Peptides

What are Peptides?

Peptides offered at our Medical Clinic in Portland, OR are chains of amino acids that act as cell signaling molecules that bind to the cell surface receptors, triggering an intracellular action. To understand how Peptides work, think of them as messengers that deliver important information to various cells in our body, helping to regulate all sorts of biological activities. Peptides use the body’s own innate healing abilities to move the system towards optimal health, and pairs well with hormone replacement and regenerative therapies.

When the correct peptide (key) binds to its receptor (lock), it triggers a series of actions inside the cell. This leads to a cascade of events within the cell, initiating various biological processes.

Peptides in Portland, OR used therapeutically can be useful for: Autoimmunity, Pain & inflammation, Muscle growth & Injury repair, Insulin sensitization and weight loss, Sleep, Anxiety, Chronic infections, Anti-aging and more!

At Upgrade we offer the "Fountain of Youth" peptide blend. This blend has been well researched and includes 2 specific peptides epitalon and GHK. Epithalon (also known as Epitalon) and GHK-Cu are both peptides with promising therapeutic applications, especially in anti-aging, recovery, and overall cellular health. Epithalon is most researched for its ability to activate telomerase, an enzyme that protects and elongates telomeres. Telomeres are DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age, and their preservation is linked to increased cellular lifespan. Studies on animal models and limited human trials suggest Epithalon may slow down the aging process and enhance longevity. GHK-Cu’s is known for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties to support collagen production, enhance muscle recovery and repair. tissue. It also enhances blood flow to tissue.

Obtaining high-quality peptides from reputable sources is crucial for ensuring safety and efficacy. At Upgrade we have researched and verified the pharmacies and sourcing used to ensure the highest quality product with the lowest potential for risk.

Useful Peptides by Category:

Muscle Growth and Hormones

Growth Hormone Peptides: Adult growth hormone deficiency symptoms is now being correlated to a variety of age related diseases. It is estimated that a healthy individual loses 10-15% of their growth hormone for every decade of life and is associated with higher morbidity (illness) and mortality. Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone is expensive and not covered under most insurance plans and can have multiple side effects.

learn more about HGH

Peptides as alternatives to recombinant human growth hormone include CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, GHRP-6, Sermorelin and Teslomorelin. These peptides and others have been shown to help improve IGF-1 levels. They also have the advantage of inducing all five of the hGH isoforms rather just the one that is found in the synthetic form mimicking natural release.

Recovery & Performance Peptides:

Peptide therapy has shown promise in recovery & performance due to its role in cellular repair and inflammation reduction. For athletes, peptides like BPC-157, TB-500 and MGF help aid muscle recovery and tendon healing by accelerating tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. This allows athletes to recover faster, potentially leading to improved performance and reduced downtime.

At Upgrade we offer a "Recovery Blend" to promote and augment recovery. This specialized combination of peptides includes BPC157 / TB500 / KPV / GHK in dosing specific to enhance healing. This combo stimulates the natural repair mechanisms of the body, reduces inflammation, modulates the immune response and stimulates collagen In addition we have a variety of combinations that we specifically tailor to your needs.

BPC 157 was discovered in 1993, and there is now considerable clinical data of the regenerative properties of BPC-157 in animals. Human studies are currently underway. Uses for BPC-157 include reducing inflammation, increasing the production of type 1 collagen, improving the lower esophageal sphincter, healing fistulas, and helping with repairing many parts of the body.

Known for its healing properties, BPC-157 is commonly used to accelerate recovery from injuries and reduce inflammation. Athletes and those recovering from surgery might find this peptide particularly useful.

Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): This peptide is useful for its ability to promote wound repair and muscle recovery. It is especially beneficial for people dealing with soft tissue damage or wishing to speed up post-exercise recovery.

Peptides for Pain: There are many potentially useful peptides for pain management depending on the primary issue and degree of secondary contributions. In pain management it is often useful to stack and rotate various peptides to address multiple issues simultaneously.

