WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
Peptides are an integral part of most biological processes and are present throughout every cell and tissue in the body. Maintenance of accurate concentration and activity levels of peptides is critical to obtaining homeostasis and maintaining health. The function of a peptide is determined by its size and amino acid sequence.
All peptides are made of amino acids chemically connected together. Peptides differ in size from two amino acids–dipeptides–to 50 amino acids. Polypeptides consist of 50-100 amino acids. Proteins are made of 100's to thousands of amino acids.
There are at least 700 various therapeutic peptides.
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF PEPTIDES AVAILABLE
Transporters
Like glucose transporters, they are vital for glucose to travel from the blood into the muscle.
Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts that hasten metabolic reactions. Most of the hundreds of enzymes are peptides.
Hormones
Hormones are biological messengers that deliver information from one tissue through the blood to a distant tissue. Two prevalent types of hormones are peptide and steroid hormones. Examples of peptide hormones are those directly involved in blood glucose regulation, such as insulin and glucagon, and those that control appetites, such as ghrelin and leptin.
Structural components
Peptides like actin and myosin work as structural elements of the muscle, and some other peptides assist with bone shape and strength.
TYPES OF PEPTIDES
UNDERSTANDING PEPTIDE THERAPY
Peptide therapy is a growing field of medicine, but what exactly does it mean? This approach uses specific peptides – short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins – to trigger certain biochemical responses in the body. These tiny chains of amino acids can mimic natural processes and have potential therapeutic benefits.
Studies show that our bodies naturally produce over 7,000 peptides, which act as tiny messengers, helping cells communicate with each other. So when we talk about peptide therapy peptides, we're talking about harnessing these signals for health purposes.
STORAGE
Peptides need to be stored either at room temperature, cooled, or frozen. Please refer to each individual peptide for storage instructions.
Potential Benefits of Peptide Therapy
Cellular Communication and Regulation
One critical role peptides play is cell-to-cell communication. When a cell needs to send out a message or signal to another cell, it often uses peptides as its courier service.
This signalling mechanism lets our bodies respond effectively to changes within their environment. It’s how we react swiftly when danger lurks or relax when everything’s calm again.
Disease Prevention: A Key Player
In addition to helping with cellular communication, peptides also contribute significantly to disease prevention. They do this primarily through immune system modulation and therapeutic applications.
- Immune System Modulation: Some types of peptides help regulate your immune response by encouraging the production of white blood cells that defend against infections.
- Therapeutic Applications: Certain synthetic peptides have been designed for use in clinical trials due to their potential health benefits. These include anti-ageing effects, improved cognitive function, and more.
Improved Immune Function
One major advantage is the potential enhancement of immune function. Certain peptides have been studied for their ability to boost immunity by stimulating T cells. These cells help protect our body from pathogens and diseases.
Better Athletic Performance and Weight Loss
Athletes might also find interest in this topic because some peptides show promise for enhancing athletic performance. Research suggests they can increase muscle mass and reduce recovery time after intense workouts. They can aid in relieving joint and muscle pain.
Peptides can also suppress appetite and reduce food intake, leading to weight loss. They stimulate the release of growth hormones, which increase fat burning and muscle development, also aiding in athletic performance and overall health.
Cognitive Function
Fascinatingly enough, certain peptides may even enhance cognitive function. Brain-boosting peptides could offer hope for those dealing with cognitive disorders or simply looking to give their brain an extra edge.
Cancer Treatment
The war against cancer could see some significant advancements thanks to peptide therapy. Researchers have discovered that certain peptides can bind with specific types of tumour cells, delivering drugs specifically to the affected area. This approach might help increase effectiveness while reducing side effects commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy methods.
A key player here is "targeted peptide receptor radionuclide therapy" or PRRT. PRRT uses radioactive isotopes attached to peptides, creating what’s essentially a smart bomb aimed at malignant cells. Studies suggest potential in this mechanism of treatment, yet further study is necessary before it can be deemed viable.
Studies suggest that certain peptides could help stop tumour growth or even directly destroy cancer cells.
Anti-Aging Research and Hair Growth
Beyond battling life-threatening diseases like cancer, researchers are also looking into how peptide therapies may slow down the ageing process by penetrating the skin barrier. Some studies suggest that they might boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity—both important factors when fighting signs of ageing.
These tiny chains of amino acids can also promote hair growth and improve scalp health. Peptides increase blood flow to hair follicles, balance hormones, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
