What is MGF?
Mechano growth factor (MGF) is a derivative of IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1). IGF-1 is a hormone with a molecular structure similar to insulin. To study MGF, a strong understanding of IGF-1 must be a prerequisite.
Overview of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)
Insulin-like Growth factor or IGF-1, also known as Somatomedin C, is an insulin-like hormone. It has 70 amino acids in a single chain with three intramolecular disulfide bridges. IGF-1 is mainly produced in the liver. It can also be produced in target tissues elsewhere in the body paracrine. The main stimulus for its production is the Growth Hormone (GH). IGF-1 circulates the body bound to one of the six binding proteins, mostly to IGFBP-3. IGF-1 has been reported to host developmental and growth-related functions in children. In adults, it mainly has anabolic potential. Peaking in concentration at puberty, its levels appear to dip during infancy and old age.
MGF Application
Researchers strive to develop new peptide compounds with therapeutic potential. This process starts with ‘peptide splicing.’ Peptide splicing includes dissecting long sequences of amino acids until they find the single beneficial peptide variant. This is how variants like IGF-DES, and others have been formulated. MGF is a synthetic product of peptide splicing. It is a splice variant of IGF-1, first found in the brain’s skeletal muscle and neurogenic areas.
Comparing MGF and IGF-1 Mechanism of Action
Naturally occurring IGF-1 exhibits many beneficial functions in the body, and researchers isolated MGF in the hopes of enhancing on specific properties. Researchers have suggested MGF holds strong potential due to its apparent specific action on muscle satellite cells.
Muscle satellite cells are multi-potent stem cells. These are ‘undifferentiated cells.’ In other words, they can divide, re-divide, and mature into various types of cells. Their proliferation plays a role in tissue regeneration and muscle mass build-up by increasing the number of muscle fibers. Researchers have reported MGF introduces them back into the cell cycle, which helps them to perform these functions.
Additionally, MGF may have neuroprotective potential in ischaemic brain tissue. This is attributed to its possible capacity to reduce neuronal loss and infarct area.
MGF and Sports Injury Research
Athletes and people involved in activities such as weightlifting and bodybuilding often suffer from various injuries. These injuries are usually muscular and involve muscle, tendon, or ligament. These situations require proper medical assistance since muscle injuries do not repair easily.
BPC-157 and TB-500 have been heavily researched for their potential in injury management. Recent studies report that MGF may produce similar properties, expressed as as potential pulses following muscle damage, which is involved in activating muscle satellite (stem) cells. Once activated, these stem cells divide and differentiate to form muscle fibers, resulting in quicker recovery and better muscle gain.
MGF and Muscle Development Research
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are frequently cited in muscle growth studies. They are mainly used to boost muscle mass, performance, and endurance and shorten recovery time between workouts. In males, steroids are known to cause infertility. In women, it has side effects such as facial hair growth, severe acne, and problems with menstruation. Additionally, steroids significantly increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, hypertension, or blood clot formation. Furthermore, long-term steroid use may cause bone damage and lead to osteoporosis.
Researchers have cited that MGF properties are comparable in some respects to anabolic-androgenic steroids. It has been reported in laboratory settings to produce similar effects as steroids without the typical adverse effects. It may have focused the action of muscle satellite cells. Unlike steroids, MGF may not have systemic effects or target other body organs.
MGF is a peptide product of peptide splicing. MGF may potentially maximize muscle development produce superior outcomes than alternative therapies once fully investigated and approved for human use.
This peptide is available strictly for research and laboratory use and is not approved for human consumption.
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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.