The short version of IGF-1 fits in a sentence. The long version — which is the one that helps — is below.
This page was last updated on 2026-07-25 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
Clinical study of tesamorelin has centered on adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition in which abdominal fat accumulates while peripheral fat is lost. In controlled trials, treated participants showed reductions in visceral adipose tissue measured by imaging, alongside modest shifts in some lipid values. Effects on subcutaneous fat were smaller and less consistent across studies. Whether these changes translate into fewer cardiovascular events remains an open question, because the trials were not designed or powered to answer it.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide that acts as an analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone, a natural hypothalamic signal. Its sequence corresponds to the forty-four amino acid form of the human hormone, with a small acyl group attached near the amino terminus. That modification slows enzymatic breakdown and extends the time the peptide remains active in circulation. The compound was developed as a pharmacological way to raise endogenous growth hormone output rather than supplying the hormone directly.
After injection, the peptide binds receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. Receptor activation raises intracellular cyclic AMP and triggers release of stored growth hormone into the bloodstream. Because the compound works through the body's own regulatory system, growth hormone pulses retain much of their normal feedback control. Repeated administration also raises insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone produced mainly in the liver. Investigators treat that rise as a marker that the pituitary axis has been engaged.
Measured responses usually involve growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, known as IGF-1. Growth hormone rises in bursts and is difficult to sample reliably, while IGF-1 shifts more slowly and can be assessed from a single blood draw. Studies therefore treat IGF-1 as the more practical pharmacodynamic marker. Both are indirect, showing that the receptor was engaged rather than that the peptide reached a particular concentration. Direct exposure measurement requires an assay aimed at the molecule itself.
Published work tends to frame tesamorelin as a tool for studying the GHRH axis and as a compound with measurable effects on body composition. Reports often describe visceral adipose tissue as an endpoint, assessed by imaging rather than by inference. Analytical sections commonly describe liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to confirm identity and purity, because immunoassays may cross-react with related fragments. Where results diverge between studies, differences in assay choice, sampling timing, and population are frequent explanations offered. Whether effects persist after treatment stops remains an open question.
Tesamorelin binds the growth hormone–releasing hormone receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells. The receptor signals through the Gs protein, raising intracellular cAMP and activating protein kinase A. That cascade triggers release of stored growth hormone in pulses rather than a steady stream. Because the drug acts at the receptor that normally controls this process, its effect depends on the body's own signaling architecture rather than on a synthetic pathway. The resulting hormone profile reflects the timing of each pulse, not only its size.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Peptide hormone analog | Acts at the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor |
| Receptor | Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor | G protein-coupled; raises cyclic AMP in somatotrophs |
| Key mediator | Insulin-like growth factor 1 | Increases with repeated administration |
| Main studied population | Adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy | Trials measured visceral adipose tissue by imaging |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection | Given once daily in clinical use |
The native hormone is produced in the hypothalamus and acts on the anterior pituitary. Binding of GHRH to its receptor stimulates synthesis and release of growth hormone into circulation. Because the analogue retains the receptor-binding region of the parent sequence, it engages the same receptor and triggers the same downstream signaling. The result is increased growth hormone secretion from pituitary cells, which in turn influences hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor 1. This axis is the basis for the compound's measured biological effects.
Interest in this peptide developed because native GHRH has a short circulating lifetime. The N-terminal modification slows cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase IV, an enzyme that removes the first two residues of many peptides and terminates their activity. Slower degradation means a longer window of receptor stimulation per administration. This design logic parallels other modified peptide hormones, where a small chemical change at a vulnerable site yields a more durable molecule without altering the core mechanism of action.
Pharmacodynamic studies show that tesamorelin reduces visceral adipose tissue more than subcutaneous adipose tissue in the studied population. This selectivity may relate to differences in blood flow and hormone sensitivity between fat depots. Effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity have been investigated, with some trials reporting modest changes and others showing stability. The precise relationship between growth hormone exposure, IGF-1 levels, and visceral fat loss remains an active area of analysis.
Tesamorelin binds to growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. Receptor activation increases intracellular cyclic AMP and promotes synthesis and secretion of growth hormone. Because the peptide mimics endogenous GHRH, it amplifies the normal pulsatile release of growth hormone rather than providing exogenous growth hormone directly. This upstream action distinguishes tesamorelin from recombinant growth hormone preparations and from growth hormone secretagogues that act at different receptors.
Development work on the compound, originally designated TH9507, focused on conditions in which reduced growth hormone signaling is thought to contribute to altered body composition. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved it in 2010 for the treatment of excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with human immunodeficiency virus infection and lipodystrophy. Later research examined other populations, including adults with mild cognitive impairment, where a large trial did not meet its primary endpoints. This mixed record illustrates how a single mechanism can produce clear effects in one setting and inconclusive results in another.
