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10 articles
MetabolicHuman Clinical
Retatrutide: A triple hormone receptor agonist for obesity
Retatrutide is a triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 clinical data show substantial weight reduction in adults with obesity, with effects exceeding those of dual agonists in the same trial period. Researchers note the glucagon receptor component may contribute additional metabolic effects beyond appetite suppression.
Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity
This landmark Phase 3 trial (SURMOUNT-1) evaluated tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, in adults with obesity. Participants achieved up to 22.5% mean weight reduction at 72 weeks, among the highest reported for a pharmacological agent in a registrational trial.
New England Journal of Medicine·2022·Jastreboff AM, Arslanian SA, Jones LE, et al.
Central and peripheral GLP-1 receptor regulation of metabolism
This comprehensive review examines how GLP-1 receptor agonists exert their metabolic effects through both central and peripheral pathways. The authors discuss the distinct roles of brainstem, hypothalamic, and vagal GLP-1 receptors in appetite regulation, glucose homeostasis, and cardiovascular effects.
Physiological Reviews·2023·Heiss CN, Manneras-Holm L, Lee YS, et al.
The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis
This foundational study characterizes MOTS-c as a mitochondria-derived peptide that translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress and regulates adaptive gene expression. In mice, MOTS-c improved insulin sensitivity and prevented diet-induced obesity, suggesting a role as an exercise mimetic.
Cell Metabolism·2015·Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al.
GHK-Cu: a human copper-binding peptide with skin repair and anti-aging activity
This review summarizes decades of research on GHK-Cu, a naturally occurring copper complex that declines with age. The authors discuss its effects on collagen synthesis, gene expression modulation, and wound healing, noting that GHK-Cu influences over 4,000 human genes involved in tissue remodeling.
Advances in Wound Care·2018·Pickart L, Margolina A
BPC-157 accelerates healing of Achilles tendon in rats
This preclinical study investigated BPC-157 in a rat model of Achilles tendon transection. Treated animals showed improved tendon healing, increased collagen organization, and earlier recovery of mechanical strength compared to controls. The authors proposed that BPC-157 may promote healing through growth factor upregulation.
Journal of Applied Physiology·2011·Cerovecki T, Bojovic V, Brcic L, et al.
Thymosin beta-4 promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction
This study examined thymosin beta-4 (the parent molecule of TB-500) in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. Treatment promoted cardiomyocyte survival and improved cardiac function, associated with activation of survival pathways and reduction of inflammatory damage in cardiac tissue.
Nature·2008·Bock-Marquette I, Saxena A, White MD, et al.
Semax increases BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex
This study investigated the neurotrophic effects of Semax, a heptapeptide ACTH analogue. Administration increased BDNF and NGF expression in the hippocampus and cortex, suggesting a molecular basis for its observed cognitive effects in prior research. The effects were region-specific and time-dependent.
Journal of Molecular Neuroscience·2012·Manchenko DM, Glazova NY, Levitskaya NG, et al.
Targeted apoptosis of senescent cells restores health in progeroid mice
This study introduced FOXO4-DRI, a peptide designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells by disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction. In aged and progeroid mice, treatment restored fur density, kidney function, and physical activity, providing a proof of concept for peptide-based senolytic approaches.
Strategies for improving peptide stability and oral bioavailability
This review examines the fundamental challenges of peptide stability, including enzymatic degradation, poor oral bioavailability, and short plasma half-lives. The authors survey chemical modification strategies — such as cyclization, N-methylation, and lipidation — that researchers use to improve peptide drug properties.
Nature Reviews Drug Discovery·2017·Lau JL, Dunn MK
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