OVERVIEW

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2), also known as Pralmorelin, is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that binds to the ghrelin/GHS receptor (GHS-R1a). It is one of the most potent GH-releasing peptides and has been extensively studied for its ability to enhance muscle growth, regulate metabolism, and support immune function.

Research suggests GHRP-2 may:

• Stimulate growth hormone (GH) release, enhancing muscle repair and growth.
• Boost immune function through thymus stimulation and T-cell production.
• Regulate appetite and metabolism by mimicking ghrelin.
• Improve sleep quality and recovery.
• Provide cardioprotective and neuroprotective benefits.

GHRP-2 is widely studied for its strong GH-releasing effects, with multiple administration options, including oral, sublingual, and injectable routes.

RESEARCH

GHRP-2 and Muscle Growth

• Research on Yaks (Bos grunniens) found that GHRP-2 enhances muscle growth by increasing protein deposition and reducing protein degradation.
• GHRP-2 suppresses Atrogin-1 and MuRF1, two key proteins involved in muscle breakdown.
• Potential application: Treatment for muscle-wasting conditions such as cachexia and sarcopenia.

GHRP-2 and Appetite Regulation

• GHRP-2 activates ghrelin receptors, leading to increased food intake.
• Clinical studies in healthy men showed that GHRP-2 significantly increased caloric intake, highlighting its role as an appetite stimulant.
• Potential application: Treatment for chronic illness-related appetite loss and malnutrition.

GHRP-2 and Cardioprotection

• Research in fetal heart cell cultures demonstrated that GHRP-2 and its analogs (GHRP-1, GHRP-6) protect heart cells from apoptosis (cell death).
• Potential application: Post-heart attack recovery, reducing cardiac tissue damage.

GHRP-2 and Immune System Function

• GHRP-2 stimulates the thymus, an organ responsible for T-cell production and immune function.
• Aging reduces thymus function, leading to weakened immune responses.
• Studies show that GHRP-2 rejuvenates the thymus, increasing T-cell production and immune resilience.
• Potential application: Treatment for age-related immune decline and autoimmune conditions.

GHRP-2 and Sleep Quality

• GHRP-2 has been shown to increase deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) by 50% and REM sleep by 20%.
• Improved sleep enhances cognitive function, physical recovery, and hormonal balance.
• Potential application: Treatment for sleep disorders and sleep optimization.

GHRP-2 and Pain Perception

• Research suggests GHRP-2 interacts with opioid receptors, modulating pain perception.
• Studies in osteoarthritis models found that GHRP-2 reduced pain independently of tissue healing.
• Potential application: Alternative pain management therapy with reduced opioid dependency.

STRUCTURE

• Molecular Formula: C₄₅H₅₅N₉O₆
• Molecular Weight: 817.97 g/mol
• Amino Acid Sequence: D-Ala-D-2Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys
• CAS Registry Number: 158861-67-7
• PubChem Identifier: 6918245
• Synonyms: KP-102, GPA-748, WAY-GPA-748

CITATIONS

1. Hu, R. et al. Effects of GHRP-2 and Cysteamine Administration on Growth Performance, Somatotropic Axis Hormone, and Muscle Protein Deposition in Yaks (Bos grunniens) with Growth Retardation. PLOS One (2016).
2. Yamamoto, D. et al. GHRP-2, a GHS-R agonist, directly acts on myocytes to attenuate the dexamethasone-induced expressions of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, Atrogin-1 and MuRF1. Life Sci. (2008).
3. Phung, L. T. et al. The effects of growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2) on the release of growth hormone and growth performance in swine. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. (2000).
4. Laferrère, B. et al. Growth hormone releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), like ghrelin, increases food intake in healthy men. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. (2005).
5. Bodart, V. et al. Identification and characterization of a new growth hormone-releasing peptide receptor in the heart. Circ. Res. (1999).
6. Taub, D. D. et al. Rejuvenation of the aging thymus: growth hormone-mediated and ghrelin-mediated signaling pathways. Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. (2010).
7. Copinschi, G. et al. Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man. Neuroendocrinology (1997).
8. Zeng, P. et al. Ghrelin receptor agonist, GHRP-2, produces antinociceptive effects at the supraspinal level via the opioid receptor in mice. Peptides (2014).
9. Fehrentz, J. A. et al. Recent Developments in Ghrelin Receptor Ligands. ChemMedChem (2007).