Hexarelin
Also known as: Examorelin · examorelina · examoreline · MF-6003
Hexarelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide studied in laboratory research for its ability to stimulate growth hormone secretion via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It also exhibits cardioprotective effects through cardiac receptor interactions. Hexarelin is a research chemical and is not FDA-approved for human use.
What is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic peptide classified as a growth hormone-releasing peptide and secretagogue, also known by names such as examorelin. It was developed to mimic the action of endogenous peptides like ghrelin, effectively stimulating the release of growth hormone by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Its molecular structure and stability make it a valuable tool in research focused on endocrine regulation and tissue protection.
Originally synthesized to explore growth hormone secretagogue pathways, Hexarelin has been extensively studied for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release in preclinical models. Unlike natural ghrelin, Hexarelin exhibits greater chemical stability and potency, facilitating experimental investigations into growth hormone axis modulation.
Beyond its neuroendocrine effects, research has revealed that Hexarelin interacts with a cardiac receptor known as CD36. This interaction mediates direct cardioprotective effects, suggesting mechanisms of action extending beyond growth hormone stimulation. Consequently, Hexarelin is of interest in cardiovascular research and organ protection studies.
Currently, Hexarelin is utilized exclusively in laboratory and preclinical research settings. Its properties have prompted investigations into aging, cardiovascular health, and organ injury models, although it remains unapproved for clinical or therapeutic use.
Key Benefits & Mechanisms
- Growth Hormone ReleaseHexarelin functions as a potent synthetic agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, stimulating the release of growth hormone. This property has made it a valuable compound in research focused on understanding and manipulating the growth hormone axis and its physiological effects in various preclinical models.
- Cardioprotective EffectsResearch indicates that Hexarelin exerts direct protective effects on cardiac tissue through its interaction with the CD36 receptor. This mechanism is independent of its growth hormone-releasing activity and has been studied for potential therapeutic avenues in cardiovascular conditions and myocardial injury models.
- Organ Protection in Ischemic InjuryPreclinical studies have demonstrated that Hexarelin can alleviate tissue damage and apoptosis in ischemia/reperfusion injury models, such as acute kidney injury. Its ability to modulate apoptotic pathways, including downregulating pro-apoptotic genes and upregulating anti-apoptotic proteins, highlights its potential in organ protection research.
- Aging and Longevity ResearchHexarelin has been investigated within the context of aging and longevity studies, where modulation of growth hormone pathways and hormetic responses are relevant. It is considered among promising agents explored for their potential to influence mechanisms implicated in aging, such as oxidative stress and metabolic regulation.
Mechanism of action
Hexarelin exerts its primary mechanism of action by binding to and activating the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), a G-protein-coupled receptor that is the natural target of ghrelin. This activation stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, thus influencing systemic growth hormone levels. Additionally, Hexarelin interacts with the cardiac receptor CD36, a scavenger receptor expressed in the heart and vasculature, mediating direct cardioprotective effects distinct from its neuroendocrine activity. This dual receptor interaction underscores Hexarelin's multifaceted mechanism, involving both endocrine modulation and direct tissue-specific effects, which are the focus of ongoing preclinical research.
Research Summary
Research on Hexarelin encompasses diverse biological effects including aging, cardiovascular function, and organ protection.
The 2014 review titled "We are ageing." discusses Hexarelin among promising agents influencing longevity. It highlights the peptide's involvement in pathways related to oxidative stress, metabolic regulation, and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis, situating Hexarelin within broader aging and hormesis research.
Another 2014 study, "The cardiovascular action of hexarelin.", explores Hexarelin's ability to activate GHSR in peripheral tissues such as the heart and blood vessels. The study emphasizes Hexarelin's superior chemical stability and potency compared to ghrelin, as well as its interaction with the CD36 receptor, supporting its potential as a cardioprotective agent in preclinical cardiovascular models.
A 2023 investigation, "Hexarelin alleviates apoptosis on ischemic acute kidney injury via MDM2/p53 pathway.", evaluates Hexarelin's protective effects in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury models. Pretreatment with Hexarelin improved renal function, reduced histopathological damage, and inhibited apoptosis by modulating apoptosis-related gene expression. This work extends Hexarelin's research context to organ injury and cellular survival mechanisms.
- We are ageing. (2014) PubMed · PMID 25045704
- The cardiovascular action of hexarelin. (2014) PubMed · PMID 25278975
- Hexarelin alleviates apoptosis on ischemic acute kidney injury via MDM2/p53 pathway. (2023) PubMed · PMID 37710348
Dosing in Research Literature
Preclinical dosing protocols for Hexarelin vary depending on the experimental model and research objectives. In animal studies investigating acute kidney injury, doses around 100 μg/kg/day administered for several days prior to injury induction have been reported. Such regimens aim to evaluate protective effects against ischemic damage.
Other research involving growth hormone release or cardiovascular effects typically employs dosing schedules tailored to the species and route of administration used in the study. Precise dosing ranges and protocols are not universally established and should be interpreted strictly within the context of experimental design. No clinical dosing guidelines exist due to the compound's research-only status.
The figures above describe doses reported in published or preclinical research, provided for context only. This is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation, and these compounds are not approved for human use.
Common Stacks
Frequently asked questions about Hexarelin
Is Hexarelin approved by the FDA for medical use?
Hexarelin is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical or therapeutic use. It is classified strictly as a research chemical intended for laboratory and preclinical studies only.
What is Hexarelin primarily studied for in research?
Hexarelin is primarily studied for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release by activating the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Additionally, it is investigated for its cardioprotective properties and potential organ-protective effects in ischemia-reperfusion injury models.
How does Hexarelin work at the molecular level?
Hexarelin acts by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), stimulating growth hormone secretion from the pituitary. It also interacts with the cardiac receptor CD36, mediating direct cardioprotective effects independent of growth hormone release.
Can Hexarelin be combined with other peptides in research?
In preclinical research, Hexarelin is sometimes studied in combination with other growth hormone secretagogues such as GHRP-6 or Ipamorelin to investigate potential synergistic or additive effects on growth hormone release and related physiological responses.
What are the typical research dosing protocols for Hexarelin?
Research dosing protocols vary widely depending on the experimental model. Some studies have used doses around 100 μg/kg/day in animal models for several days prior to injury induction. However, standardized dosing regimens are not established, and all dosing should be contextualized within specific research designs.
How should Hexarelin be stored and handled in a laboratory setting?
As a research peptide, Hexarelin should be stored according to manufacturer recommendations, typically in a lyophilized form at low temperatures (such as -20°C) to maintain stability. Proper handling includes minimizing exposure to moisture and repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve compound integrity.
Legal & research status: Research use only — not approved by the FDA for human use. Sold and discussed for laboratory and research use only, not for human consumption.