Description of GHRP-6

GHRP-6 is one of the earliest, synthetic, peptidyl growth hormone secretagogue that also effectively stimulates tissue viability in different organs. GHRP-6 was developed in 1980s as a synthetic hexapeptide with a strong GH release response. It's generally known that GH receptors are found throughout the body and are responsible for many metabolic functions including promoting children growth, increasing lipolysis, stimulating protein synthesis, and antagonizing insulin. Growth hormone is generally regulated by 3 hypothalamic hormones: growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin, and ghrelin. GHRP-6 as an agonist of ghrelin receptor binds to it, and mimics similar functions as ghrelin hormone does. There are several effects of GHRP-6 researched in numerous studies.

Research Confirmed Effects

1. GHRP-6 in Memory Improvement

GHRP-6 activates the GHSR receptor in the central nervous system, and it has unique additional effects. One notable benefit of GHRP-6 is its potential to enhance memory, to the extent that it could be considered a nootropic. Studies with mice suggest that GHRP-6 may facilitate the process of converting short-term memories into long-term ones. This could be especially useful for spatial learning, as GHRP-6-treated mice were able to learn and remember maze patterns more quickly than those that did not receive the treatment.

It seems that blocking the ghrelin receptor type 1a in the rat brain impairs memory encoding, acquisition and consolidation, as shown in studies using also GHRP-6 administration. Endogenous hormone ghrelin is essential for memory encoding in rats, and intracerebral administration of ghrelin affected learning and memory. Ghrelin brain signaling is thus involved in cognitive processes.

Other study showed that acylated-ghrelin modifies memory and learning by basolateral nucleus of amygdala (ABL), which participates in the regulation of memory and learning mechanism. In conclusion, the processes of place learning linked memory are assisted by acylated-ghrelin in rat ABL.

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2. GHRP-6 Can Protects Brain Tissues

GHRP-6 has been studied for its notable effects on the brain and related tissues. One of the key outcomes of GHRP-6 treatment is the increased expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA in specific brain regions such as the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and hippocampus. IGF-1 plays a crucial role in promoting neuronal growth, survival, and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, GHRP-6 activates intracellular signaling pathways that are essential for cell survival. Specifically, it stimulates the phosphorylation of Akt and Bad, two proteins that are involved in cell survival pathways, and it activates the phosphatidylinositol kinase pathways associated with growth factors. Additionally, GHRP-6 augments the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in brain areas where IGF-1 is increased.

In addition to its role in enhancing IGF-1 expression and activating cell survival pathways, GHRP-6 exhibits neuroprotective effects. Studies in animal models have shown that GHRP-6 can protect neurons and other central nervous system cells from damage caused by inadequate blood flow, such as during a stroke. If administered promptly after an acute stroke, GHRP-6 can even help restore memory problems. The peptide also appears to have mood-enhancing benefits, with research in mice suggesting that GHRP-6 can reduce signs of depression and improve mood-related brain regions, especially in conditions of stress. This broad range of effects positions GHRP-6 as a compound with considerable potential in the field of neuroscience, warranting further investigation to understand its applications and therapeutic use.

A preclinical study was also done on stroke therapy by coadministrationa of GHRP-6 with the results of significantly improved survival and neurological outcome, and reduced infarct volume compared with vehicle treatment. On the other hand, ghrelin has been found to have neuroprotective effects. Pre-clinical evidence indicated that ghrelin administration may be beneficial in protecting the brain from injury following ischemic stroke. Findings are showing that ghrelin can improve neuronal cell survival in animal models of focal cerebral ischemia and can rescue memory deficits. The proposed mechanisms of action include anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that ghrelin could be a valuable therapeutic intervention for stroke treatment in clinical settings.

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3. GHRP-6 Protects Parkinson’s Neurons

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a widespread and disabling neurodegenerative condition linked to a gradual decline in motor function. The disease is marked by the continuous loss of dopamine (DA) neurons, with the most affected DA neurons being those that primarily extend to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc).

Down-regulation of ghrelin receptors (GHSRs) on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) is associated with motor dysfunction similar to Parkinson's disease. Studies found that Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with mutations in the parkin gene (PARK2) had significantly reduced expression of GHSRs in iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons compared to healthy controls. Similarly, CRISPR Cas9-engineered PARK2-iPSC lines mimicking PARK2 gene loss exhibited decreased GHSR expression in dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, injecting a GHSR1a antagonist into normal mice caused cataleptic behaviors and motor coordination issues, indicating that down-regulation of these receptors in the substantia nigra may be a trigger for motor dysfunction leading to extrapyramidal disorders. These findings suggest that the reduction in GHSR expression on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra may contribute to Parkinson's-like motor dysfunction and indicates a potential area for therapeutic intervention. By binding ghrelin receptors the peptide GHRP-6 may potentially slow down the Parkinson's disease.

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4. GHRP-6 and Scar Healing

GHRP-6 has shown significant benefits in the context of wound healing and reducing scarring. In studies with rats, it was found that GHRP-6 could improve wound healing by increasing the rate of wound closure, reducing inflammation, and promoting the formation of essential extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins like collagen. By engaging with the CD36 receptor, which plays a role in promoting blood vessel growth, GHRP-6 aids in wound healing and tissue regeneration. This leads to better organization at the wound site, ultimately resulting in reduced scar tissue formation and an overall improved aesthetic outcome.

