CJC-1295 & GHRP-2 Peptide Blend

Research indicates that GHRP-2 and CJC-1295 peptides may act on separate receptors, potentially enhancing the release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary.

CJC-1295 is a molecular compound that exhibits an apparent binding affinity for the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors, potentially inducing growth hormone release by pituitary cells. CJC-1295 is derived from GHRH 1-29, which is considered to represent the functional sequence of the initial 29 amino acids of GHRH. The peptide CJC-1295 has undergone tetra substitution and modification through the addition of a drug affinity complex (DAC) component. This DAC component appears to bind to plasma proteins and may enhance the pharmacokinetic profile of CJC-1295.⁽¹⁾

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide composed of six amino acids. Research teams have observed this peptide to bind to the ghrelin or growth hormone secretagogue 1a receptors (GHS-R1a), which are present in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Consequently, GHRP-2 has been suggested by researchers to stimulate the production of growth hormones in pituitary cells that express the GHS-R1a receptor.⁽²⁾

By stimulating different receptors through distinct biochemical pathways, these peptides are believed to synergistically elevate GH release from the anterior pituitary beyond the individual capacities of each peptide.

CJC-1295 & GHRP-2 Blend and Growth Hormone Secretion

According to research teams exploring the topic, GHRP-2 may possess a strong affinity towards the growth hormone secretagogue 1a receptor (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, whereas CJC-1295 may possibly interact with the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) in the pituitary gland. Studies suggest that the influence of this peptide blend may increase plasma growth hormone (GH) levels, indicating their potential to enhance GH release. Possible sustained release of this blend also appears to extend the peptide half-life, potentially prolonging GH secretion compared to individual peptide presentation. As per studies, it has been reported that “basal GH levels may increase by 7.5-fold,” which appears to have contributed to “an overall increase GH secretion by 46%” ⁽¹⁾

Though acting on different receptors, research suggests that synergistically, these peptides may promote “pulsatile release of growth hormones that is subject to negative feedback, and may prevent supratherapeutic levels of GH and their sequelae” ⁽⁵⁾

It has been hypothesized that GHRH-mimetics such as CJC-1295 and the secretagogue GHRP-2 may potentially exhibit synergistic effects in regard to their apparent stimulation of growth hormone secretion. Interestingly, the combination of both GHRH-mimetic and GHRP-2 was observed to induce a 54-fold increase in pulsatile GH secretion compared to controls. Moreover, GHRP-2 appeared to decrease the time to maximal GH secretion with a median time reduction of 43%. GHRP-2 was reported to lead to a 47-fold increase in pulsatile GH secretion, while GHRH-mimetics appear to lead to only a 20-fold increase.⁽⁶⁾

CJC-1295 & GHRP-2 Blend and Metabolism of Muscle and Fat

GHRP-2 and CJC-1295 peptides, albeit via different proposed mechanisms, appear to stimulate GH release from the pituitary cells, which may assist with fat loss. Research indicates that CJC-1295 may exhibit a longer half-life compared to endogenous GHRH.

Growth hormone is considered to be able to exert anti-obesity effects through several mechanisms, including lipolysis, utilization of fatty acids as an energy source, and increased fat oxidation. The peptide blend has reportedly also exhibited signs of increased glucose synthesis and reduced glucose uptake, which appears to increase fat utilization and storage. Studies indicate that ghrelin-like peptides such as GHRP-2, “because of its dual effects on … (hGH) and on energy balance,” may “be a critical hormonal signal of nutritional status to the somatotropic axis, playing a role in integrating energy balance with the growth process.” ⁽⁷⁾

However, it is important to note that as an apparent ghrelin analog, GHRP-2 may have a similar role, potentially increasing hunger levels. It is hypothesized that the potential appetite-stimulating effects of GHRP-2 are primarily mediated through its interaction with the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), specifically GHSR-1a, which is located in various regions such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and stomach. Upon binding to GHSR-1a in the hypothalamus, GHRP-2 is thought to initiate a signal transduction cascade that may lead to the increased production of hunger-inducing neuropeptides, Neuropeptide Y (NPY), and Agouti-related peptide (AgRP). Both NPY and AgRP are suspected to play crucial roles in energy homeostasis and appetite regulation. Concurrently, GHRP-2 could potentially suppress the release of the anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), thereby tipping the balance towards hunger and stimulating food intake. Additionally, GHRP-2 might influence the mesolimbic reward system, a brain circuitry believed to regulate the desire for palatable food, by activating GHSR-1a. This could hypothetically boost the motivation for food consumption.

Moreover, preliminary research suggests that this peptide may induce mild weight gain.⁽⁵⁾ Although GHRP-2 seems to predominantly affect appetite through its interaction with GHSR-1a, it is expected to have intricate effects on overall energy homeostasis due to the widespread distribution of GHSRs and the diverse role of ghrelin. Other hormones, neuronal signals, and factors associated with circadian rhythms and physiological states may also modulate its potential appetite-stimulating effects.

Ultimately, the peptide may possibly increase energy consumption and negate some of the fat-reducing potential of CJC-1295. Yet, the combination of CJC-1295 & GHRP-2 blend may likely enhance the anabolic potential of each of the compounds. Thus, the blend may have a higher potential for research into weight gain and especially lean muscle gain, rather than fat loss research. This potential is hypothetically mediated by the so-called insulin-like growth factor-1.

CJC-1295 & GHRP-2 Blend and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

CJC-1295 and GHRP-2 may increase growth hormone levels, thereby binding to specific receptors on liver cells, potentially initiating intracellular signaling events that lead to synthesizing a major anabolic mediator called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). The binding of growth hormone might trigger the activation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of the transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. The activated STAT proteins may then translocate to the nucleus, where they might bind to specific DNA sequences called response elements, possibly leading to the transcription of the IGF-I gene. The newly synthesized IGF-I is then hypothesized to be released into the circulation, where it could act upon various target tissues.

It seems that IGF-I could be a potent growth-promoting hormone that hypothetically mediates several of the growth and anabolic actions of growth hormone. It is proposed to stimulate the growth and proliferation of cells, tissues, and organs, potentially fostering protein synthesis and cellular growth.

Research studies suggest that even a brief encounter with CJC-1295 may impact mean plasma growth hormone concentrations, potentially leading to a 2- to 10-fold increase for six days or possibly more. It is hypothesized that the peak of growth hormone levels is typically achieved within 1 to 4 hours after introduction. Additionally, CJC-1295 might lead to observable dependent increases in mean plasma IGF-I concentrations by 1.5- to 3-fold for possibly 9 to 11 days.⁽⁸⁾ Post introduction, IGF-I levels are suggested to remain elevated for at least two weeks in test models with higher exposure. After multiple introductions of CJC-1295, mean IGF-I levels appear to remain above baseline for up to 28 days. Interestingly, data suggests a cumulative action after 2 or 3 exposures to the compound, with potentially elevated levels of growth hormone and IGF-I above baseline on day 14 in laboratory experimental models.