Ipamorelin is known for its potential anti-aging, fat reduction, and other regenerative benefits. However, the research community is concerned with its potential links to cancer. So let’s uncover the facts behind the fiction. Let’s look to dispel the myths with reliable science-backed research to ease your curiosity.
Ready to debunk some of the misconceptions you might have? Let’s get into it.
What is Ipamorelin Peptide?
Ipamorelin is a peptide that is being researched for its potential to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH). Due to its unique composition of five amino acids, it is known as a pentapeptide. Due to similar methods of action, Ipamorelin is often associated with CJC 1295, though they are two different compounds.
Initially developed by Novo Nordisk Inc. It was investigated in phase 2 clinical trials as a potential treatment for postoperative ileus. This is a condition in which the bowel stops functioning following a surgical procedure. However, due to a lack of efficacy, the study was discontinued. [R]
Scientists use certain chemicals to study how various substances could affect the release of growth hormone (GH). These chemicals are called growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRP) and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists. These studies have shown that Ipamorelin has the potential to cause the release of growth hormone by acting on a receptor similar to the one for GH. As a result, Ipamorelin is selective for growth hormone. This means it primarily targets and affects GH in a way similar to GHRH. This means Ipamorelin could be a potential future aid in human growth hormone interventions.
How Does It Work as a Peptide Therapy?
Research shows that Ipamorelin has the potential to mimic the actions of Ghrelin. Ghrelin is a gut hormone that affects food intake, fat deposits, and GH release. If Ipamorelin is to bind to a ghrelin receptor (or the GH secretagogue receptor, GHSR) in the brain. It would selectively stimulate the release of GH from the pituitary gland. [R] [R]
According to research, as humans age GH secretion naturally tends to decrease. A reduction in lean body mass and an increase in adipose tissue have been partly attributed to this age-related decline in GH secretion. [R]
This may explain the potential impact and fascination of Ipamorelin in anti-aging research.
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1. Does Ipamorelin Cause Weight Gain?
A 9-week animal study was conducted to assess Ipamorelin’s effects on weight gain and adiposity. The study involved female GH-intact and GH-deficient mice. Following the Ipamorelin treatment, body weight in the GH-deficient mice increased by 15.3%. [R]
However, it is worth noting that there were no changes in the relative weight of dissected organs in the Ipamorelin-treated mice. Conversely, GH treatment did lead to increases in liver weight. This suggests that subjects may not experience the same organomegaly as seen in GH-treated subjects.
Thus, Ipamorelin has the potential ability to stimulate GH release without affecting other organs. This suggests it might provide a more targeted and controlled approach to managing GH deficiency. This may lead to potentially fewer side effects compared to traditional GH treatments.
2. Can Ipamorelin Impact Bone Health?
An animal study conducted on adult female rats found some compelling results. Ipamorelin as well as GH-releasing peptide-6 increased bone mineral content in adult female rats.
As measured in vivo, both Ipamorelin and GHRP-6 increased total, tibial, and vertebral bone mineral content. All substances also increased the tibial area bone mineral density. [R]
In another study, Ipamorelin increased the longitudinal bone growth rate (LGR) in adult female rats. There was also a pronounced and dose-dependent effect on body weight gain. [R]
3. Could Ipamorelin Impact Muscle Growth?
A study set out to investigate the effect of Ipamorelin on counteracting the catabolic effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscle mass and bones. Glucocorticoids promote the breakdown of muscle proteins. It does this by increasing the expression of specific enzymes. As a result, prolonged exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids can lead to muscle wasting and weakness. [R]
Ipamorelin counteracted decreases in muscle strength and bone formation found in GC-injected rats. [R]
This means there could be potential to counteract the catabolic effects of glucocorticoids. However, longer-term clinical trials on randomized populations are needed. This will give a better indication of the potential anabolic effects of Ipamorelin.
4. Does Ipamorelin Treatment Cause Cancer?
No sufficient evidence exists on whether or not Ipamorelin can cause cancer. However, it is important to consider that Ipamorelin can stimulate the release of growth hormone and IGF-1.
In some studies, it has been noted that overexpression of IGF-1 and its receptor could potentially stimulate tumor growth. However, this does not directly mention Ipamorelin. This means we cannot reasonably conclude that Ipamorelin may cause cancer growth just as a result of its relationship with GH and IGF-1.
One study seems to provide some more insight. The study investigated the effect of Anamorelin. This is a similar GH-releasing peptide. The study was conducted on cancer subjects with cachexia. Anamorelin did not promote tumor growth in a mouse with non-small cell lung cancer, despite increased levels of GH and a trend of increased IGF-1. [R]
Summary
Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide and growth hormone secretagogue. It is known for its potential ability to stimulate growth hormone levels. Unlike other peptides, Ipamorelin is highly selective for growth hormone release. It does this without significantly affecting other hormones. This article provided more information to debunk myths about Ipamorelin and growth hormone therapy. Highlighting Ipamorelin’s mechanism and its role in increasing growth hormone levels safely and effectively compared to other peptides.
