Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological condition that affects millions worldwide. Traditional treatments have varied in effectiveness and often come with side effects. However, recent studies have shown promising results using peptide-based therapies. In this blog, we'll explore the emerging role of peptides in MS treatment, focusing on standard ones available on the market today as well as experimental ones for future protocols.
TB-500
TB-500, or Thymosin Beta-4, is renowned for its healing properties. It's not just about patching up physical wounds; it's about promoting the healing of neural tissue, which is crucial in an autoimmune condition like MS that attacks the nervous system.
Potential Benefits for MS: TB-500 could help repair myelin sheath damage, enhancing nerve fiber communication and potentially slowing disease progression.
Dose Protocol: The typical starting point might be 500 mcg administered twice daily for 4-6 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose that's tailored to individual responses.
BPC-157
BPC-157, a peptide derived from gastric juices, is like a bodyguard for cells. It's protective and healing, with a knack for reducing inflammation—one of the key villains in MS.
Potential Benefits for MS: By promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation, BPC-157 could alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Dose Protocol: A suggested protocol could involve doses of 500 mcg injected daily for 4 weeks, evaluating effects and adjusting as necessary.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue, which means it encourages the secretion of growth hormone. This is vital for regeneration and maintaining a balanced immune system.
Potential Benefits for MS: By stimulating growth hormone production, Ipamorelin may support overall tissue repair and immune system modulation, potentially countering some of the autoimmune aspects of MS.
Dose Protocol: Starting doses often range from 100 mcg taken once daily at bedtime, to mimic the body's natural growth hormone release cycle, for a period of 8-12 weeks.
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu, a copper peptide complex, is a multitasker, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration capabilities.
Potential Benefits for MS: Its anti-inflammatory action could be particularly beneficial, reducing the chronic inflammation associated with MS and promoting repair of damaged neural tissue.
Dose Protocol: Recommended dosages start around 1.5 mg administered either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, daily for 4-8 weeks.
Thymosin Alpha 1 (TA1)
By encouraging a shift from a Th2 (humoral immunity) to a Th1 (cell-mediated immunity) response, TA1 can help in conditions where a balanced immune response is necessary. Doses can range from 1.5 to 9 micrograms/kg of body weight, typically given 1-3 times per week.
Creating a Symphony of Healing
When considering a peptide protocol for MS, think of it as orchestrating a symphony—each peptide plays a distinct part, but together, they create a harmonious blend aimed at healing, protection, and potentially slowing the progression of MS. It's a pioneering approach that symbolizes hope and underscores the importance of personalized, innovative treatments in the battle against autoimmune diseases.
The Future Experimental Peptides
Myelin Peptides: A New Hope
A groundbreaking study highlighted the efficacy of a myelin peptide skin patch in reducing MS symptoms. Administering 1 mg of myelin peptides through a skin patch significantly reduced the cumulative number of Gd+ lesions by 66.5% over 12 months compared to a placebo. Additionally, the annual relapse rate was markedly lower in the treatment group (0.43 vs 1.4 in the placebo group). This finding is particularly noteworthy as it suggests a substantial decrease in MS progression with minimal side effects.
MOG35-55: Potential in Animal Models
Another peptide, MOG35-55, was investigated by Androutsou et al. (2020) in an animal model of MS. This study used deaminated peptides based on the MOG35-55 epitope and found that they inhibited neurological symptoms and spinal cord lesions. While specific dosage details were not provided, this research opens the door for further exploration into the therapeutic potential of MOG35-55 in human MS cases.
kalata B1 (kB1): Plant-Based Promise
Finally, kalata B1 (kB1), a cyclic peptide derived from the plant Oldenlandia affinis, has shown promise in treating MS. In the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model for MS, kB1 was effective in significantly delaying and diminishing symptoms. This peptide belongs to the cyclotides family, known for their stability and resistance to degradation - advantageous properties for pharmaceutical applications. Specific dosage and administration methods for kB1 in humans have not yet been established, as the primary studies have been conducted in animal models.
