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FAT ATTACK: FAT TRIMMING GH FRAGMNET APRIL 05

Posted by: Unknown توقيت نشر: 18:07 / comment : 0 , , , , ,


Fat Attack

By Dan Gwartney, MD

AOD9604

A Fat-Trimming Fragment of Growth Hormone


            Bodybuilding has experienced a number of quantum leaps. Once upon a time, it was mustachioed men clad in unitards performing calisthenics. The introduction of dumbbells and barbells produced mustachioed men in unitards lifting weights that looked more like car parts. Eventually, organized gyms evolved, mustaches were shaved and the unitards were trimmed down to tiny trunks.
            The changes evoked by training methods and facial hair styles were minimal compared to the dramatic changes seen during the last few decades. Eugene Sandow is a legend among early bodybuilders. A strongman who displayed his physique during the late 1800s and early years of the 1900s, Sandow is best known now as the figure personified in the Sandow trophy handed out each year to the winner of the Mr. Olympia. Despite his glorious reign as one of the founders of modern bodybuilding, Sandow's physique would have been easily overshadowed by most of the bodybuilders of the 1960s and 1970s. It was during this period that physiques were augmented through the use of anabolic steroids. Placing Sandow next to Arnold or Mike Mentzer in their prime would have made Sandow look like a child.
           
            Then hGH Arrived on the Scene
During the 1980s, a new drug trickled into the bodybuilding pharmacopoeia that greatly exaggerated the physiques appearing upon the stage: human growth hormone (hGH). It was not until the later 1980s that the use of hGH became relatively commonplace, but it's now considered a mandatory ingredient for professional bodybuilding success.1 Not only has hGH inflated muscle size, but it has also allowed bodybuilders to strip body fat down to cartoonish levels. The difference has been so great as to physically dwarf even Arnold of the 1970s. Other drugs, such as insulin, aromatase inhibitors and synthol, have added further changes, but hGH is definitely the most potent factor since testosterone esters.
            As noted, the benefits of hGH included both an anabolic effect (bigger muscles) and a lipolytic effect (less body fat), though scientists will dispute the fact that this offers any benefits to athletes.2 Obesity specialists have noted the lipolytic effect of hGH and found it's effective in treating overweight and obese people.3-6 However, using hGH is not without problems. If too high a dose is administered over a period of time, IGF-1 levels will exceed the therapeutic range and symptoms of hGH excess will develop. Edema, carpal tunnel syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, enlarged organs, distorted facial features and even overt diabetes can arise if hGH is dosed inappropriately.7-9 Given the political backlash coming against hGH due to its role in sports doping, along with the expense of treatment and monitoring, the possibility of introducing hGH into standard treatment protocols for obesity seems remote. However, there is some promise looming on the horizon.
Growth hormone is a large protein.10 Proteins are long chains of amino acids that fold and wrinkle so certain parts are exposed on the surface, while others are crumpled up in the middle.11 Of the parts that are exposed, certain amino acid sequences are specifically structured to interact with receptors on the surface of cells. Though most people are taught to consider hormone and receptor interaction as a lock-and-key model, it appears that is oversimplified, at least for protein hormones. Rather than being a single key, large protein hormones like hGH seem to behave more like key rings, with two or more segments able to interact with different cells, bringing about a spectrum of biological effects, rather than a single effect.
For instance, hGH is known to interact with growth hormone receptor imbedded in the cell surface of fat cells, causing them to break down and release stored fats.12 It also interacts with the liver and other cells to signal the production of growth factors, such as the somatomedins and IGF-1. Different cells, different effects, same hormone.13
            It has long been suggested that hGH behaves like a prohormone in addition to being a direct hormone.14Small fragments are generated in the peripheral metabolism of hGH, some of which may retain biological activity.15Researchers have long looked at the activity of various structural segments and discovered separate functions of hGH segments.15,16 One researcher, Dr. F. Ng of Monash University, identified a specific segment located at one end of hGH that appears to be responsible for much of the lipolytic activity.15,17-28 This amino acid sequence interacts with the fat cell, stimulating the breakdown and release of stored fatty acids and glycerol (the components of stored fats or triglycerides).
Surprisingly, this effect does not appear to involve the hGH receptor. One study measured a significant increase inB3-adrenoreceptors in mice, a receptor for adrenaline and norepinephrine that stimulates fat loss; increases in B3-adrenoreceptors are seen with the use of hGH, as well.27,29 This fragment retains its ability to stimulate fat loss, even after being broken off the larger hGH molecule. It is a peptide chain of only 15 amino acids being developed by the Australian company Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Limited under the code name AOD9604.30

