Glossary
The words that keep coming up
- Peptide
- A short chain of amino acids (usually 2 to 50). Peptides act as signalling molecules, telling cells what to do.
- Secretagogue
- A compound that causes another substance to be released. GH secretagogues prompt the pituitary to release growth hormone.
- GHRH
- Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone. Sermorelin, Tesamorelin and CJC-1295 are analogs of it.
- Ghrelin mimetic
- A compound that copies ghrelin's action at the GHS-R receptor, triggering a GH pulse. Ipamorelin is one.
- GLP-1 / GIP / Glucagon
- Gut and pancreatic hormones that regulate appetite, insulin and energy use. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist; Retatrutide is a triple agonist.
- Amylin
- A satiety hormone released with insulin. Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog.
- Agonist
- A compound that binds to a receptor and activates it.
- IGF-1
- Insulin-like Growth Factor 1. The main downstream mediator of growth hormone's effects on muscle.
- Lipolysis
- The breakdown of stored fat into fatty acids for energy.
- Visceral fat
- Fat stored around internal organs, as opposed to subcutaneous fat under the skin.
- Angiogenesis
- The formation of new blood vessels, a key step in tissue repair.
- BDNF
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Supports neuron growth and survival; linked to learning and mood.
- Melanocortin receptors
- A receptor family involved in pigmentation, inflammation, appetite and sexual function.
- Telomerase
- The enzyme that maintains telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes.
- Mitochondria
- The energy-producing structures inside cells. SS-31, MOTS-c and NAD+ all act here.
- NAD+
- A coenzyme central to cellular energy production and DNA repair.
- Exercise mimetic
- A compound that reproduces some of the cellular effects of exercise.
- Half-life
- The time it takes for half a compound to be cleared from the body. Determines dosing frequency.
- DAC
- Drug Affinity Complex. A modification that extends a peptide's half-life by binding it to albumin.
- Lyophilized
- Freeze-dried. Peptides ship as a lyophilized powder that must be reconstituted.
- Reconstitution
- Dissolving lyophilized peptide powder in a sterile diluent before use.
- BAC water
- Bacteriostatic water. Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol to inhibit bacterial growth; the standard diluent.
- mg / mcg
- Milligram and microgram. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg. Vials are labelled in mg; doses are often in mcg.
- Insulin units
- Markings on a U-100 insulin syringe. 100 units = 1 mL, so 1 unit = 0.01 mL.
- Subcutaneous (SubQ)
- Injection into the fatty layer just under the skin, typically the abdomen.
- Titration
- Starting at a low dose and stepping up gradually to assess tolerance.
- Cycle
- A period of use followed by a break, written as on / off (e.g. 12 weeks on / 4 weeks off).