Growth HormonePeptides5 min read
GHRP-6: The Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide in Fundamental Research
GHRP-6 was one of the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogues. Learn how it works and what current research shows.
Growth HormoneCardiology
Hexarelin: The Most Potent Synthetic GH Secretagogue in Research
5 min read
Hexarelin: The Most Potent Synthetic GHRP
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide from the GHRP family and is regarded as the most potent GH secretagogue in this compound class. Compared to GHRP-6, Hexarelin exhibits higher binding affinity at GHSR-1a and triggers stronger GH release, but is also subject to faster desensitisation with chronic administration.
Developed in the early 1990s, Phase 1/2 studies in humans showed dose-dependent GH release that declines after several weeks of treatment due to tachyphylaxis — attributed to receptor downregulation.
Cardioprotective Effects via CD36
A surprising finding in Hexarelin research was the discovery of a GH-independent mechanism: Hexarelin binds with high affinity to CD36, a scavenger receptor protein on cardiomyocytes and macrophages. Via this pathway, Hexarelin shows cardioprotective effects in preclinical models, including reduction of ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
The decoupling of cardiac effects from the GH axis makes Hexarelin an interesting research tool for cardioprotective signalling pathways, particularly in the context of heart failure and myocardial ischaemia.
Research Relevance and Availability
In fundamental research, both mechanisms of Hexarelin are investigated: modulation of the somatotropic axis and CD36-mediated cardioprotective effects. Studien Peptide provides Hexarelin as a high-purity lyophilised peptide for research purposes.