 AOD9604: Exciting Potential

AOD9604 offers exciting potential to the fat loss arsenal for three primary reasons. First, being a small peptide, the fragment can be administered orally (swallowed), as opposed to hGH which must be injected under the skin.31Second, it has been shown to be effective at a low dose, which makes it affordable and convenient. Third, it has no anabolic effect, meaning it does not increase IGF-1 or cause muscle or organ growth. Bodybuilders may see the last as a negative, but in fact, it may be a positive as it would likely allow AOD9604 to be approved for use in treating obesity before hGH, as the abuse potential and the risk of side effects would be much lower.
            Dr. Ng collaborated with Metabolic Pharmaceuticals Limited to further investigate the potential of AOD9604 in treating obesity. Together, they have advanced AOD9604 through phase 2b of drug development, demonstrating the effectiveness of the drug in reducing weight of obese subjects.
            Prior studies involving AOD9604 included a number of bench top experiments and animal studies, demonstrating the ability of the drug to stimulate the release of stored fat from fat cells observed in a test tube, as well as reducing weight gain in growing mice.15,17-28,31
            In a 12-week placebo controlled study, groups of obese people were treated with five different levels of AOD9604 along with general diet and exercise advice.32 Three hundred subjects were involved in the study. During the study, no adverse side effects were noted and the test subjects lost more weight than the control group. The most significant weight loss occurred with the group taking the lowest dose of the drug, which is surprising in some aspects. However, this effect had been noted in the earlier studies. The company's press release stated that one milligram of AOD9604 is actually the biologic equivalent of a very high dose of hGH.30
            Additional benefits of AOD9604 treatment were observed during the study. Changes in cholesterol were charted that would decrease cardiovascular risk, including a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol. Glucose tolerance, a measure of how well the body handles sugar, was also improved. Impaired glucose tolerance is often seen in obese people and is often a warning sign of future diabetes. Even though the actions of hGH are known to stimulate the production of IGF-1, a potent growth mediator, no changes in IGF-1 levels were noted in any of the groups. This further demonstrates that separating the lipolytic effect from the anabolic effect of hGH was achieved.32
            The successful trial of AOD9604 opens an avenue of opportunity, but first the drug must complete the FDA approval process in order to be cleared for worldwide marketing. This will involve a larger study, which is projected to begin later this year. Though it has taken nearly 30 years to reach this point, it appears this drug may become available as a treatment option for those needing help with weight management. If the B3-adrenoreceptor effect is seen in humans, then adding a sympathomimetic combination like ephedrine/caffeine could further increase the effect of treatment.

            What's in it for the Bodybuilder?
To the competitive bodybuilder, separating the anabolic effect out of hGH may seem sacrilegious. Considering the impact hGH has had on the sport of bodybuilding, it's unlikely any serious competitors would opt for AOD9604 as opposed to Nutropin (synthetic hGH). For those who might be satisfied with a less exaggerated physique, but desire a leaner appearance (not to mention better cholesterol levels), AOD9604 may one day be a legitimate option. Being able to avoid daily injections by taking AOD9604 as a tablet will increase its appeal compared to hGH for many. It is unlikely that hGH will be approved for cosmetic or performance purposes any time in the near future. Perhaps by piecing out the valuable parts of hGH, society will be able to access the therapeutic potential of this potent hormone.

