Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide

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Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide
IUPAC name	L-histidyl-D-tryptophyl-L-alanyl-L-tryptophyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-Lysinamide
Other names	GHRP-6
Identifiers
CAS number	[87616-84-0]
PubChem	5486806
MeSH	Growth+hormone+releasing+hexapeptide
SMILES	C[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CC1=CNC2=CC=CC=C21) C(=O)NC(CC3=CC=CC=C3) C(=O)N[C@@H] (CCCCN)C(=O)N)NC(=O)[C@@H](CC4=CNC5=CC=CC=C54) NC(=O)[C@H](CC6=CN=CN6)N
Properties
Molecular formula	C46H56N12O6
Molar mass	873.014
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP6) is one of several synthetic met-enkephalin analogs that include unnatural D-amino acids, were developed for their growth hormone (GH) releasing activity and are called GH secretagogues. They lack opioid activity but are potent stimulators of GH release. These secretagogues are distinct from growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) in that they share no sequence relation and derive their function through action at a completely different receptor. This receptor was first called the GH secretagogue receptor, but now we know that the hormone ghrelin is this receptor's natural endogenous ligand and that these GH secetagouges act as synthetic mimetics of ghrelin.

The major side effect accompanied by the use of GHRP-6 is a significant increase in appetite due to a stimulating the release of Ghrelin, a peptide which is released naturally in the lining of the stomach and increases hunger and gastric emptying.

GHRP-6 causes stimulation of the anterior pituitary gland which ultimately causes an increase in GH release. Since GHRP-6 acts directly on the feedback loop which signals the inhibition of GH release, when natural GH secretion has been inhibited by long term synthetic use, GHRP-6 can be used to re-stimulate the natural production of GH. GHRP-6 also affects the central nervous system, by protecting neurons as well as increasing strength in a way very similar to the way certain steroids in the Dihydrotestosterone family do.

Benefits of increased Growth Hormone levels through GHRP-6 stimulation include: an increase in strength, muscle mass and body fat loss, rejuvenation and strengthening of joints, connective tissue and bone mass. Enhanced GH secretion also leads to the liver secreting more IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1), which is thought to be the primary anabolic mechanism of action for Growth Hormone.

Technical Data

It has also been discovered that when GHRP-6 and insulin are used simultaneously, GH response to GHRP-6 is increased (1). A recent study in normal mice showed significant differences in body composition, muscle growth, glucose metabolism, memory and cardiac function in the mice being administered the GHRP-6 (2). There are still many questions regarding this fairly new compound, scientists are hoping with to gain a better clinical understanding of the peptide through further research over the next few years.

[edit] References

• Korbonits M, Goldstone AP, Gueorguiev M, Grossman AB (2004). "Ghrelin--a hormone with multiple functions". Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 25 (1): 27–68. doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2004.03.002. PMID 15183037. 

• Template:Penlava, A, et. al. Effect of growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), atropine, pyridostigmine, or hypoglycemia on GHRP-6-induced GH secretion in man.

• Template:J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993 Jan;76(1):168-71. Adeghate, E. & Ponery, A.S. (2002) Ghrelin stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 14, 555560.