Can CJC-1295 Cause A Heart Attack?
There is limited clinical evidence to answer whether CJC-1295 can lead to a heart attack. Medical literature does not contain specific information about the potential heart attack incidence.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified CJC-1295 as potentially harmful and disapproved of any medical treatment. It says that these peptides increase the heart rate and cause systemic vasodilation [1]. A faster heart rate can lead to an increase in the risk of a heart attack.
However, without specific studies or data on CJC-1295, it's not possible to definitively state whether this substance could lead to a heart attack. The link between CJC 1295 and cancer is also unclear.
What is CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 is a peptide-based drug that stimulates the production of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It incorporates a functional maleimido group at the C-terminus that allows it to covalently bind plasma proteins such as serum albumin. These CJC-1295-protein conjugates have a much greater half-life compared to the unconjugated peptide and are capable of stimulating GH production for more than six days in humans after a single administration. After a single injection of CJC-1295, there were dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations by 2- to 10-fold for 6 days or more and in mean plasma IGF-I concentrations by 1.5- to 3-fold for 9-11 days. The estimated half-life of CJC-1295 was 5.8-8.1 days. [9, 10]
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack is medically known as a myocardial infarction. This condition occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of plaques caused by atherosclerosis. The plaques are composed of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, fats, and other inflammatory products. When a plaque bursts collagen, it opens collagen fibers, activating the clotting cascade, and a clot forms. The clots can easily grow to a size that occludes the lumen of the artery and stops the blood flow [2, 3].
When the oxygen demand of the cardiac muscle is not met, the cells enter ischemia, which is followed by necrosis (the pathological death of the cells). The whole process, from the onset of the ischemia, is, in most cases, accompanied by characteristic chest pain. In cases where the blood flow is not restored and large parts of the heart die, the heart attack leads to heart failure and even death [2, 3].
What are the risk factor for heart attack?
Risk factors for heart attacks include both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Modifiable risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, obesity, high stress levels, unhealthy diet, heavy alcohol consumption, and poor sleep quality. Non-modifiable risk factors include age (men aged 45 and older and women aged 55 and older are more likely to have a heart attack), gender (men are at a greater risk than premenopausal women), and family history of heart disease [13, 14, 15]
Myocardial infarction should not be mistaken for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). During a heart attack, the heart usually doesn't suddenly stop beating. In SCA, the heart stops beating. Sometimes an SCA can happen as a result of a heart attack, for example, during recovery [4].
Heart attacks are not rare events. According to the American Heart Association in the United States, every 40 seconds, a person has a myocardial infarction [5].
How does CJC-1295 work?
CJC-1295 is a peptide-based drug that stimulates the production of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. To extend its half-life in the body, it uses its unique structure to bind covalently to plasma proteins such as serum albumin [6, 7]. With the plasm proteins, it forms CJC-1295-protein conjugates. The prolonged half-life of these combined molecules allows them to stimulate GH production for more than six days [6].
The mechanism of action of CJC-1295 is based on the activation of the growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) receptor. Those receptors are found on the anterior pituitary gland, and their stimulation leads to an acute secretion of GH [7].
The increased GH production has a variety of impacts on the body. It increases muscle mass, decreases fat tissue, and encourages general growth and development.
Can people with heart disease use CJC-1295?
Based on the available studies, there may not be sufficient evidence to answer exactly whether it is safe to use CJC-1295 if you have a heart disease. However, warnings from the FDA have been issued regarding this peptide.
The FDA indicated that CJC-1295 poses a cardiovascular risk. CJC 1295 can increase the heart rate and decreasing blood pressure [1]. These effects are particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, and can increase their mortality risk.
However, one study on CJC-1295 showed that it was safe in healthy adults. No serious adverse reactions were reported [8].
With full certainty, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of CJC-1295 in patients with heart disease. Until more information is available, patients with cardiovascular disease should not take CJC-1295.