References 

  1. Llewellyn W. Human Growth Hormone (somatotropin). Anabolics 2004. Molecular Nutrition Press, Jupiter, FL;2004:236-8.
  2. Rennie MJ. Claims for the anabolic effects of growth hormone: a case of the emperor's new clothes? Br J Sports Med, 2003 Apr;37(2):100-5.
  3. Moller N, Gjedsted J, et al. Effects of growth hormone on lipid metabolism in humans. Growth Horm IGF Res,2003 Aug;13 Suppl A:S18-21.
  4. Takahashi S, Satozawa N. The 20-kD human growth hormone reduces body fat by increasing lipolysis and decreasing lipoprotein lipase activity. Horm Res, 2002;58(4):157-64.
  5. Lucidi P, Parlanti N, et al. Short-term treatment with low doses of recombinant human GH stimulates lipolysis in visceral obese men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2002 Jul;87(7):3105-9.
  6. Albert SG, Mooradian AD. Low-dose recombinant human growth hormone as adjuvant therapy to lifestyle modifications in the management of obesity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2004 Feb;89(2):695-701.
  7. Dickerman RD, Douglas JA. Bilateral median neuropathy and growth hormone use: a case report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2000 Dec;81(12):1594-5.
  8. Blackman MR, Sorkin JD, et al. Growth hormone and sex steroid administration in healthy aged women and men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 2002 Nov 13;288(18):2282-92.
  9. Halac I, Zimmerman D. Managing growth hormone treatment in pediatric patients. Pediatr Ann, 2004 Mar;33(3):183-8.
  10. Lewis UJ, Sinha YN, et al. Structure and properties of members of the hGH family: a review. Endocr J, 2000 Mar;47 Suppl:S1-8.
  11. Kopchick JJ. History and future of growth hormone research. Horm Res, 2003;60 Suppl 3:103-12.
  12. Asada N, Takahashi Y, et al. GH induced lipolysis stimulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes stably expressing hGHR: analysis on signaling pathway and activity of 20K hGH. Mol Cell Endocrinol, 2000 Apr 25;162(1-2):121-9.
  13. Ohlsson C, Sjogren K, et al. The relative importance of endocrine versus autocrine/paracrine insulin-like growth factor-1 in the regulation of body growth. Pediatr Nephrol, 2000 Jul;14(7):541-3.
  14. Palidini AC, Pena C, et al. The intriguing nature of multiple actions of growth hormone. Trends in Biochemical Sciences 1979;4:256-60.
  15. Ng FM, Sun J, et al. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone.Horm Res, 2000;53:274-8.
  16. Ng FM. A comparison of cellular actions between gliclazide and a hypoglycaemic peptide fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 6-13). Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 1988 May 19;5(1):17-24.
  17. Wade JD, Pullin CO, et al. The synthesis and hyperglycaemic activity of the amino acid sequence 172-191 of human growth hormone. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1977 Sep 23;78(2):827-32.
  18. Ng FM, Bornstein J. Hyperglycemic action of synthetic C-terminal fragments of human growth hormone. Am J Physiol, 1978 May;234(5):E521-6.
  19. Wade JD, Ng FM, et al. Diabetogenic action of human growth hormone. Synthesis and activity of C-terminal fragments. Int J Pept Protein Res, 1979 Feb;13(2):195-200.
  20. Wade JD, Ng FM, et al. Effect of C-terminal chain shortening on the insulin-antagonistic activity of human growth hormone 177-191. Acta Endocrinol, 1982 Sep;101(1):10-4.
  21. Bornstein J, Ng FM, et al. Metabolic actions of pituitary growth hormone. I. Inhibition of acetyl CoA carboxylase by human growth hormone and a carboxyl terminal part sequence acting through a second messenger. Acta Endocrinol, 1983 Aug;103(4):479-86.
  22. Wu Z, Ng FM. Antilipogenic action of synthetic C-terminal sequence 177-191 of human growth hormone.Biochem Mol Biol Int, 1993 May;30(1):187-96.
  23. Wijaya E, Ng FM. Effect of an antilipogenic fragment of human growth hormone on glucose transport in rat adipocytes. Biochem Mol Biol Int, 1993 Nov;31(3):543-52.
  24. Natera SH, Jiang WJ, et al. Reduction of cumulative body weight gain and adipose tissue mass in obese mice: response to chronic treatment with synthetic hGH 177-191 peptide. Biochem Mol Biol Int, 1994 Aug;33(5):1011-21.
  25. Ng FM, Jiang WJ, et al. Molecular and cellular actions of a structural domain of human growth hormone (AOD9401) on lipid metabolism in Zucker fatty rats. J Mol Endocrinol, 2000;25:287-98.
  26. Ogru E, Wilson JC, et al. The conformational and biological analysis of a cyclic anti-obesity peptide from the C-terminal domain of human growth hormone. J Peptide Res, 2000;56:388-97.
  27. Heffernan M, Summers RJ, et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and B3-AR knock-out mice. Endocrinol,2001;142(12):5182-9.
  28. Heffernan MA, Thorburn AW, 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, 2001;25:1442-9.
  29. Yang S, Mulder H, et al. Effects of growth hormone on the function of beta-adrenergic subtypes in rat adipocytes. Obes Res, 2004 Feb;12(2):330-9.
  30. Belyea C, Kenley D. Press Release: Successful trial results for world-first obesity drug. Metabolic Pharmaceutical Limited, Melbourne, Australia. 2004 Dec 13.
  31. Heffernan MA, Jiang WJ, et al. Effects of oral administration of a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone on lipid metabolism. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 2000;279:E501-7.
  32. Wittert G, et al. Company news: AOD9604 phase 2b clinical trial successful. Metabolic Pharmaceutical Limited, Melbourne, Australia; 2004 Dec 13.

