Key Difference Between Hexarelin and Sermorelin
Hexarelin and Sermorelin are both growth hormone-releasing peptides, but they have key differences. Hexarelin is a synthetic peptide that can stimulate the release of growth hormone and other hormones like prolactin and cortisol, and it can also have direct cardiovascular actions. On the other hand, Sermorelin is a synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and primarily stimulates the release of growth hormone
What is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing peptide. It is a hexapeptide and is a more stable and potent analogue of the natural secretary hormone ghrelin [1].
Hexarelin aids in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis, and it protects cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) against hypertrophy, where heart muscles grow abnormally thick [2].
Hexarelin acts at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (or GHSR) [1].
Hexarelin has been shown to block the SMC phenotype switch and NF-κB signalling-mediated inflammatory response, which are key initiators of the inflammatory response. [3]
It can be noted that Hexarelin elicits secretion of growth hormone (GH) in young adults at higher levels when in comparison to older individuals [4].
What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a 29-amino acid peptide analogue of the naturally occurring growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), it is the shortest peptide of GHRH having full biological activity. [1] It is used therapeutically to replace insufficient circulating levels of hGH.
HGH is a peptide hormone produced by various (somatotroph) cells located in the pituitary, a gland in the brain. Secreted into the blood at pulses, hGH orchestrates the growth of healthy tissues and organs in childhood and adolescence [5].
GHRH is secreted by the hypothalamus and stimulates the release of hGH into the blood from the pituitary gland [5].
Sermorelin functions as a highly accurate copy of GHRH. It triggers the pituitary gland to produce and secrete more hGH, allowing the body to perform normal growth and development [5].
What are the therapeutic applications of Hexarelin and Sermorelin?
Therapeutic applications of Hexarelin
Hexarelin has demonstrated potential for many medical uses. The peptide acts as a potent stimulator of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) secretion, resulting in a robust increase of linear growth velocity in short children [6].
Hexarelin has been shown to exhibit cardioprotective properties. A study conducted on mice portrayed that a single Hexarelin dose administered was beneficial to chronic heart failure and functional recovery of the heart [7].
Therapeutic applications of Sermorelin
Sermorelin, on the other hand, is used medically to diagnose GH deficiency and to simultaneously treat children with GH deficiency.
Sermorelin drives the transcription of genes in the pituitary that code for hGH messenger RNA, enhancing pituitary reserve; it aids in maintaining pituitary integrity by sustaining the growth hormone neuroendocrine axis, which is vulnerable to decline with increasing age [4].
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Hexarelin and Sermorelin offer distinct mechanisms for stimulating growth hormone release. Hexarelin is a synthetic version of a growth hormone-releasing peptide; it is a hexapeptide. Sermorelin is a 29-amino acid peptide that is an analogue of the naturally occurring molecule called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Their differing profiles make them suitable for various therapeutic applications. Both require different dosage administrations; however, this should always be consulted with a doctor.