Sermorelin is an analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and was developed to support and maintain certain properties of natural GHRH. Sermorelin is currently researched clinically to assess growth hormone secretion, but researchers are investigating its potential to:
– Increase bone density
– Improve nutrition in chronic illness
– Reduce scarring after a heart attack
– Improve renal function
– Reduce seizure activity
– Mitigate dementia
Sermorelin and Heart Disease Research
A heart attack is an acute life-threatening event. It can lead to long-term disorders such as heart failure, cardiac conduction disorders (arrhythmias), impaired motor skills, and pain. Many of these problems result from cardiac remodeling following damage to 4,444 muscle cells (cardiomyocytes).
Cardiac remodeling often results in scarring in the damaged area after a heart attack and in the surrounding undamaged area. This remodeling causes many long-term problems, and studies have shown that preventing them can significantly improve results immediately after a heart attack and years later.
In 2016, a research study suggested that Sermorelin administration might effectively reduce post-cardiac remodeling. Studies suggest that Sermorelin has the potential to:
– Reduce cardiomyocyte cell death
– Increase the production of extracellular matrix components needed for proper healing
– Increase the growth of blood vessels into damaged tissue and is harmful
– Reduce the production of substances that cause inflammation
Clinically, the effects of Sermorelin have been hypothesized as having the potential to improve diastolic function, reduce scar size and increase capillary growth. Current studies are investigating the properties of Sermorelin in other forms of heart disease, such as heart failure and valvular heart disease. GHRH treatment may reduce the amount of scarring.
Sermorelin and Epilepsy Research
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a central nervous system signaling molecule known to reduce the electrical activity of the spinal cord and the overall electrical excitability of the central nervous system. Many antiepileptic medications work by increasing GABA levels in the central nervous system or by binding to GABA receptors and mimicking GABA effects.
In a recent study of mice with epilepsy, scientists administered GHRH analogs, such as Sermorelin to test the effect of these peptides on seizure activity. The GHRH analog was reported to effectively suppress seizures by activating GABA receptors.
Sermorelin and Sleep Cycle Research
Some research studies theorize that the sleep cycle is regulated by orexin, a powerful neurochemical produced by specific neurons in the brain. It is also generally understood in the scientific community that growth and healing, closely related to growth hormone release, occurs primarily during sleep.
Studies suggest this is not a coincidence, as the intact GHRH axis is necessary for orexin to secrete and function properly. In addition, one study proposed that extrinsic administration of Sermorelin and other GHRH agonists may increase orexin secretion.
Sermorelin and Muscle Mass, Long Bone Growth Research
Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone derivative that reportedly has the same potential as GH, inducing similar properties like increasing muscle mass, promoting long bone growth, and reducing adipose tissue. The proposed effect is the same, without adverse side effects.
Researchers suggest Sermorelin may be preferred in increasing human GH levels, over extrinsic growth hormone administration. The main reason for this priority is that Sermorelin appears to be affected by physiological feedback mechanisms that contribute to the general problems associated with the administration of GH avoidance. These problems include unintended side effects such as overdose, inadequate doses, edema, joint pain, and dysregulation of normal physiology.
Additionally, research studies posit that Sermorelin may not develop tachyphylaxis. Tachyphylaxis is when the body gets used to the medication and requires higher doses to achieve the desired effect. In some cases, tachyphylaxis is so severe that a substance leave (complete discontinuation of use) is required to regain the medication’s effect.
Sermorelin Safety Profile
Long-term use of Sermorelin in certain clinical situations and in animal studies, observe that subjects respond uniquely to the peptide. Instead of down-regulating the production of GHRH receptors by administering Sermorelin, the body typically was reported to increase its production. This ensures that the effects of Sermorelin remain static, that tachyphylaxis does not develop significantly, and that there is generally no need to increase dosages. Research studies thus far have indicated Sermorelin may exhibit moderate side effects, low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice.
This peptide is available strictly for laboratory and research purposes.
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Dr. Marinov (MD, Ph.D.) is a researcher and chief assistant professor in Preventative Medicine & Public Health. Prior to his professorship, Dr. Marinov practiced preventative, evidence-based medicine with an emphasis on Nutrition and Dietetics. He is widely published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and specializes in peptide therapy research.