Several related peptides act on the same receptor, including sermorelin, a shorter GHRH fragment, and modified analogs such as CJC-1295 and modified GRF(1-29) that are common in research settings rather than approved products. Tesamorelin differs from growth hormone itself in that it acts upstream, prompting the pituitary to release the hormone through physiological signaling rather than supplying it directly. Terminology in the literature distinguishes GHRH analogs, growth hormone secretagogues, and recombinant growth hormone, although popular discussion often blurs these categories together. Precise naming matters when comparing study results.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide of 44 amino acids that reproduces the sequence of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and carries a trans-3-hexenoyl group on its N-terminal tyrosine. That small fatty-acid modification blocks cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-4, the enzyme that rapidly degrades native GHRH in plasma. The result is a molecule with a longer circulating half-life than the natural hormone while retaining the same receptor target. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution and belongs to the broader class of GHRH analogs studied for effects on pituitary growth hormone secretion.
Lyophilized material is typically held under refrigeration between two and eight degrees Celsius, shielded from light and ambient moisture. Peptides of this size adsorb to glass and plastic, so working procedures often call for low-binding containers and as few transfers as possible. Absorbed water during weighing shifts the apparent mass of a sample, and controlling room humidity reduces that source of error. Once dissolved, solutions are kept cold and used within the interval printed on the accompanying label or certificate. Degradation accelerates markedly in dilute aqueous form.
Identity and purity are judged through a combination of chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography separates the intact peptide from truncated, oxidized, and deamidated variants, and the resulting peak-area percentages yield a purity figure. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry confirms the expected molecular mass and can expose unanticipated modifications. Amino acid analysis and peptide mapping support sequence fidelity, while water content, pH, sterility, and bacterial endotoxin testing describe the physical and microbiological attributes of a finished lot.
These fractions also contained toxins readily separable from the short-chain isotoxin by preparative reverse-phase chromatography. Amino-acid sequencing of the first 28 residues indicated that both toxins were long-chain neurotoxins with identical N-termini. The LD50 of long-chain neurotoxins 2 from N. a. annulata and N. christyi venoms were 0.086 and 0.090 mg/kg, respectively. The venoms of these little-known elapids have some of the lowest intraperitoneal LD50 values of any African Naja species studied thus far, and have high concentrations of potent postsynaptic neurotoxins.
Human Timeline (Interactive) – Smithsonian, National Museum of Natural History (August 2016). Donsmaps: a vast repository of Paleolithic resources Interactive Timeline Simile/Timemap index of Eurasian sites
Starting in the United Kingdom in the 18th century, the discovery of steam power set off the Industrial Revolution, which saw wide-ranging technological discoveries, particularly in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, mining, metallurgy, and transport, and the widespread application of the factory system. This was followed a century later by the Second Industrial Revolution, which led to rapid scientific discovery, standardization, and mass production. New technologies were developed, including sewage systems, electricity, light bulbs, electric motors, railroads, automobiles, and airplanes. These technological advances led to significant developments in medicine, chemistry, physics, and engineering. They were accompanied by consequential social change, with the introduction of skyscrapers accompanied by rapid urbanization. Communication improved with the invention of the telegraph, the telephone, the radio, and television. The 20th century brought a host of innovations. In physics, the discovery of nuclear fission in the Atomic Age led to both nuclear weapons and nuclear power. Analog computers were invented and asserted dominance in processing complex data. While the invention of vacuum tubes allowed for digital computing with computers like the ENIAC, their sheer size precluded widespread use until innovations in quantum physics allowed for the invention of the transistor in 1947, which significantly compacted computers and led the digital transition.
Historically Druzes, by large, sent their children to Protestant schools and accepted an implicit orientation toward Britain. Many of the first graduates of the Syrian Protestant College in Beirut, the forerunner of AUB, were Druze, who over generations maintain an affinity to AUB. At the Catholic schools and universities (such as Notre Dame University–Louaize) in Lebanon, Christian and Druze students study and socialise together. Moreover, many members of the Druze political and cultural elite received their education in Christian institutions. Notable Druze figures who studied at these institutions include Abbas Halabi, Asad Al Faqih, Majid Arslan, Marwan Hamadeh, Manal Abdel Samad, and Kamal Jumblatt, who attended the prestigious Collège Saint Joseph – Antoura. Marriage outside the Druze faith is rare and is strongly discouraged, and Druze can face serious social consequences if he or she converts to another faith to marry a non-Druze. According to Simon Haddad of Notre Dame University–Louaize "if a Druze marries a Christian or Muslim, they could both be ostracized and marginalized by their community, and this could have very serious consequences if the couple works in town". While according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report: "Conversely, a source contacted by the Research Directorate of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board in September 1998 advised that "there would be no problem for a mixed Druze/Orthodox Christian couple to live a normal life in Lebanon today"".
