Effect of saline (control), fragment 176-191, and hGH on white adipose tissue mass in obese mice over 14 days
Source: Oxford Academic

3. Promotes Cartilage Regeneration

Though fragment 176-191 is primarily of interest for its lipolytic properties, the peptide is under investigation for other possible benefits. Of note, a 2015 article out of Korea revealed that fragment 176-191 may be able to potentiate the effects of hyaluronic acid injections in promoting cartilage regeneration. Studies in rabbits indicated that weekly injections of fragment 176-191 increase laboratory measures of cartilage growth and that co-administration of the peptide with hyaluronic acid (HA) produces even more substantial effects. Similarly, the study found that fragment 176-191, both alone and in combination with HA, reduces disability associated with osteoarthritis. There is hope that this may lead to advanced therapies for osteoarthritis and may even eliminate the need for surgery in certain settings^[7].

There is some concern that the use of hGH or its derivatives for weight control may have unwanted side effects. This concern arises from the fact that studies of hGH have shown that long-term exogenous administration, while increasing lean body mass and decreasing adipose tissue, can also cause:

• increased insulin resistance,
• diabetes,
• acromegaly,
• cancer,
• hypertension (high blood pressure), and
• edema (swelling).

In 2013, a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism evaluated six studies of fragment 176-191 to assess the rate and significance of negative effects associated with the peptide. The study, included only research that followed the randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled model of a phase IIb clinical trial in order to keep the highest possible standards of evidence. It found that IV and oral administration of Fragment 176-191, when compared to placebo, led to no changes in:

• physical findings,
• laboratory parameters,
• glucose levels,
• glucose tolerance,
• insulin sensitivity,
• IGF-1 levels, or
• rates of adverse events (e.g. headache)^{[4], [5]}.

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that fragment 176-191 offers many of the benefits of hGH without the associated negative (and often serious) side effects. These findings further the argument for pursuing regulatory approval for use of fragment 176-191 in the clinical setting, but also offer insight into the regulation of human growth, fat deposition, and energy homeostasis. These findings make it clear that it is possible to target fat loss without affecting energy homeostasis in other nutrient pathways, opening the door for a deeper exploration of human energy regulation and methods of manipulating it.

It is worth noting that while hGH has anabolic effects on muscle, fragment 176-191 was specifically selected for its ability to avoid anabolism entirely. This is critical to ensuring that the peptide has targeted lipolytic effects and does not produce acromegaly or any of the other conditions associated with hGH administration. Studies in mice reveal that fragment 176-191 does not increase cell proliferation^[6].

The primary area of research for fragment 176-191 is in weight loss and lipolysis where significant effort is being expended to learn how the peptide can be used to understand fat metabolism and energy homeostasis. The most active secondary area of research is in connective tissue regeneration, particularly cartilage repair.

The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Frank NG, M.D. is one of the leading scientists discovering how both AOD9604 and Fragment 176-191 function. He extensively studied their effects on lipid metabolism in obese mice, fat oxidation, weight loss, oral digestion, glucose transport, and hyperglycemia. He has over 64 publications and studies at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology — Monash University, Australia.

Frank NG, M.D. is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of Fragment 176-191. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between

1. F. M. Ng and J. Bornstein, “Hyperglycemic action of synthetic C-terminal fragments of human growth hormone,” Am. J. Physiol., vol. 234, no. 5, pp. E521-526, May 1978. 
2. M. Heffernan et al., “The Effects of Human GH and Its Lipolytic Fragment (AOD9604) on Lipid Metabolism Following Chronic Treatment in Obese Mice andβ 3-AR Knock-Out Mice,” Endocrinology, vol. 142, no. 12, pp. 5182–5189, Dec. 2001.
3. R. Ferrer-Lorente, C. Cabot, J.-A. Fernández-López, and M. Alemany, “Combined effects of oleoyl-estrone and a beta3-adrenergic agonist (CL316,243) on lipid stores of diet-induced overweight male Wistar rats,” Life Sci., vol. 77, no. 16, pp. 2051–2058, Sep. 2005. 
4. F. M. Ng, J. Sun, L. Sharma, R. Libinaka, W. J. Jiang, and R. Gianello, “Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone,” Horm. Res., vol. 53, no. 6, pp. 274–278, 2000. 
5. H. Stier, E. Vos, and D. Kenley, “Safety and Tolerability of the Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in Humans,” J. Endocrinol. Metab., vol. 3, no. 1–2, pp. 7-15–15, Apr. 2013. 
6. M. A. Heffernan et al., “Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment,” Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord. J. Int. Assoc. Study Obes., vol. 25, no. 10, pp. 1442–1449, Oct. 2001. 
7. D. R. Kwon and G. Y. Park, “Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model,” Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci., vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 426–432, Jul. 2015. 

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The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body.  These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease.  Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.