoptosis in cardiac tissues, improving cardiac output after ischemic injury. It also binds to CD36, preventing oxidized LDL uptake and reducing pro-inflammatory markers (6).
Neurologically, the peptide shows potential in neurodegenerative models by decreasing oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and inflammation. Its neuroprotective effects, linked to ghrelin pathways, may enhance memory and learning, offering therapeutic promise for conditions like Alzheimer’s and stroke recovery (7).
Anti-inflammatory and Organ Protective Effects: Research suggests that it exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways. In LPS-treated rats, the peptide reduced liver injury by lowering TNF-alpha, nitrites/nitrates, and transaminase levels while increasing IGF-I expression, particularly in nonparenchymal cells (8).
Additionally, in ovarian granulosa cells, GHRP-2 inhibited COX-2 and IL-8 expression by targeting pathways like p38, JNK, and NF-κB. These findings highlight it’s potential in reducing inflammation and protecting organs from damage (9).
Buy GHRP-2 Peptide Vial for research use from Peptide Works. Each vial contains high-purity lyophilized peptide, exceeding 99% purity, and is available in 5 mg and 10 mg sizes or as complete kits supplied with bacteriostatic water and syringes for effortless preparation.
References
(1) R G. Gondo, M H. Aguiar-Oliveira, C Y. Hayashida, S P. A. Toledo, et al (2001) Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2 Stimulates GH Secretion in GH-Deficient Patients with Mutated GH-Releasing Hormone Receptor – The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 86, Issue 7, 1 July 2001, Pages 3279–3283.
(2) M Yan, M Hernandez, R Xu, and C Chen (2004) Effect of GHRH and GHRP-2 treatment in vitro on GH secretion and levels of GH, pituitary transcription factor-1, GHRH-receptor, GH-secretagogue-receptor and somatostatin receptor mRNAs in ovine pituitary cells – European Journal of Endocrinology, 2004 Feb, Volume 150 (Issue 2), Pages 235-42.
(3) R Hu, Z Wang, Q Peng, H Zou, et al (2016) Effects of GHRP-2 and Cysteamine Administration on Growth Performance, Somatotropic Axis Hormone and Muscle Protein Deposition in Yaks (Bos grunniens) with Growth Retardation – PLoS One, 2016 Feb 19, Volume 11 (Issue 2), Page e0149461.
(4) B Laferrère, C Abraham, C D Russell, C Y Bowers (2005) Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men – Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2005 Feb, Volume 90 (Issue 2), Pages 611-4.
(5) H.G. Lee, Y.J. Choi, S.R. Lee, H. Kuwayama, et al (2005) Effects of dietary protein and growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP-2) on plasma IGF-1 and IGFBPs in Holstein steers – Domestic Animal Endocrinology, Volume 28, Issue 2, February 2005, Pages 134-146.
(6) J S Titterington, S Sukhanov, Y Higashi, C Vaughn, et al (2009) Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2 Suppresses Vascular Oxidative Stress in ApoE−/− Mice But Does Not Reduce Atherosclerosis – Endocrinology, 2009 Oct 9, Volume 150 (Issue 12), Pages 5478–5487.
(7) M D Gahete, J Córdoba-Chacón, R D Kineman, R M Luque, and J P Castaño (2011) Role of ghrelin system in neuroprotection and cognitive functions: implications in Alzheimer’s disease – Peptides, 2011 Oct 1, Volume 32 (Issue 11), Pages 2225–2228.
(8) M Granado, A I Martín, M López-Menduiña, et al (2008) GH-releasing peptide-2 administration prevents liver inflammatory response in endotoxemia – American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2008 Jan, Volume 294 (Issue 1), Pages E131-41.
(9) Y-N Chao, D Sun, Y-C Peng, and Y-L Wu (2016) Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 Attenuation of Protein Kinase C-Induced Inflammation in Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells – International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2016 Aug 19, Volume 17 (Issue 8) Page 1359.