CJC-1295 (Fragment 176-191)
🔍 Description:
CJC-1295 (Fragment 176-191) is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH). This peptide enhances natural GH secretion, which leads to increased muscle growth, fat loss, and improved recovery. Additionally, it is known for its role in lowering blood sugar levels, promoting fat metabolism, and supporting cartilage regeneration​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
💪 Health Benefits:
– Muscle Growth: CJC-1295 promotes an increase in lean muscle mass and strength by enhancing the natural release of GH and subsequently IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1). It also supports the generation of myoblasts, which are crucial for muscle repair and growth​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
– Fat Loss: By boosting fat metabolism, CJC-1295 aids in reducing body fat. Fragment 176-191 specifically exhibits lipolytic activity similar to that of growth hormone but without the accompanying hyperglycemia, making it effective in fat burning​:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
– Cartilage Regeneration: Fragment 176-191 is believed to promote cartilage regeneration, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for osteoarthritis and other joint conditions. It stimulates collagen and proteoglycan production in chondrocytes, which are essential for healthy cartilage​:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
– Sleep Quality: Improved deep sleep is another benefit of CJC-1295, which is crucial for recovery from physical exertion and maintaining overall health. The peptide’s role in energy consumption and fat oxidation also supports better sleep patterns​:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
💉 Dosing/Administration:
– Typical Dosage: The recommended dosage for CJC-1295 (Modified GRF (1-29)) is 200-300 mcg per day, administered via subcutaneous injection.
– Administration Method: It is often administered at night to align with the body’s natural GH release, maximizing its effectiveness. For fat loss, Fragment 176-191 is typically administered at a dosage of 200-500 mcg per day, often split between morning and evening doses on an empty stomach​:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
– Cycling: CJC-1295 is typically cycled with breaks to prevent desensitization and maintain long-term efficacy. A common cycle is to use CJC-1295 for 3-6 months, followed by a break period​:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
⚠️ Side Effects and Safety:
– Side Effects: While generally well-tolerated, some users may experience mild water retention, headaches, and numbness in extremities. It has been associated with injection-related side effects, including headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. However, it does not cause the common GH-related side effects such as increased IGF-1 levels, insulin resistance, or long bone growth​:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}​:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
– Safety Profile: CJC-1295 is generally considered safe when cycled properly and taken at recommended dosages. It is advised to monitor IGF-1 levels during use to ensure they remain within a healthy range. Fragment 176-191 has shown a favorable safety profile in animal studies, with no adverse effects on insulin sensitivity or carbohydrate metabolism​:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
References:
2. Ng FM, Bornstein J. Hyperglycemic action of synthetic C-terminal fragments of human growth hormone. Am J Physiol. 1978 May;234(5):E521-6. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1978.234.5.E521. PMID: 645904.
3. Stier, H., et al. “Safety And Tolerability Of The Hexadecapeptide AOD9604 In Humans”. Jofem.Org, 2021. [Link to Source](https://www.jofem.org/index.php/jofem/article/view/157).
4. Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice. Endocrinology. 2001 Dec;142(12):5182-9. doi: 10.1210/endo.142.12.8522. PMID: 11713213.
### 1. Base Structure: GHRH(1-29) (Sermorelin)
The natural Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) has 44 amino acids, but the biologically active fragment is the first 29 amino acids (GHRH 1-29, also called **Sermorelin**).
Its sequence is:
Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg
Key features:
– Short half-life (~10-20 minutes in humans) due to rapid enzymatic degradation.
– Binds to the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) to stimulate GH release.
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### 2. CJC-1293: Modified GHRH(1-29)
CJC-1293 is an early analog with stability-enhancing modifications but no drug affinity complex (DAC).
#### Key Modifications:
1. Substitutions:
– Ala² → Gly (reduces enzymatic degradation).
– Val²⁹ → Arg (improves receptor binding).
2. No DAC (Lysine Linker):
– Unlike CJC-1295, it does not have a lysine-based albumin-binding moiety.
– Thus, its half-life is longer than Sermorelin but shorter than CJC-1295.
#### Sequence (Modified Residues Bolded):
Tyr-*Gly*-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-*Arg*
#### Properties:
– Improved stability over GHRH(1-29).
– Half-life: ~30 minutes to 2 hours (estimates vary).
– Must be administered multiple times per day.
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### 3. CJC-1295: DAC-Modified Long-Acting Analog
CJC-1295 is the DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)-enabled version, designed for prolonged action by binding to serum albumin.
#### Key Modifications:
1. Same Amino Acid Substitutions as CJC-1293:
– Ala² → Gly
– Val²⁹ → Arg
2. Addition of DAC (Lysine Linker + Reactive Moiety):
– A Lysine residue is added at the C-terminus.
– Attached to this is a maleimidopropionyl (MPA) group, which forms a covalent bond with albumin in the bloodstream.