IGF-1 DES is a truncated, natural version (splice variant) of insulin-like growth factor-1 Naturally found in the brain, breast milk, and uterine tissue, IGF-1 DES stimulates hypertrophy and hyperplasia of a number of different cell lines.
Overview
IGF-1 DES is a truncated version of IGF-1 in which the tripeptide Gly-Pro-Glu is absent from the N-terminus end of the protein. It is actually a naturally occurring variant of IGF-1 and has been found in the human brain, cow colostrum, and pig uterine tissue. IGF-1 DES is 10 times more potent than IGF-1 in stimulating hypertrophy and proliferation of cells because it is not affected by IGF-1 binding proteins and therefore is more bioavailable. There is interest in using the peptide to induce anabolism in catabolic conditions (e.g. chronic illness) and in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease[1, p. 1].
IGF-1 DES has also been of keen interest in the treatment of a number of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Researchers investigating autism and autism spectrum disorders have found that IGF-1 and its analogues have potent effects on the synaptic health neurons. In animal models of autism, IGF-1 DES and IGF-1 have relieved symptoms and improved a number of the behavioral aspects of the condition.
Research
IGF-1 DES is lacking just three amino acids from its N-terminal end, but that subtle change makes a big difference. Research shows that IGF-1 DES does not bind very well to IGF-1 binding proteins (IGFBPs) found in the blood and in various tissues throughout the body. The result is that more of the peptide is available for binding to important receptors and thus IGF-1 DES is more potent (same effects at lower doses) than IGF-1 itself. Research in pigs and marmoset’s indicates that IGF-1 DES is 2-3 times more potent than IGF-1 in lowering blood sugar. Further, these same potency effects extend to other properties of IGF-1 as well, including its anabolic effects on skeletal muscle and its neuroprotective effects[2].
One of the benefits of binding to IGFBPs is prolonged activity as a result of decreased clearance from the circulation. Thus, IGF-1 DES has a much faster onset of action, higher peak activity, and faster withdrawal than IGF-1 itself. There are a number of settings in which this type of efficacy profile could be useful, including the treatment of hyperglycemic conditions.
Research in pigs indicates that IGF-1 variants with low affinities for IGFBPs have a more dramatic effect on growth. In fact, the anabolic effects of IGF-1 DES occur even in the setting of limited calorie intake[3]. Research in rats shows that just 14 days of IGF-1 DES is enough to produce significant increases in body weight, nitrogen retention, and food conversion efficiency.
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