Peptides

What are peptides?

Peptides are small chains of amino acids that when connected together form an active unit which may affect many different bodily functions. Amino acids are also the building blocks of proteins, which are much larger and more complex molecules. Common, everyday peptides include familiar substances such as insulin, bradykinin, angiotensin, oxytocin and glutathione.  Understanding how peptides work in the body and how to properly supplement them to achieve optimal results and avoid undesirable effects is critically important. While many peptides are available for use and may be obtained with an internet search, as with any treatment regimen that alters bodily function, it is vital to receive appropriate counseling and follow up in order to minimize risks and gain maximal benefits from their use.  When used and sourced appropriately, they have the potential to improve our quality of life.  Linda Kiley, MD received peptide certification from the Seeds Scientific Research Institute in 2023 and receives ongoing education and training as this fascinating science evolves at a rapid pace.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
These are probably the best known peptides at the moment, due to their immense popularity and utility for weight loss and treatment of diabetes.  Also known as GLP-1 agonists, they mimic the action of the body’s natural peptides regulating hunger, inflammation, digestion, and metabolism.  Ongoing studies have demonstrated other useful properties of these peptides, including treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFLS), improving cardiovascular and neurologic functioning among others.

BPC157

Body Protection Compound 157. This is the most widely used peptide in the world. In Europe, it is commonly referred to as “Wolverine” due to its regenerative and restorative properties. It is a naturally occurring peptide found in gastric juice and has multiple functions throughout the body. In the gut, it influences motility, secretion of digestive and other enzymes, facilitates nutrient delivery and microbial balance. It can also reduce inflammation in the gut to help treat inflammatory bowel conditions. In other tissues, it exerts regenerative effects after injury, helps to balance brain chemistry, helps counteract direct vein injuries, helps regulate blood pressure, reduces inflammation and improves nerve regeneration. It is typically used in combination with other peptides or nutrients depending upon the desired primary effect.

CJC1295 and Ipamorelin

These peptides facilitate the natural release of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which is known to decrease with age. Unlike exogenous administration of HGH, which may result in unnatural levels and undesired side effects, these peptides stimulate release of the body’s own HGH in the normal fashion, similar to a younger person’s levels. The presence of proper levels of HGH can facilitate better sleep, reduce visceral fat, regulate appetite, improve lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, regulate mood and memory, improve gastric motility, reduce inflammation, and even help prevent some toxicity from chemotherapy.

Thymosin Alpha 1 (TA1)

This peptide stimulates immunity and helps the immune system work more like one would expect to see in a younger individual. It is also useful in recovery from injury or illness. It has been very useful as part of a regimen to treat Long Covid and other post-viral syndromes.

Thymosin Beta 4 (TB4)

This peptide works synergistically with TA1, helps with protecting the brain and nervous system and with repair of injury. It helps reduce scar formation by facilitating better collagen organization after injury, and reduces inflammation.

SS-31

This peptide helps to improve the metabolic stress response, works on the mitochondria (the “powerhouse” of the cell) to improve energy production and promotes resistance to metabolic stress. SS-31 helps maintain cellular efficiency. It acts as an insulin sensitizer (makes insulin more efficient) which may help with reduced body fat and improved muscle mass, reduce or normalize fasting insulin levels.

KPV

This is a useful peptide for healing and reducing inflammation.  It is one of the peptides that can be taken orally and is helpful in healing gut problems. It is often used in conjunction with BPC157 for this purpose.

DSIP

Delta sleep inducing peptide. This is a naturally occurring peptide that works on the brain to promote sleep at low doses.

GHK-Cu

This is a copper containing collagen and aesthetic peptide which has been seen to accelerate wound healing and skin repair. It stimulates both creation and breakdown of collagen and has been found to tighten loose skin and improve elasticity, skin density, firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce photodamage and hyperpigmentation.