FAT ATTACK: EAT FAT, BURN FAT

Posted by: Unknown توقيت نشر: 18:05 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

Pull Quote: While some fats are more prone to be taken up by fat (adipose) cells and stored as body fat, others are more likely to alter metabolism to favor fat-burning.
For many years doctors and nutritionists were steering people away from “dreaded” fat assuming that fat in the diet was directly converted into body flab. Because of this, there was a proliferation of low- or fat-free products taking over the supermarket aisles in the 80s and 90s. Fat-free salad dressing, light peanut butter and low-fat yogurt were among the many items that were supposed to be better for us because they got rid of the fat. And what happened with the mass consumption of these products? Obesity rates skyrocketed and reached epidemic proportions. Other than the fact that many reduced-fat items replaced the fat with sugar, one reason for this trend toward expanding midsections was the false assumption that all dietary fats were alike.
It now seems apparent that the body handles various fats differently. While some fats are more prone to be taken up by fat (adipose) cells and stored as body fat, others are more likely to alter metabolism to favor fat-burning.
Fish Oil
Any devoted reader of this publication will, by now, know that the fats in fish have a wide range of health benefits. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are found in high amounts in fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, have been shown to protect the heart from disease by reducing inflammation,  blood triglycerides  and arterial plaque instability.  Cancer,  eye disease,  Alzheimer’s  and depression7,8 also appear to be on fish oil’s hit list. However, little fanfare has been paid to fish oil’s ability to alter metabolism and increase fat burning.
Many of the health benefits attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fats such as DHA and EPA are a result of their ability to alter our gene functioning using various mechanisms. These include changing the makeup of cell membranes, changing the transcription of genes and impacting the levels of calcium found within our cells.9,10,11,1213,14,15 By altering our genes in a positive way, DHA and EPA are very effective at combating a vast array of serious conditions, one being that of excess body fat.16
One outcome of this regulation of gene expression is that DHA and EPA increase the rate of fatty acid oxidation (fat-burning) by increasing the activity of enzymes and receptors in the liver involved in fat breakdown and oxidation, while decreasing the activity of those associated with fat storage.17,18,1920,21 All of this improves both fatty acid and glucose metabolism.10,15,1820,23 In other words, they can reduce fat cell proliferation by limiting both the expansion (hypertrophy) and division (hyperplasia) of fat cells.24,25
Fish oil can also indirectly affect our fat stores by improving skeletal muscle sensitivity to insulin.10,22,23 Insulin resistance is a serious contributor to fat storage by causing an unusual increase in blood glucose levels. Eventually this glucose can be stored as fat in the fat cells.
Consuming three to four servings of fatty fish per week is what many health experts recommend in order to obtain enough DHA and EPA. However, taking a daily fish oil supplement may be the best way to reap all the rewards of this amazing fat source. Concerns over contaminants present in fish such as farmed salmon and the reality that the majority of us simply don’t eat enough fish in any given week, makes supplementation a viable option. ConsumerLab.com, which is an independent supplement testing organization, found that all the fish oil supplements they tested were free of contaminants, such as mercury and PCBs.
Oleic Acid
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat (mono meaning it contains one double bond) found in various vegetable oils that’s alternatively known as an omega-9 fatty acid. Like DHA and EPA found in fish, oleic acid appears to alter metabolism in favor of fat oxidation and away from fat storage.26,27,28 The opposite can be said for palmitic acid— a fully saturated fat present in fatty meat, butter, cream, full-fat dairy and baked goods— that it is more prone to being stored compared to unsaturated fatty acids.29,30
These characteristics were highlighted in a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which found that after 28 days, an increase in the intake of saturated palmitic acid decreased fat burning and daily energy expenditure in healthy subjects, whereas a decrease in the consumption of palmitic acid intake and a increase in oleic acid intake had the opposite effect, resulting in an improved body composition. The researchers concluded that increases in dietary palmitic acid may alter our gene expression in such a way that increases the risk of obesity along with insulin resistance, whereas oleic acid may do the reverse when consumed in reasonable amounts.26