Additionally, GHRP-6 has demonstrated an ability to prevent the development of hypertrophic scars, which are a type of excessive scarring caused by abnormal deposition of ECM proteins. Studies using rabbit models of hypertrophic scars showed that GHRP-6 effectively prevented this process, making it a promising alternative to traditional treatments, like triamcinolone acetonide (TA), without inducing adverse reactions.

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5. GHRP-6 and Heart Problems

GHRP-6 has demonstrated potential in reducing myocardial damage and promoting cardiomyocyte survival after acute myocardial infarct (heart attack). In a study involving Cuban Creole pigs, GHRP-6 was administered after acute coronary occlusion and its effects were compared with a control group receiving normal saline. The results indicated that GHRP-6 reduced myocardial infarct size by 78% and thickness by 50%, with a substantial decrease in markers of myocardial necrosis, such as CK-MB (creatine kinase MB) and CRP (C-reactive protein). Additionally, more than half of the GHRP-6 treated pigs showed no pathological Q waves in any ECG leads, suggesting a significant reduction in heart tissue damage.

The study also found that GHRP-6 has antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its cardioprotective effects. Levels of oxidative stress markers indicated a decrease in reactive oxygen species and a preservation of antioxidant defense systems in the GHRP-6 treated group. Although GHRP-6 did not influence myocardial IGF-1 transcription compared to the increase induced by the ischemic episode, its ability to reduce oxidative stress and limit myocardial necrosis offers a promising avenue for future therapeutic interventions and treatment option for acute myocardial infarction.

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6. GHRP-6 in Sexual Motivation and Behavior

Ghrelin has been also found to play an important role in modulating sexual motivation and behavior in male rats. Studies suggest that the stimulation of ghrelin receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) can have a direct impact on sexual behavior and reward-seeking activities. In particular, the effects of ghrelin appear to be site-dependent, with stimulation in different brain regions leading to varying outcomes. For example, ghrelin administered into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) can increase sexual motivation, while stimulation in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) may have the opposite effect. Additionally, the use of ghrelin receptor antagonists, such as D-Lys3-GHRP-6, revealed a further decrease in sexual anticipation in rats, suggesting that ghrelin receptor signaling plays a crucial role in the full expression of appetitive sex behaviors.

Beyond its effects on sexual motivation, ghrelin may also have significant implications for mood regulation and neuroprotection. Research on mice has demonstrated that ghrelin administration can reduce depression-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and increase neurogenesis and spine density in the hippocampus.

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References

1. C.-C. Huang, D. Chou, C.-M. Yeh, and K.-S. Hsu, “Acute food deprivation enhances fear extinction but inhibits long-term depression in the lateral amygdala via ghrelin signaling,” Neuropharmacology, vol. 101, pp. 36–45, Feb. 2016.
2. S. Beheshti and S. Shahrokhi, “Blocking the ghrelin receptor type 1a in the rat brain impairs memory encoding,” Neuropeptides, vol. 52, pp. 97–102, Aug. 2015.
3. K. Tóth, K. László, and L. Lénárd, “Role of intraamygdaloid acylated-ghrelin in spatial learning,” Brain Res. Bull., vol. 81, no. 1, pp. 33–37, Jan. 2010.
4. N. Subirós et al., “Assessment of dose-effect and therapeutic time window in preclinical studies of rhEGF and GHRP-6 coadministration for stroke therapy,” Neurol. Res., vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 187–195, Mar. 2016.
5. S. J. Spencer, A. A. Miller, and Z. B. Andrews, “The Role of Ghrelin in Neuroprotection after Ischemic Brain Injury,” Brain Sci., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 344–359, Mar. 2013.
6. Y. Suda et al., “Down-regulation of ghrelin receptors on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra contributes to Parkinson’s disease-like motor dysfunction,” Mol. Brain, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 6, 20 2018.
7. Y. Mendoza Marí et al., “Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 Enhances the Healing Process and Improves the Esthetic Outcome of the Wounds,” Plastic Surgery International, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/psi/2016/4361702/. [Accessed: 23-May-2019].
8. M. Fernández-Mayola et al., “Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 prevents cutaneous hypertrophic scarring: early mechanistic data from a proteome study,” Int. Wound J., vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 538–546, Aug. 2018.
9. J. Berlanga et al., “Growth-hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP6) prevents oxidant cytotoxicity and reduces myocardial necrosis in a model of acute myocardial infarction,” Clin. Sci. Lond. Engl. 1979, vol. 112, no. 4, pp. 241–250, Feb. 2007.
10. L. Hyland et al., “Central ghrelin receptor stimulation modulates sex motivation in male rats in a site dependent manner,” Horm. Behav., vol. 97, pp. 56–66, 2018.
11. H.-J. Huang et al., “The protective effects of Ghrelin/GHSR on hippocampal neurogenesis in CUMS mice,” Neuropharmacology, May 2019.