What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a 29 amino acid precursor of Growth Hormone. It is known as a growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF) because it stimulates the release of Growth Hormone rather than acting as a copy of GH. For this reason, Sermorelin does not cause a suppression of natural Growth Hormone production from the pituitary gland. The Peptide Sermorelin was first FDA approved in 2001 for use as a safe alternative to Growth Hormone daily injections. It has been found to be best suited for its anti-aging benefits in middle aged men and women and does not promote growth of long bones.
What is Growth Hormone (GH)?
Growth Hormone (GH), also known as Somatotropin, is a peptide hormone consisting of 191 amino acids. It is produced by somatotropic cells within the anterior pituitary gland and plays a role in growth, cell reproduction, and overall regeneration. GH is a naturally occurring hormone that is chemically related to insulin. It is secreted in short pulses during the first few hours of sleep and after exercise. GH promotes growth of cells, bones, muscles and organs throughout the body throughout one’s life. It is responsible for generating and regenerating a strong and flexible physique over time.
Cellular Regeneration and Hormones
Every three years approximately 90% of the cells in the human body are newly regenerated.
The body is composed of more than 100 trillion cells that are continuously dying and regenerating. The brain and the nervous system retain their original cells; however, in the brain new proteins are continuously being produced to store memories of every new experience. Overall, our ability to regenerate versus disintegrate depends on Growth Hormone.
Our bodies naturally produce GH in abundance when we are young, but the production
gradually slows over time as is the case with other hormones. Production of GH peaks during adolescence and falls after the age of 21, by about 14% per decade. By age 60, GH production is reduced by one-half. Healthy humans produce 500 micrograms per day at age 20 and only 200 micrograms per day at age 35. Between the ages of 70 and 80, the GH production can drop as low as 25 mcg per day. Individuals with higher levels of GH appear more youthful and report greater vitality and stamina.
Close Connections: Growth Hormone, IGF-1 and Insulin
Growth hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Insulin have a tightly linked relationship. GH stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, acts on various tissues to promote growth, including skeletal muscle, collagen, elastin, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone, and other connective tissues. IGF-1 acts as a primary mediator of GH’s effects. This axis is crucial for normal growth and development in children and plays a role in maintaining tissue integrity and metabolism in adults. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is molecularly and functionally related to Insulin in that both influence blood sugar levels and metabolism, but they have distinct roles. IGF-1, primarily produced in the liver, enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, while insulin, secreted by the pancreas, is the main regulator of blood glucose levels. Both Insulin and IGF-I can suppress GH synthesis and release. Therefore, excessive sugar consumption, diabetes, and/or Insulin Resistance will suppress the positive anti-aging benefits of GH and lead to premature aging and decreased cellular and connective tissue regeneration.
Measuring Your GH and IGF-1 Levels
Growth Hormone is difficult to measure because of its pulsatile variation throughout the day. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is a related hormone produced in response to the secretion of GH that is used to measure GH activity. Unlike the pulsatile pattern of Growth Hormone secretion, IGF-1 levels are relatively constant and provide a superior marker of GH status in the body. Low levels of IGF-1 are associated with decreased cardiac function, increased visceral fat mass and frailty due to decreased lean muscle mass. IGF-1 production decreases significantly with age, especially after puberty. During puberty, peak production can be as high as 1.0-1.5 mg/day, while older men and women may produce as little as 50 mcg/day. The optimal IGF-1 level is 195-244mcg/day.
Collagen: The key anti-aging protein produced by GH
Growth Hormone (GH) stimulates collagen synthesis, particularly in connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, cartilage and skeletal muscle.
How Growth Hormone Influences Collagen Production:
- Stimulates Collagen Synthesis: Studies have shown that increased GH availability, whether through supplementation or natural production, leads to increased collagen mRNA expression and protein synthesis in tendons and skeletal muscle.
- IGF-1’s Role: The effects of GH on collagen synthesis are thought to be mediated, at least in part, by Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). GH stimulates the production of IGF-1, which then acts locally in tissues to promote collagen production. IGF-I is a key regulator of human skin aging and declining IGF-I levels with age may play a principal role in the reduction of skin surface lipids and thickness.
- Connective Tissue Strengthening: The stimulation of collagen synthesis by GH and IGF-1 contributes to the strengthening of connective tissues, which are essential for transmission and overall musculoskeletal health.
- Impact on Muscle Fiber Growth: While GH and IGF-1 are known for their effects on muscle growth in some contexts, studies in humans have shown that GH supplementation primarily stimulates collagen synthesis in tendons and muscle, without affecting myofibrillar protein synthesis (the building blocks of muscle fibers).
- Wound Healing: Research also suggests that GH can increase the biomechanical strength and collagen deposition rate during the early phases of skin wound healing.
Summary of Benefits of GH and Sermorelin
Growth Hormone stimulates the production of collagen, a vital protein for the structure and function of connective tissues throughout the body, including skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and the collagen and elastin lining of veins and arteries. This effect is likely mediated by IGF-1 and has implications for connective tissue health, injury recovery, and wound healing. (For additional information refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.)
Sermorelin supplementation as a Growth Hormone releasing factor, has been found to reverse age-related symptoms leading to decreased thinning, sagging and wrinkling of the skin, decreased thinning of the bones and cartilage, decreased body fat, increased muscle mass, decreased cholesterol plaque, increased stamina and energy, as well as improved mental function. When GH levels fall below the optimal range, supplementation with Sermorelin can boost the body’s internal supply and produce significant and noticeable anti-aging benefits in cellular and tissue regeneration.