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Amid the dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s, various political parties competed over Biko's legacy, with several saying they were the party that Biko would support if he were still alive. AZAPO in particular claimed exclusive ownership over Black Consciousness. In 1994, the ANC issued a campaign poster suggesting that Biko had been a member of their party, which was untrue. Following the end of apartheid when the ANC formed the government, they were accused of appropriating his legacy. In 2002, AZAPO issued a statement declaring that "Biko was not a neutral, apolitical and mythical icon" and that the ANC was "scandalously" using Biko's image to legitimise their "weak" government. Members of the ANC have also criticised AZAPO's attitude to Biko; in 1997, Mandela said that "Biko belongs to us all, not just AZAPO." On the anniversary of Biko's death in 2015, delegations from both the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters independently visited his grave. In March 2017, the South African President Jacob Zuma laid a wreath at Biko's grave to mark Human Rights Day.
In an interview, Taub commented that his visit was proof that "the people of Bradford [have] sent a clear message that George Galloway does not represent them." Galloway told a reporter from the BuzzFeed website: "As has just been proved, I cannot make Bradford an Israel-free zone, but I am certain that the Israeli ambassador was not welcome." Galloway accused the councillors who had invited the ambassador of fraternising with a "mouthpiece for murder". West Yorkshire Police investigated two complaints to determine if Galloway's words constituted hate speech (British law prohibits discrimination based on nationality). Galloway was questioned under caution by the police and the matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. Galloway subsequently criticised the police investigation, describing it as "an absolute and despicable attempt to curb my freedom of speech". In October 2014, it emerged that Galloway would not be prosecuted for his comments on the grounds of "insufficient evidence", although West Yorkshire Police had "recorded this matter as a hate incident." On 29 August 2014, Galloway was assaulted in Notting Hill by Neil Masterson, a convert to Judaism, and suffered a bruised rib and severe bruising on his head and face and was hospitalised overnight. Masterson was charged with religiously aggravated assault and sentenced to 16 months in prison. Released from prison in September 2015, he soon returned to jail for a month after breaking a restraining order forbidding him from contacting Galloway. Masterson was also fined for harassment.
=== pH and bile tolerance === Testing of L. fermentum against different pH concentration solutions revealed that it has a strong pH tolerance by its ability to grow and survive a few hours after being incubated in a 3-pH level solution. Strains of L. fermentum have also been tested in different bile concentrations and demonstrated to have good bile tolerance when incubated with 3 g L-1 of bile salt. L. fermentum has been found to survive in these conditions further supporting the idea that it can act as a probiotic.
=== Impeachment trials === The Constitution empowers the House of Representatives to impeach federal officials for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors" and empowers the Senate to try such impeachments. If the sitting president of the United States is being tried, the chief justice of the United States presides over the trial. During an impeachment trial, senators are constitutionally required to sit on oath or affirmation. Conviction requires a two-thirds majority of the senators present. A convicted official is automatically removed from office; in addition, the Senate may stipulate that the defendant be banned from holding office. No further punishment is permitted during the impeachment proceedings; however, the party may face criminal penalties in a normal court of law. The House of Representatives has impeached sixteen officials, of whom seven were convicted. One resigned before the Senate could complete the trial. Only three presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson in 1868, Bill Clinton in 1998, and Donald Trump in 2019 and 2021. The trials of Johnson, Clinton and both Trump trials ended in acquittal; in Johnson's case, the Senate fell one vote short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction.
There are numerous theories as to the exact cause and mechanism in type 2 diabetes. Central obesity is known to predispose individuals for insulin resistance. Abdominal fat is especially active hormonally, secreting a group of hormones called adipokines that may possibly impair glucose tolerance. But adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, which is found in lower concentration in obese and diabetic individuals has shown to be beneficial and protective in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Insulin resistance is a major feature of diabetes mellitus type 2, and central obesity is correlated with both insulin resistance and T2DM itself. Increased adiposity (obesity) raises serum resistin levels, which in turn directly correlate to insulin resistance. Studies have also confirmed a direct correlation between resistin levels and T2DM. And it is waistline adipose tissue (central obesity) which seems to be the foremost type of fat deposits contributing to rising levels of serum resistin. Conversely, serum resistin levels have been found to decline with decreased adiposity following medical treatment.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Natural Selection was one of the first multiplayer, first-person shooters to incorporate a "Commander", whose view of the battlefield was essentially 2-D, from a strictly top-down perspective. One member of the marine team must enter the "command chair" to lead the team, and thus become the "Commander". From here, he can purchase upgrades, issue movement orders and drop supplies - all from an overhead perspective, as in many RTS games. The commander can also place buildings, although these are inactive until built by players in the field. The alien team has no defined leader, and so it must communicate and co-operate to ensure different roles are fulfilled as needed. There is only one "Builder Class", the Gorge which can be used to build a multitude of structures. Gorges can choose to build three different "upgrade" chambers: Movement, Defense, and Sensory, each providing three distinct abilities each alien can get. Gorges can also build Offense chambers which damage Marines from a distance, and resource towers. When a resource nozzle is capped, the resources gained are split evenly among all aliens. Each alien can choose how he wants to use his own personal reserve of resource points : building structures (as a gorge), or gestating into higher lifeforms. On death of the lifeform or structure, there is no refund on the resource points spent. Kharaa "Hive Sight" reveals teammates through the walls and structures of the map, this was originally their answer to the commander with his top-down overview of the game.
