Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It consists of the 44 amino acids of human GHRH with the addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid group at the N-terminus, which protects the peptide from degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), significantly increasing its half-life.
### Mechanisms of Action
Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone (GH). Unlike GH secretagogues (like Ipamorelin) which act on the ghrelin receptor, Tesamorelin utilizes the primary GHRH pathway.
### Research Applications
* **Lipodystrophy and Visceral Adiposity:** Tesamorelin is heavily researched for its ability to reduce visceral adipose tissue (VAT) without significantly altering subcutaneous fat or causing severe insulin resistance.
* **Cognitive Function:** Clinical research models are evaluating the impact of GHRH analogs on mild cognitive impairment and age-related cognitive decline.
*Disclaimer: Tesamorelin is sold strictly for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.*