DAVID WASSERSTEIN & NICOLE RAKOWSKI
DAVID WASSERSTEIN & NICOLE RAKOWSKI
THE POPULAR RISE OF PEPTIDES – WHAT ARE THEY?
What are peptides?
The term‘ peptides’ refers to a large group of small-sized, synthetic proteins( often enzymes) that interact with cells and organs by turning on and off various functions related to growth and repair. While peptides seem new, they have been around a long time. The first peptide ever synthesized for human use was discovered in Canada over 100 years ago – insulin!
In our world, peptides for healing the musculoskeletal system( bones, joints, muscles, tendons) are much newer and there is only one medically approved peptide called teriparatide in prescription use. Teriparatide enhances bone healing after fractures.
As the term‘ peptide’ covers a broad range of substances, classifying them is a way to improve discussion and communication. Peptides are currently divided into those that primarily stimulate the growth hormone pathway – these are known as“ Growth Hormone Secretagogues” because they induce production of IGF-1( Insulin-like Growth Factor) – and those that do not. You may also see them called“ GHRPs” for“ Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides.” Many peptides from the class which are not IGF-1 stimulating have been touted anecdotally for enhancing musculoskeletal recovery.
Why are peptides“ controversial”?
As a class of pharmaceuticals, peptides are‘ controversial’ for several reasons. Many athletic governing bodies including those that regulate substance use at the Olympic level( WADA) and in professional athletics( NBA, MLB, NHL) have banned many of them, and health administrations like the FDA have also restricted them. The decision to do so is usually based on the lack of scientific data to guide best practices for safety and effectiveness, and because GHRP class peptides may confer an athletic
advantage similar to using HGH.
Unfortunately, these designations make peptides harder to study and probably increase unregulated use. The alleged unique characteristic of some peptides – that they may enhance recovery from musculoskeletal injury – adds a new angle that hopefully bridges the medical and recreational use communities moving forward.
While early adopters / experimenters remain far ahead of the scientific community in trialing peptides for therapeutic recovery, the input of the latter is critical for several reasons. If therapeutic peptides lack a formal use indication, users will often turn to purchasing them from unknown sources. This carries a higher risk of contamination and impurity potentially placing people at harm. Secondly, scientific research allows us to better understand how they work, what dose of a peptide is effective, what risks are associated with their use and when and where they should be administered. Even the basic characteristics of how humans absorb and metabolize each peptide is important to understand. For example, let’ s say someone took an oral( pill) form of a peptide alleged to