==== β1-selectivity ==== Bisoprolol β1-selectivity is especially important in comparison to other nonselective beta blockers. The effects of the drug are limited to areas containing β1 adrenoreceptors, which are mainly the heart and part of the kidney. Bisoprolol, whilst β1 adrenoceptor selective can help patients to avoid certain side-effects associated with non-selective beta-blocker activity at additional adrenoceptors (α1 and β2), it does not signify its superiority in treating beta-blocker indicated cardiac conditions such as heart failure but could prove beneficial to patients with specific comorbidities. Bisoprolol has a higher degree of β1-selectivity compared to atenolol, metoprolol and betaxolol. With a selectivity ranging from being 11 to 15 times more selective for β1 over β2. However, nebivolol is approximately 3.5 times more β1-selective.
=== June === 2 June – China successfully lands Chang'e 6 on the lunar far side. The robotic probe is set to begin sample collection before returning its 2 kg (4.4 lb) cargo on 4 June. 4 June – The China National Space Administration's Chang'e 6 spacecraft lifts off from the surface of the far side of the Moon carrying samples of lunar soil and rocks back to Earth. 5 June – Astronomers identify ASKAP J1935+2148, the slowest-spinning neutron star ever recorded, which completes a rotation just once every 54 minutes. 8 June – A paper challenges the public perception and media depictions of large language models like especially ChatGPT, arguing that "bullshitting" in the sense of the book On Bullshit and a fundamentally flawed design are a better approach or terminology for understanding the flaws of these AI architectures or the behavior of the systems based on these as opposed to occasional or frequent "hallucinations". In agreement with many other experts, they find these models are in an "important way indifferent to the truth of their outputs". This notion has also been applied to Perplexity AI that is typically used for generating outputs that are less inaccurate than ChatGPT's – or contain fewer "hallucinations" – and which was scaled up substantially during 2024. An investigation by WIRED reportedly showed the chatbot at times closely paraphrased WIRED stories, and at times summarized stories inaccurately and with minimal attribution.
=== Muchik linguistic evidence and Moche consumption === During the pre-Columbian era, the Moche culture (or Mochica), which inhabited the northern coast of Peru, actively collected and consumed the fruits of Solanum pimpinellifolium. Unlike the common domesticated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), which lacks native names of Andean origin because its final domestication occurred in Mesoamerica, S. pimpinellifolium was integrated early into the local lexicon of the region. In the ancient Muchik language, the plant and its fruit were called faña (translated as "tender plant"), a designation recovered in modern philological research on the pre-Hispanic speech of the area.
==== United Kingdom ==== In the United Kingdom, AAS are classified as class C drugs, which puts them in the same class as benzodiazepines. AAS are in Schedule 4, which is divided in 2 parts; Part 1 contains most of the benzodiazepines and Part 2 contains the AAS. Part 1 drugs are subject to full import and export controls with possession being an offence without an appropriate prescription. There is no restriction on the possession when it is part of a medicinal product. Part 2 drugs require a Home Office licence for importation and export unless the substance is in the form of a medicinal product and is for self-administration by a person.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
It is a laboratory-made peptide that mimics growth hormone-releasing hormone. It prompts the pituitary gland to release growth hormone and has been studied mainly in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Administered growth hormone supplies the hormone directly, while this peptide acts upstream by prompting the pituitary to release it. The indirect route preserves pulsatile secretion and some endogenous feedback, which changes the hormone and IGF-1 profile observed after treatment.
Reductions in visceral adipose tissue appear consistently in randomized trials of the approved population. Effects on peripheral fat, cardiovascular outcomes, and use outside that population are less well established.
It acts on the growth hormone–releasing hormone receptor, a Gs-coupled receptor found on pituitary somatotroph cells. Activation raises cAMP and prompts pulsatile hormone release.