Tesamorelin - 5mg

Tesamorelin Fact Sheet

Tesamorelin Research Peptide Overview

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of the human hypothalamic Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (hGRF). It is a 44 amino acid polypeptide that acts on growth hormone-producing cells. The molecule has been modified to improve its stability.

In the context of research, Tesamorelin is being evaluated for its potential therapeutic effects on insulin resistance, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver. It is hypothesized that Tesamorelin may reduce liver fat and improve liver scarring. Tesamorelin is also being studied for its potential benefits in neurodegenerative health conditions like Alzheimer’s, due to its ability to promote weight loss while also improving cognitive function. However, research in this area is still preliminary.

Tesamorelin and Reduction in Fat Mass

Tesamorelin has been shown to reduce visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat in research studies. It works by activating GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, leading to the synthesis and release of growth hormone, which acts on multiple cells in the body, including hepatocytes, where it stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

In a study involving persons with HIV treated with integrase inhibitors (INSTIs), the tesamorelin-treated group saw a significant reduction in VAT of 8.3% compared to an increase in VAT of 10.8% in the placebo group. Furthermore, the tesamorelin-treated group saw a 31% relative reduction in hepatic fat fraction (HFF) compared to baseline, which was significantly higher than in the placebo-treated group.

Tesamorelin and Improvement in Fat Quality

In addition to reducing fat quantity, tesamorelin has also been shown to improve fat quality. A study found that in people living with HIV (PWH) with central adiposity who experienced VAT quantity reductions on tesamorelin, VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) density increased independent of changes in fat quantity, suggesting that tesamorelin also improves VAT and SAT quality in this group.

Tesamorelin and Increase in Muscle Area

Research has shown that tesamorelin is associated with significant increases in the density and area of several muscle groups. In a study involving adults with HIV, tesamorelin was associated with greater increases in the density of four truncal muscle groups and the lean anterolateral/abdominal and rectus muscles, compared to a placebo. Significant increases were also observed in the total area of the rectus and psoas muscles, and in the lean muscle area of all four truncal muscle groups.

Tesamorelin and Reduction in Lipid Parameters

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Tesamorelin on lipid parameters. For instance, a study found that daily Tesamorelin for 26 weeks decreased visceral fat and improved lipid profiles, including a decrease in the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. Another study showed that treatment with Tesamorelin resulted in significant reductions in triglycerides (-12.3%) and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (-7.2%) relative to placebo.

Tesamorelin and Cognitive Enhancement

Research has shown that Tesamorelin can have a positive impact on cognitive function. In studies involving both healthy older adults and adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Tesamorelin improved performance on executive function tests of response inhibition and set-shifting. There was also a statistical trend suggesting Tesamorelin-related improvements in working memory. Another study found that Tesamorelin improved executive function and, to a lesser degree, short-term verbal memory.

The mechanism behind these cognitive improvements is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be related to the increase in IGF-1 levels. IGF-1 is known to have neuroprotective effects and is involved in brain development, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, a study found that Tesamorelin administration increased GABA levels in all three brain regions, increased NAAG levels in the frontal cortex, and decreased MI levels in the posterior cingulate. These changes in neurotransmitter levels could potentially contribute to the cognitive improvements observed with Tesamorelin treatment.

Tesamorelin and Improvement in Body Image

In a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials, treatment with tesamorelin was found to reduce VAT and maintain this reduction for up to 52 weeks. This reduction in VAT was associated with improvements in body image, including reduced belly appearance distress and improved patient and physician ratings of belly profile.

In addition to reducing VAT, tesamorelin has been shown to improve other aspects of body composition. For instance, it has been associated with decreases in waist circumference, triglycerides, cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein. These changes in body composition can contribute to an improved body image.

Tesamorelin and Reduction in C-reactive Proteins

In the context of HIV patients with abdominal adiposity, tesamorelin has been found to have a beneficial effect on inflammatory markers, including CRP. The changes in these inflammatory markers were related to the degree of baseline elevation of these markers. Furthermore, reductions in liver fat with tesamorelin were associated with improvements in fibrosis.