AOD 9604 Peptide AOD 9604 peptide is a synthetic analog of growth hormone designed with the intention of mitigating obesity and aiding weight loss. The peptide is a modified fragment of the growth hormone where the last 16 amino acids (176-191) have been reproduced as a specific peptide, called GH Fragment 176-191 or simply AOD 9604. It also has a tyrosine residue to replace the first amino acid at the N-terminus, which researchers consider to help increase the stability of the peptide.(1) More specifically, AOD 9604 is considered the lipolytic fragment of GH as different parts of the GH molecule appease to have different potentials. For instance, studies suggest that out of its 191 amino acid structure “the N-terminal region exhibits an insulin-potentiating action, while amino acids 108 – 129 of hGH were found to evoke high mitogenic responses.”(2) Overview AOD 9604 peptide was developed in the 1990s in an effort to develop proteins which might exhibit anti-obesity properties similar to Growth Hormone (hGH). Rigorous scientific studies and experiments have since been conducted to determine the potential action of AOD 9604 in lipolysis.(1) Lipolysis is a term to describe the process through which stored fats or triglycerides in fat cells are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids, which may be used as an energy source by other cells. Enzymes such as lipase appear to play a critical role in this process, helping in the breakdown of these fats. It’s possible that AOD9604 may influence the fat cells and lipolytic receptors, particularly given its observed association with changes in weight and fat in murine models. Research study findings indicate that the fragment seems to have the capacity to amplify lipolytic sensitivity following its introduction. Furthermore, the study hypothesizes a potential interaction of AOD9604 with the beta-adrenergic pathway, especially concerning the beta(3)-adrenergic receptors (beta(3)-AR), which are considered to be key lipolytic receptors found in fat cells. While it is not entirely clear, the expression level of beta(3)-AR RNA, the primary lipolytic receptor in fat cells, was observed to increase in the presence of AOD 9604. This could possibly suggest that the peptide might be playing a role in enhancing the sensitivity of these lipolytic receptors, potentially making them more responsive to lipolytic stimuli. However, it is essential to note that while the peptide appears to elevate the expression of beta(3)-AR, it may not act directly through the beta(3)-AR to induce its potential lipolytic action. Scientists and researchers have suggested that the modified portion of the hGH in the AOD 9604 peptide may be responsible for significantly inducing the fat burning process, possibly without stimulating the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor IGF 1, as opposed to the natural growth hormone. Chemical Makeup Molecular Formula: C78H123N23O23S2 Molecular Weight: 1815.12 g/mol Other Known Titles: Tyr-hGH Fragment 177-191 Research and Clinical Studies AOD 9604 Peptide and Lipolytic Activity Early studies were carried out on obese mice where the AOD 9604 peptide was periodically introduced for 14 days. Following the experiment, the results reported a reduction in weight and excess fat. These results appeared directly correlated with the increased levels of major lipolytic receptors, beta(3)-AR, found in the fat cells. AOD 9604 peptide appeared to exhibit action similar to hGH wherein both may be capable of increasing repressed levels of lipolytic receptors in obese mice as compared to the lean mice. To confirm whether the lipolytic action of AOD 9604 might merely be associated with the increased lipolytic receptor levels, additional studies were carried out where AOD 9604 was given to mice with knocked out lipolytic receptors. Further analysis suggested that the AOD 9604 peptide enacted the lipolytic action via increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation.(1) Both these findings on chronic and acute action of AOD 9604 suggested that while enhanced beta(3)-AR expression may have played a role in the chronic action of the compound, beta(3)-AR might not be the sole arbiter in this reaction. Oxidation and enhanced energy expenditure appeared to be vital in the proposed action of the peptide. In 2000, a research study was carried out in obese Zucker rats where the AOD 9604 peptide was given daily for 19 consecutive days. Following the study, it was reported that weight appeared to be reduced in all rats by over 50%, in comparison to the rats given a placebo. Further analysis suggested that the adipose tissues of the AOD 9604 peptide animals had increased lipolytic activity and no marked insulin sensitivity interruption in the animals.(3) AOD 9604 Peptide and Obesity In 2004, clinical trials observed the actions of the peptide in 300 obese subjects who were given the peptide for 12 weeks. The rate of weight loss remained consistent throughout the study period. The trial resul…
