Peptides have recently gained all the limelight from general public as the name is being used by some commercials. But this very thing has been enjoying the attention of researchers for quite a few years. Proteins have a similarity with peptides as both of these are made of amino acids. Animal system have peptides naturally and these take part in major functions of the body. These are also synthesized in the laboratory. Tesamorelin is one such peptide which is artificially synthesized. This analogue to growth hormone releasing hormone has 44 amino acids. The N-terminus of GHRH has been modified to achieve better stability and pharmacokinetics. This peptide is called TH9507 or Egrifta.
Tesamorelin has been identified as one of the potent treatments to HIV. HIV is one of those diseases which lead to acquired lipodystrophy. Irregular storage and distribution of lipid in the body is called lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy induced by HIV is characterised by excessive lipid accumulation, insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. All of these may be the result of antiretroviral therapy. There are many options to treat this condition and decrease the morbidity rate. Treating with peptides like Tesamorelin is one of such options.
Antiretroviral therapy and HIV
The HAART or the highly active antiretroviral therapy was introduced as a treatment of HIV. While this therapy was capable of reducing mortality rate associated with HIV, it often led to lipodystrophy. Research found that patients with HIV induced lipodystrophy had very low level of GH. Improving GH level can lead to cholesterol reduction and increased fat oxidation. The research on GH axis and fat accumulation led to the discovery of Tesamorelin.
GHRH receptors which are located in the anterior pituitary are activated the peptide. This activation leads to increased production as well as secretion of the peptide. Then the hormone stimulates the synthesis of IGF-1 or insulin like growth factor-1 by acting on several bodily cells including the hepatocytes. IGF-1 which is analogous to GH is capable of inhibiting lipolysis, glucose reduction and programmed cell death. Low levels of IGF-1 and GH is noticed in patients suffering from HIV and lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin can bring change to this condition and effectively manage lipid accumulation and metabolism. Due to the modified N-terminus, Tesamorelin is more resistant to enzyme deactivation.
Benefits
Patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment were the part of a research where they were treated with Tesamorelin. The primary finding was a difference in neurocognitive performance which was measured by GDS or Global Deficit Score. The study is still not complete and the results are yet to be published. Tesamorelin is a potential treatment for patients suffering from HIV induced cognitive impairment.
Tesamorelin has been widely in use as it was approved by US FDA back in 2010. It is available as a medicine only for prescription use. Though there have been many trials demonstrating its efficacy, the peptide is still under trial for further exploration. Researchers can buy tesamorelin to explore its full potential.