GHRP-2

It’s a synthetic agonist of lenomorelin (ghrelin), which is the newly-discovered gut peptide that binds to the GH (growth hormone) secretagogue receptor. Lenomorelin has been proved to have 2 major effects, stimulating appetite/meal initiation and growth hormone secretion.

GHRP-2 has been largely studied for its use as a GHS (growth hormone secretagogue). Animal studies have revealed its effect its effect on the intake of food. However, whether it can stimulate appetite in human beings when it is administered acutely isn’t known. When administered either peripherally or centrally to rodents, ghrelin increases the intake of food and body weight.

Interestingly, the effects of GHRP-2 on food intake are always independent of growth hormone secretion and seem to be mediated through the NPY/AGRP (Agouti gene-related protein) neurones in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Recently, peripheral ghrelin administration has been proven to stimulate the intake of food in lean, healthy women and men and in patients suffering from cancer.

Also, data insinuates that circulating ghrelin is implicated in the regulation of meal to meal. The levels of Ghrelin increase in expectation of a meal, and they are suppressed by the ingestion of food; however, the underlying mechanisms aren’t known. Ghrelin meal-related suppression is proportional to the CHO (carbohydrate) of the meal but doesn’t seem to be directly connected with insulin, or glucose, although the administration of insulin reduces ghrelin.