Oleic acid’s ability to turn up the heat is particularly apparent following a bout of exercise.31,32,33 Exercise, especially high-intensity exercise, can change your metabolism from favoring fat storage to favoring fat burning for several hours afterward while the body takes part in recovery processes such as lowering heart rate and replacing used up energy stores.34 However, it appears that this outcome is much more likely to occur if, following exercise, you consume monounsaturated fat in the form of oleic acid as opposed to saturated fat in the form of palmitic acid. Therefore, when you are finished hitting the weights, give those French fries a break and instead opt for the baked potato drizzled with olive oil.
Oleic acid has also been found to have a faster oxidation rate than the other unsaturated fatty acid known as linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fat is found in high amounts in soybean and corn oil.35 It should be noted that these oils are commonly used in restaurants, fast-food joints and many processed foods. Because of this, most Americans consume much more linoleic acid than oleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. This isn’t ideal, as linoleic acid appears to be more likely to be retained in the body following a meal, due to its lower propensity for being used to generate energy.
Keep the important advantages of oleic acid in mind when you’re reading about the Mediterranean diet since this relatively high-fat diet is very high in oleic acid. This is because of the generous use of olive oil in populations who practice this way of eating. The fat-burning characteristics of oleic acid may shed more light on why the traditional Mediterranean diet is so healthy and why individuals from countries such as Greece and Italy who follow it tend to be slimmer than Americans.
What all this means is that you should consume a good chunk of your daily fat as monounsaturated fat (oleic acid) to help better manage your metabolism. Major dietary sources include olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil and the "high-oleic" safflower and sunflower oils. Oleic acid is also found in various amounts in avocados, nuts, cocoa butter and nut butters.
Coconut Oil
Lately, coconut oil has been flying off the shelves of health food stores. Once branded Public Enemy Number One by health practitioners, it appears that this oil is making a healthy comeback. One reason is the belief that it helps shed body fat.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which make up over 50 percent of the fat in coconut oil in the form of lauric acid, are thought to be one tool in the battle of the bulge. MCTs, in contrast to long-chain triglycerides like palmitic acid, increase energy expenditure by being digested and absorbed much more quickly as a result of their unique six- to12-carbon length (long chain fats contain over 12 carbons). Their unique structure also alters the expression of genes involved in the uptake of fat into fat stores. As a result, MCTs are largely converted (oxidized) to energy in the liver and muscle instead of entering fat (adipose) tissue resulting in a negative energy balance.36,37,38,39,40 In addition, MCTs may bring about a greater feeling of satiety, leading to a reduction in calorie intake.39 Whether all this translates into fat loss and the prevention of weight gain as a result of coconut oil consumption and just how much oil would need to be part of the diet for this to occur, is yet to be determined as there’s no solid data studying coconut oil’s effect on fat metabolism.
Enova Oil
Enova (www.enovaoil.com) is a new cooking oil made from a mixture of soybean and canola oil. According to the makers of EnovaÔ, the difference between this cooking oil and others is that most oils used for cooking contain fat molecules, which are primarily triglycerides, while Enova has a higher concentration of diglycerides. The differences in chemical structure and shape may mean that the fat in this new oil is more likely to be oxidized instead of being stored.41 While it remains to be determined what real impact this oil may have on body fat regulation, one concern is that this oil is higher in polyunsaturated fat than other common cooking oils such as pure canola or olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are less stable when exposed to heat than monounsaturated fats and can produce damaging free radicals when heated to a high temperature. Cell damage from free radicals can lead to cancer, age-related vision loss and other health problems. Olive and canola oils higher in monounsaturated fat are likely more heat stable and, therefore, might be a better option for cooking up that stir-fry.
Fat Recommendations
? Obtain between 25 and 30 percent of total calories from fat.
? Use extra-virgin olive oil (high in oleic acid) for salad dressings. Olive oil is also good fat choice after a workout.
? Avoid fatty processed foods high in saturated and trans-fat.
? Use heat-stable virgin coconut oil for high-heat cooking.
? Consume fatty fish at least three times per week and/or use a daily fish oil supplement.
References

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