Why the Need for Innovation?
The world of peptides is constantly evolving and innovating. Newer and better variants keep coming out, and even the old ones have room for improvement. But the question is, why would we want to fix something that is not even broken.
The answer is progress and our constant need for betterment.
That can either mean inventing and discovering new ideas and techniques or expanding our knowledge of what we already know. The same goes for MGF or Mechano Growth Factor.
What is MGF?
Mechano growth factor 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, we first need to understand more about IGF-1.
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)- A Brief Overview
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 but mostly to IGFBP-3.
IGF-1 has developmental and growth-related functions in children. In adults, it mainly performs anabolic functions. Peaking in concentration at puberty, its levels dip during infancy and old age.
Where does MGF fit in?
Researchers always strive to develop new peptide compounds with therapeutic potentials.
They do this by a process called ‘peptide splicing.’ Peptide splicing includes dissecting long sequences of amino acids until they find the one super beneficial peptide variant. This is how variants like IGF-1, IGF-DES, and others have been formulated. MGF is also one such product of peptide splicing. It is a splice variant of IGF-1, first found in the brain’s skeletal muscle and neurogenic areas.
How is MGF better than IGF-1?
Even though the benefits of IGF-1 cannot be disregarded, MGF is a significant improvement. This is because of its one very specific action on muscle satellite cells.
Muscle satellite cells are multipotent stem cells. These are ‘undifferentiated cells.’ In other words, they can divide and re-divide, and mature into a variety of different types of cells. Their proliferation plays a role in tissue regeneration and muscle mass build-up by increasing the number of muscle fibers. MGF activates them back into the cell cycle, which helps them to perform these functions.
Additionally, MGF has neuroprotective abilities in ischaemic brain tissue. This is due to its capacity to reduce neuronal loss and infarct area.
All these benefits give MGF an edge over IGF-1.
Sports Injuries and Benefits of MGF
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 commonly been used for a long time now to treat sports injuries. But newer studies reveal that MGF can produce significantly improved outcomes. It is expressed as a pulse following muscle damage and 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 for Muscle Mass Gain
MGF can benefit you even if you don’t have a muscular injury.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids have long been used in the sports industry. They are mainly used to boost muscle mass, performance, and endurance and shorten recovery time between workouts.
But do you know this use does not come without harmful effects? 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 or stroke, hypertension, or blood clot formation. Etc. Furthermore, long-term steroids use can cause bone damage and lead to osteoporosis.
MGF can be a healthier alternative for those who are interested in bodybuilding. It can produce the same effects as steroids without any health concerns. It has focused action of muscle satellite cells. Unlike steroids, they don’t have systemic effects and target other body organs.
To conclude, MGF is a peptide product of peptide splicing. MGF helps maximize gains, offers an excellent safety profile, and produces superior outcomes than alternative therapies.
NOTE: The information found on this website and within this article is intended for educational or informational purposes only. Some or all of the content in these articles are not substantiated by a medical professional and may be based on the opinions of the writer, who may not be a medical or accredited professional. Not intended for personal use. Please review our Terms and Conditions.
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.