Future Directions
The use of peptides in treating MS represents a novel and exciting area of research. The myelin peptide skin patch, MOG35-55, and kalata B1 (kB1) each show promise in reducing the symptoms and progression of MS. While these studies offer hope, it's important to note that much of the research, especially regarding MOG35-55 and kB1, is still in early stages or based on animal models. Clinical trials and further research are necessary to establish safe and effective dosages for human patients.
*Side Note - We usually do not suggest supplements but there is well beyond enough evidence to show that Lion's Mane mushrooms help a lot with MS.
References
Walczak, A., Siger, M., Ciach, A., Szczepanik, M., & Selmaj, K. (2013). Transdermal Application of Myelin Peptides in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment. JAMA Neurology, 70(9), 1105–1109.
This study focused on the effectiveness of a myelin peptide skin patch in treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It demonstrated a significant reduction in Gd+ lesions and lower annual relapse rates in patients treated with 1 mg of myelin peptides compared to a placebo group.
The research conducted by Androutsou and colleagues in 2020 explored the impact of deaminated peptides based on the MOG35-55 epitope in an animal model of MS. Their findings indicated a reduction in neurological symptoms and spinal cord lesions, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-35-55 peptide induces severe chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in HLA-DR2-transgenic mice. Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides, such as plant cyclotides, are a diverse group of natural products well known as templates in drug discovery and therapeutic lead development. The cyclotide kalata B1 (kB1) has previously been discovered as immunosuppressive agent on T-lymphocytes, and a synthetic version of this peptide, [T20K]kB1 (T20K), has been effective in reducing clinical symptoms, such as inflammation and demyelination, in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Based on its T-cell modulatory impact we studied the effects of T20K and several analogs on the proliferation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a heterogeneous group of clinically aggressive diseases associated with poor prognosis. T20K, as a prototype drug candidate, induces apoptosis and a proliferation arrest in human lymphoma T-cell lines (SR786, Mac-2a and the Jurkat E6.1) in a concentration dependent fashion, at least partially via increased STAT5 and p53 signaling. In contrary to its effect on IL-2 signaling in lymphocytes, the cytokine levels are not altered in lymphoma cells. In vivo mouse experiments revealed a promising activity of T20K on these cancer cells including decreased tumor weight and increased apoptosis. This study opens novel avenues for developing cyclotide-based drug candidates for therapy of patients with ALCL.
Judith Linda, Roland Hellinger, Petra Kudweis, Herwig P Moll, Jasmin Gattringer, Kathrin Thell, Sophie Edtmayer, Christian W Gruber, Dagmar Stoiber, Karoline Kollmann
This study examined the efficacy of kalata B1, a nature-derived plant-based cyclic peptide, in an MS mouse model known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The research highlighted kB1's ability to delay and diminish MS symptoms significantly, without major adverse effects.
Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Sosne G, Kleinman HK. Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2012;12(1):37-51. DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.634793. This study reviews the wide-ranging activities of Thymosin β4 that directly affect repair and regeneration, emphasizing its therapeutic uses and potential across various tissues including the skin, eye, heart, and brain.
A wide-ranging study exploring the reparative and regenerative effects of TB-500 on tissue suggests its utility in corneal, dermal, and cardiac tissue repair. The peptide's influence on actin polymerization might aid in cellular migration and new blood vessel formation, critical factors in tissue repair mechanisms, which could extend its application to managing MS-related damage.
Neuroprotective effects of GHK-Cu in Alzheimer’s disease: a promising therapeutic candidate" - This study explores the potential of GHK-Cu in Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting its ability to reduce neuroinflammation, promote neurogenesis, and enhance cognitive function. It discusses GHK-Cu's mechanisms of action and its promise as a therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases.
GHK-Cu as a therapeutic agent in Parkinson's disease" - This study delves into the neuroprotective effects of GHK-Cu in Parkinson's disease, emphasizing its ability to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal damage. It discusses GHK-Cu's potential as a therapeutic agent for halting or slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease by preserving dopaminergic neurons and improving motor function.
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