Tesamorelin is a highly potent peptide. Scientists believe that it is more effective, more stable in the body, and much more powerful than the original compound. Its primary use is in the reduction of abdominal visceral fat in HIV-positive patients. Additionally, Tesamorelin can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. Patients with this infection often develop some neurological diseases, so the non-protective effect of this peptide is being investigated and confirmed over time. In addition to reducing inflammatory processes, it can also improve various cognitive functions, including memory and focus.
About the Peptide
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide and is a known analogue of the natural growth hormone-releasing hormone. Its origin largely determines its mechanism of action and is responsible for the various benefits of this peptide. Its use is mainly limited to complications of HIV infection, but other functions, such as anti-aging effects, are being investigated experimentally.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that, in its final stages, is also known as AIDS. After entering the body, the virus directly enters the cell, where it can cause damage to the cell's components.. The basic mechanism of action of HIV is to kill and reduce the total level of CD4+ lymphocytes. These cells are a type of T lymphocyte, which are cytotoxic, and serve to destroy most microorganisms that enter our body. In healthy patients with normal levels of these cells, most viruses and bacteria that enter the body never reach their full potential. However, since CD4+ lymphocytes are the primary carriers of immunity, when they decline in sick patients, the patient's immunity becomes severely compromised. Almost any microorganism (virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite) causes serious illness.
However, in today's medical practice, specific therapeutic options generally give good results. One of these is long-term antiretroviral therapy. Although patients undergoing treatments are typically immunologically stable, this type of therapy carries certain new risks. First of all, it increases the percentage of abdominal visceral fat, which is most often deposited as fatty tissue in the upper and lower extremities. In addition to aesthetic problems, which are also problematic due to the possible creation of psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, depression), there is an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications, insulin resistance, and other metabolic conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to act as soon as possible to minimize the risk of serious health problems for patients as soon as possible.
Based on clinical studies, it has been determined that Tesamorelin can significantly reduce levels of visceral abdominal fat while maintaining the achieved muscle volume. Control parameters were significantly improved in most patients after the application of this peptide therapy, indicating the potential of this peptide.
Patients infected with HIV very often develop some form of neurological disease from the group of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. This includes various developmental conditions and inflammatory diseases that carry the risk of cognitive impairment. Multiple functions include the speed of perception of acquired information, memory, understanding, and attention, which can weaken or fade over time.
Scientists believe that Tesamorelin can significantly improve these functions, reduce inflammation, and improve the health of the neurological system. The neuroprotective effect is crucial because it reduces the possibility of significant damage that would permanently impair the patient's function.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action, as always, depends on the indication. However, since Tesamorelin is mainly used to treat the consequences and complications of HIV infection, the mechanism of action is generally always the same with minor changes.
Its main application is mainly reflected in the reduction of multi-armed abdominal fat that occurs as a side effect of long-term antiviral therapy. Since Tesamorelin is an analogue of natural growth hormone-releasing hormone, it acts primarily by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce growth factors, directly stimulating the breakdown of fat, and regulating metabolic processes. As soon as it is introduced into the body, the peptide automatically stimulates the secretion of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), through which it achieves most of its effects.
IGF-1 works by favoring lipolysis (the process of breaking down fat) and decreasing lipogenesis (the process of creating visceral fat). The metabolic effects of Tesamorelin also include inhibiting fat accumulation, which leads to improved body appearance, and most importantly, slowing the development of serious diseases.
By reducing visceral abdominal fat, HIV-positive patients have a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. Even in an attempt to create this metabolic state, Tesamorelin can also increase insulin sensitivity, thus considerably affecting the pathological mechanism of the disease.
Most patients develop a specific disorder from the group of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders at some point in their lives. Diseases from this group are dangerous in themselves, and since patients are immunocompromised, they have almost no way to combat various inflammatory and degenerative neurologic disorders.
The primary mechanism of action is through the anti-inflammatory effect of this peptide. Tesamorelin can significantly reduce inflammation by lowering specific parameters, such as CRP and IL-6. Another beneficial effect includes the ability to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals (ROS). Tesamorelin may help by stimulating the secretion of specific compounds, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), which significantly supports neuronal growth and cell differentiation in neurons.
As a result of these mechanisms of action, most subjects in scientific studies experienced improvements in cognitive functions, including enhanced focus, improved and more productive memory, and easier and faster perception of acquired information.
Structure
This compound consists of:
- two hundred and twenty-one carbon atoms,
- three hundred and sixty-six hydrogen atoms,
- seventy-two nitrogen atoms,
- sixty-seven oxygen atoms,
- one sulfur atom.
These atoms occupy a specific arrangement in space and are responsible for the very high molecular weight of this peptide.
Side Effects
Injection Site Reactions
Since subcutaneous injections are the most common method of administration, side effects often occur at the injection site, including pain, redness, swelling, itching, or burning. These side effects are short-lived and usually resolve after a few applications.
However, they can significantly worsen the condition if patients suffer from certain skin diseases that exhibit symptoms such as itching or skin peeling. In this case, or if symptoms persist and worsen, it is necessary to consult a doctor. To prevent the occurrence of this reaction, patients are advised to rotate injection sites constantly.
Water Retention
Due to its origin, Tesamorelin primarily acts by stimulating the production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. This hormone can bind sodium, which automatically binds chlorine. When the sodium chloride compound (table salt) is added, it automatically binds water. This water is then retained in the joints of the hands and feet, which significantly hinders the patient's movement. Therapy for this condition is simple and includes diuretics, which help eliminate excess fluid. However, if treatment does not help, consultation with a doctor is advised to adjust the dose or use of the drug.
Symptoms of Reduced Tolerance to the Drug
The use of Tesamorelin causes symptoms such as myalgia, arthralgia, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and many others. These symptoms indicate reduced tolerance to the drug, and usually disappear within a few days as the body gets used to the compound. To prevent the occurrence of these side effects, the patient is initially given a lower dose of the medication. If symptoms worsen or persist for an extended period, patients are advised to consult their doctor for a dose adjustment or a change in therapy.
Safety
Tesamorelin is a safe compound if instructions are followed. The maximum effective dose should not be exceeded or changed independently, and provided the treatment is under the supervision of a physician, the chance of serious side effects is minimal. Regardless of achievements to date, Tesamorelin will remain the subject of future research.