Ipamorelin

What is Ipamorelin? A Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue

Ipamorelin is a highly selective short peptide sequence designed to bind to the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Known as one of the most precise growth hormone (GH) secretagogues, this ipamorelin peptide stimulates GH release without impacting ACTH, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, or cortisol levels, according to laboratory studies. Its remarkable specificity positions ipamorelin as a key focus in peptide therapy research, both as a potential therapeutic peptide and a model for understanding GH receptor binding selectivity. By supporting musculoskeletal tissue growth and repair, ipamorelin plays a critical role in advancing hormone therapy and peptide science.

Ipamorelin Structure: Peptide Sequence and Molecular Details

Understanding the structure of ipamorelin is essential for researchers studying growth hormone secretagogues and peptide therapy. Below are the key structural details of this ipamorelin peptide:

• Peptide Sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys
• Molecular Formula: C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅
• Molecular Weight: 711.868 g/mol
• CAS Number: 170851-70-4

The unique ipamorelin structure contributes to its high selectivity for the ghrelin receptor, making it a valuable compound in peptide research and hormone therapy studies.

Ipamorelin Research: Exploring Benefits and Applications

1. Ipamorelin and Negative Corticosteroid Effects

Research into ipamorelin benefits shows its potential to mitigate the adverse effects of glucocorticoids, commonly used to treat inflammation in conditions like autoimmune diseases. These steroids can cause serious side effects, such as bone density loss, by inhibiting growth hormone (GH) secretion. Ipamorelin therapy may counteract these effects, offering a promising avenue for reducing glucocorticoid side effects while supporting bone health and muscle repair.

2. Ipamorelin and Bone Health

Studies on ipamorelin and bone health highlight its role in addressing bone loss associated with long-term glucocorticoid use. By stimulating GH secretion, ipamorelin supports bone density and reduces the risk of fractures, making it a potential therapeutic peptide for conditions like osteoporosis and other bone health disorders.

3. Ipamorelin and Muscle Growth

Ipamorelin for muscle growth has shown promise in research due to its ability to enhance GH levels, which are crucial for muscle repair and growth. Studies in rats suggest that ipamorelin can counteract muscle catabolism caused by glucocorticoids, supporting muscle recovery and making it a candidate for muscle growth therapy in clinical settings.

4. Ipamorelin and Diabetes

Research into ipamorelin and diabetes explores its effects on insulin regulation. In diabetic rats, ipamorelin has been shown to indirectly stimulate the calcium channel in pancreatic islet cells, improving insulin secretion. This suggests potential applications for ipamorelin in diabetes management, particularly for type 2 diabetes and related metabolic conditions.

5. Studied for the Treatment of Post-Operative Ileus

Ipamorelin for post-operative ileus (POI) has been investigated as a potential treatment. POI, a common condition following abdominal surgery, slows gastrointestinal recovery. Research suggests that ipamorelin can accelerate recovery by enhancing GH secretion, making it a valuable therapeutic peptide for improving post-operative recovery.

6. Ipamorelin as Ghrelin Receptor Probe

Ipamorelin as a ghrelin receptor probe is used in research to study the ghrelin receptor and its role in GH secretion. Its high selectivity makes it an ideal tool for understanding receptor binding and developing new peptide therapies for conditions like growth hormone deficiency and metabolic disorders.

Referenced Citations for Ipamorelin Research

1. K. Raun et al., “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue,” Eur. J. Endocrinol., vol. 139, no. 5, pp. 552–561, Nov. 1998. [Link to study: Access Study]
2. N. B. Andersen, K. Malmlöf, P. B. Johansen, T. T. Andreassen, G. Ørtoft, and H. Oxlund, “The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats,” Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 266–272, Oct. 2001. [Link to study: Access Study] (Note: Full access may require a subscription)
3. J. Svensson et al., “The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats,” J. Endocrinol., vol. 165, no. 3, pp. 569–577, Jun. 2000. [Link to study: Access Study]
4. N. K. Aagaard et al., “Growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogue effects on nitrogen balance and urea synthesis in steroid treated rats,” Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 426–431, Oct. 2009. [Link to study: Access Study] (Note: Full access may require a subscription)
5. E. Adeghate and A. S. Ponery, “Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats,” Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 403–406, Dec. 2004. [Link to study: Access Study] (Note: Full text may not be freely available; PubMed abstract provided)
6. D. E. Beck, W. B. Sweeney, M. D. McCarter, and Ipamorelin 201 Study Group, “Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients,” Int. J. Colorectal Dis., vol. 29, no. 12, pp. 1527–1534, Dec. 2014. [Link to study: Access Study] (Note: Full access may require a subscription)
7. B. Greenwood-Van Meerveld, K. Tyler, E. Mohammadi, and C. Pietra, “Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus,” J. Exp. Pharmacol., vol. 4, pp. 149–155, Oct. 2012. [Link to study: Access Study]
8. M. M. Fowkes, T. Lalonde, L. Yu, S. Dhanvantari, M. S. Kovacs, and L. G. Luyt, “Peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor,” Eur. J. Med. Chem., vol. 157, pp. 1500–1511, Sep. 2018. [Link to study: Access Study] (Note: Full access may require a subscription)