Useful peptides for pain include Thymosins, ARA290, BPC157, pentosan polysufate and a unique peptide derived from venom, melittin.

Metabolic Peptides:

Metabolic Peptides: Peptides can be used to improve metabolism. Master pathways involved in food intake and metabolism can be targeted, while utilizing others such as semaglutide can increase insulin sensitivity, as well as leveraging the growth hormone axis. Novel peptides such as MOTS-C a can address mitochondrial dysfunction enhancing cellular energy. Mitochondrial dysfunction and optimization are key strategies to address all chronic disease. GLP1 medications- semaglutide: This is an Rx that is far different than things like phentermine. These work on key underlying metabolic pathways to support sustained weight loss. Going far beyond just weight, this class of medications regulates blood sugar, so it is also useful in insulin resistance and diabetes. It works by increasing insulin and decreasing glucagon (only when blood sugar levels are high). GLP-1s also improve muscular cellular energy metabolism by increasing the insulin sensitivity of muscle cells and regulating fat cell development. They are clinically proven to reduce inflammation markers, leading to decreased inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Semaglutide slows how quickly food moves from the stomach to the intestines. This helps you feel full for longer by regulating sugar absorption in the intestine. The long-term effect also shifts the body’s metabolic set-point (the weight your body fights to maintain) by regulating the areas of the brain to curb cravings, make you feel full faster, and increase your energy expenditure.

We also have tirzepatide, a brand new combo-class medication that was approved by the FDA in May 2022 for those with type-2 diabetes. As a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is the first drug of its kind. A trial reported in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the drug tirzepatide for the treatment of obesity or overweight among adults without diabetes. Participants experienced substantial and sustained weight loss with a weekly injection, and it was shown to improve several cardiometabolic parameters. It was ultimately shown to be more effective than semaglutide, with a lower side effect profile.

Brain/Neuro Peptides:

At Upgrade we offer The "Restore Blend". A sublingual blend specific to enhance health and restore vitality. This combination includes Pineleon / Sermorelin / Melatonin & Theanine. Acting on multiple systems, this blend increases the natural release of growth hormone, acts as an antioxidant, helps to regulate the immune and endocrine system while reducing sympathetic (heightened) nervous system tone while protecting the brain, increasing overall vitality.

Regenerative peptides for the brain, including Cerbrolsyin, Pineleon, Dihexa, Semax, Selank, and DSIP can all be of value in treating anxiety, ADD, insomnia and brain injury or neurological diseases.

Some of these peptides have been shown to increase Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) to help with nerve cell regeneration. Patients with Alzheimer’s have low BDNF and improving BDNF can help with cognition.

Pineleon is technically a bioregulator and has shown immense potential for treating neurological disorders

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26390612/

Cerebrolysin supports brain health by promoting neuron growth and repair.

Protecting cognitive function is vital as we age, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Mechanisms Behind Peptide Actions Peptides work through several mechanisms to promote longevity

Immune Peptides:

Certain peptides boost the immune system’s ability to combat pathogens and clear damaged cells.

Thymic Peptides: Enhance immune function by promoting T-cell production and activity. A robust immune system is crucial for fighting infections and diseases associated with aging.

Misc. Peptides:

Cosmeceutical Peptides:

Growth factors and cytokines have been used in the cosmetic products to help with aging skin, however, their large size limits their ability to penetrate the skin. Peptides provide benefits similar to growth factor with better skin penetration, due to their smaller molecular size. GHK and GHK-cu are considered excellent Botox-like peptides with pleotrophic effects.

Peptides for Sexual Health:

Sexuality and sexual health is an important part of the human condition. Dysfunction can lead to a host of both personal and relationship issues. Peptides offer a safe adjunctive treatment to address sexual dysfunction and libido alongside treatments such as hormone replacement and specialized regenerative injections.