Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide used in medicine for a specific purpose. It is classified as a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog and is primarily used to stimulate the production and release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. This hormone is crucial in various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and tissue repair.

This peptide is often prescribed to individuals with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It helps reduce excess abdominal fat, improving body composition and potentially enhancing insulin sensitivity.

• Sequence (Single Letter): Unk-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu
• Molecular Formula: C223H370N72O69S
• Molecular Weight: 5195.908 g/mol
• PubChem CID: 44147413
• CAS Number: 901758-09-6

Tesamorelin and Lypodystrophy

Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing factor that has shown promise in the treatment of lipodystrophy, particularly in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy refers to changes in body fat distribution and metabolism that can occur as a side effect of antiretroviral therapy for HIV.

Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of tesamorelin in reducing central fat accumulation and improving visceral adiposity in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Clinical trials have shown that tesamorelin injections can significantly decrease visceral abdominal fat and improve body image.

Furthermore, tesamorelin has been found to have minimal effects on CYP3A, an enzyme involved in drug metabolism. This suggests that tesamorelin may not interfere with or be affected by medications metabolized by CYP3A.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tesamorelin for the treatment of lipodystrophy in patients with HIV. This approval was based on the positive results from clinical trials showcasing the effectiveness of tesamorelin in reducing visceral fat and improving lipid profiles.

Tesamorelin Investigated in Cardiac Disease

While tesamorelin has primarily been studied in treating lipodystrophy, there are also investigations into its potential effects on cardiac disease. However, it is important to note that long-term cardiovascular benefits have not been extensively studied.

One study found that lower visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) density, which can be improved by tesamorelin, were associated with lower levels of adiponectin (a protein involved in regulating glucose and fatty acid metabolism) and increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Changes in triglyceride levels of HIV-positive patients who respond to tesamorelin.
Source: PubMed

Additionally, another research suggested that tesamorelin may have a modest beneficial effect on adiponectin and fibrinolytic markers in HIV patients with abdominal adiposity. It is worth mentioning that the safety pharmacology studies for tesamorelin have explored its potential effects on the cardiovascular system, among other systems.

Growth Hormone Deficiency and HIV

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can be a common complication in individuals with HIV infection. HIV-associated lipodystrophy often includes GHD as one of its components.

In patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy and GHD, growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) has shown promising results in improving body composition and metabolic parameters. GHRT can help increase lean body mass, decrease fat mass, and improve lipid profiles. It has also been associated with improvements in bone mineral density and quality of life.

However, it’s important to note that the use of GHRT in HIV patients should be carefully evaluated and monitored, as there may be potential interactions with antiretroviral medications and other comorbidities.

Growth hormone deficiency is a significant concern in individuals with HIV, and growth hormone replacement therapy can be considered as a potential treatment option to address the associated metabolic and body composition changes.

Tesamorelin for Peripheral Nerve Damage

Tesamorelin has been investigated for its potential use in peripheral nerve damage. Several studies and clinical trials have assessed its efficacy in enhancing axonal regeneration and improving functional outcomes following peripheral nerve injuries.

These studies suggest that GH-based therapies, such as tesamorelin, hold promise in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries due to their multi-modal mechanism of action.

Tesamorelin Investigated in Dementia

Exciting new evidence has emerged regarding the potential benefits of GHRH analogues, including tesamorelin, in enhancing cognition among individuals in the early stages of dementia. A groundbreaking study conducted at the University of Washington School of Medicine shed light on the positive influence of tesamorelin and similar analogues on dementia by modulating specific brain chemicals.

Tesamorelin improves both executive function and verbal memory in patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment.
Source: PubMed

In this comprehensive twenty-week-long study, researchers employed a rigorous methodology with randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The results pointed towards the intriguing role of tesamorelin in increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) while simultaneously lowering (MI) myo-inositol levels in the brain.

Please note that all the articles and product information provided on this website are intended for informational and educational purposes only.

The products offered on this platform are specifically designed for in-vitro studies, meaning they are conducted outside the body.

The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Clinical Review Report: Tesamorelin (Egrifta). Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, 2016.

A. Mangili, J. Falutz, J.-C. Mamputu, M. Stepanians, and B. Hayward, “Predictors of Treatment Response to Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor Analog, in HIV-Infected Patients with Excess Abdominal Fat,” PloS One, vol. 10, no. 10, p. e0140358, 2015. [PubMed]

J. Falutz et al., “Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV,” N. Engl. J. Med., vol. 357, no. 23, pp. 2359–2370, Dec. 2007. [NEJM]

T. L. Stanley et al., “Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin,” Clin. Infect. Dis. Off. Publ. Infect. Dis. Soc. Am., vol. 54, no. 11, pp. 1642–1651, Jun. 2012. [PubMed]

V. Rochira and G. Guaraldi, “Growth hormone deficiency and human immunodeficiency virus,” Best Pract. Res. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 91–111, 2017. [PubMed]

S. H. Tuffaha et al., “Therapeutic augmentation of the growth hormone axis to improve outcomes following peripheral nerve injury,” Expert Opin. Ther. Targets, vol. 20, no. 10, pp. 1259–1265, Oct. 2016. [PubMed]

S. D. Friedman et al., “Growth hormone-releasing hormone effects on brain γ-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging,” JAMA Neurol., vol. 70, no. 7, pp. 883–890, Jul. 2013. [PubMed]

ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body.  These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease.  Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218714/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103937/

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/758381?form=fpf

https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20120225/fda-approves-tesamorelin-for-treatment-of-lipodystrophy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8243807/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673013/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6735895/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3739636/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20534975/