IGF-1 DES represents a variant of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Studies suggest that the absence of the N-terminal sequence of Glycine-Proline-Glutamine in this peptide may enhance its potential resistance to specific inhibitors and augment its bioavailability. Reports suggest that the truncated version may have a ten times greater potency than its untruncated counterpart. It has been speculated to be significant in hypertrophy and cellular growth research.
The researchers have hypothesized that the variant suggests a partially preserved heightened potency when presented, showcasing discernible anabolic effects primarily in gastrointestinal tissues. It additionally seems to stimulate anabolic processes in catabolic states.
IGF-1 DES vs. IGF-1
Investigations purport that IGF-1 DES suggests enhanced potency compared to IGF-1 in reducing blood glucose levels, likely attributed to its lower affinity for IGF-1 binding proteins (IGFBPs). Additionally, IGF-1 DES may have promise in potentially offering neuroprotective characteristics and promoting anabolic effects on skeletal muscle cells. Researchers speculate that it may exhibit the favorable characteristics of enhanced clearance from the circulatory system and accelerated attainment of higher and more rapid peak activity. Scientists hypothesize that these inherent characteristics render it a potentially favorable alternative for managing hyperglycemic conditions, thereby potentially achieving effects akin to insulin presenting while mitigating elevated quantities’ long-term effects. Reports suggest it is worth mentioning that the anabolic effects of IGF-1 DES seem to manifest even in situations of restricted calorie intake, leading to notable changes in weight, nitrogen retention, and food conversion efficiency.
IGF-1 DES Peptide and Neurological Health
Experiments suggest that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may facilitate neurons’ growth and differentiation while supporting their viability. Findings imply that this phenomenon is accomplished through its alleged capacity to facilitate synaptic plasticity, thereby enhancing memory consolidation.
Scientific research suggests that it has been proposed that IGF-1 DES may have the potential to facilitate the development and preservation of mature synapses. In a more precise manner, investigations purport that these substances might potentially assist in regulating optimal levels of presynaptic synapsin-1 protein and post-synaptic PSD-95 protein. These molecules seem to exert regulatory control over the release of neurotransmitters and the maintenance of synaptic structure, leading to negative impacts on motor skills, behavior, cognitive functioning, and language development.
Additionally, researchers speculate that they may exhibit a neuroprotective effect on dopaminergic neurons and enhance behavioral patterns in Parkinson’s Disease. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that IGF-1 DES may exhibit promising capabilities in preserving neuronal density and the number of excitatory synapses within the context of Rett syndrome and chromosome 22 deletion syndrome. Scientists propose that these peptides might potentially mitigate NDMA-induced over-stimulation and subsequent neuronal demise by safeguarding neurons against excitotoxicity.
IGF-1 DES Peptide and Autism
Researchers have proposed that analogs of IGF-1 suggest robust effects on synapses, rendering them potentially optimal options for disorders arising from disturbances in synaptic development. The conditions above encompass autism, fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Angelman syndrome. Low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the brain have been linked to aberrant neurodevelopment and the advancement of autism spectrum disorder. Nevertheless, studies suggest that presenting IGF-II and similar compounds such as IGF-1 DES might counteract these occurrences by enhancing social interaction, recognizing novel objects, improving contextual fear conditioning, diminishing obsessive behavioral patterns, and enhancing grooming and memory capabilities.
IGF-1 DES Peptide and Cognitive Function
Time induces a progressive decline in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels within the brain, which subsequently impacts cognitive processes such as learning and memory. Current research suggests that the presentation of IGF-1 DES may positively impact excitatory post-synaptic potential, increasing it by approximately 40%. These findings purport that the peptide may potentially enhance cognitive function. The researchers have documented that “the immediate effects of des-IGF-1 on excitatory synapses in the hippocampus could offer understanding into the process through which sustained elevations of plasma IGF-1 enhance cognitive abilities in elderly rats.”
IGF-1 DES Peptide and Immune Function
Findings imply that the surface of mononuclear cells and neutrophils may exhibit the presence of IGF-1 receptors. Recent research has suggested that IGF-1 DES may potentially enhance the production of hydrogen peroxide from mononuclear cells and promote the differentiation of neutrophils into pathogen-eliminating blastocytes. Investigations purport that these observed effects could potentially enhance immune function.
References
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[ii] Ghazi Sherbaf F, Mohajer B, Ashraf-Ganjouei A, Mojtahed Zadeh M, Javinani A, Sanjari Moghaddam H, Shirin Shandiz M, Aarabi MH. Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Parkinson’s Disease; Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers and White Matter
[iii] Microstructure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018 Nov 2;9:608. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00608. PMID: 30450079; PMCID: PMC6224341.
Ni F, Sun R, Fu B, Wang F, Guo C, Tian Z, Wei H. IGF-1 promotes the development and cytotoxic activity of human NK cells. Nat Commun. 2013;4:1479. doi: 10.1038/ncomms2484. PMID: 23403580; PMCID: PMC3586714.
[iv] Zhao X, McBride BW, Trouten-Radford LM, Burton JH. Effects of insulin-like growth factor-I and its analogues on bovine hydrogen peroxide release by neutrophils and blastogenesis by mononuclear cells. J Endocrinol. 1993 Nov;139(2):259-65. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1390259. PMID: 7508487.
[v] Sureshbabu A, Okajima H, Yamanaka D, Shastri S, Tonner E, Rae C, Szymanowska M, Shand JH, Takahashi S, Beattie J, Allan GJ, Flint DJ. IGFBP-5 induces epithelial and fibroblast responses consistent with the fibrotic response. Biochem Soc Trans. 2009 Aug;37(Pt 4):882-5. doi: 10.1042/BST0370882. PMID: 19614612.
