Most of the health conditions that plague humanity today are chronic degenerative diseases, like heart disease and arthritis, or are problems with incomplete healing after a trauma that leaves permanent damage, such as tendonitis, spinal cord injuries, and strokes. Scientists have been working hard on finding ways to promote cellular regrowth in such conditions, and one promising approach, peptide therapy, is now available in Pasadena.
Peptides
Peptides are short strings of amino acids. There are 20 basic amino acids, but hundreds of variations on these compounds can be produced by creating minor changes to their side groups. Each amino acid has an amine group on one end and a carboxyl group on the other, and then a side chain that varies in structure. The amino acids are chemically linked together by attaching the amine group of one amino acid to the carboxyl group of another, thus forming long strings of amino acids. This process is directed in cells by the genetic code, which dictates which of the 20 amino acids is attached to the growing string next. Long strings of amino acids are referred to as proteins, but when there are only a few, say twenty or so, the compound is referred to as a peptide. Peptides of particular selected combinations of amino acids can be synthesized in the laboratory. The different side chains on the amino acids cause the peptide to assume a predictable shape that allows it to perform a particular, specific function.
Peptide Therapy
In peptide therapy, specific peptides are designed and synthesized and then delivered to the body. The most common method of administering peptides is by injection, but in some cases they can be delivered by intranasal sprays or creams that are rubbed on the skin. The peptides then go to work. They primarily act by regulating communication pathways, both between cells and inside cells. These pathways can switch processes on and off, such as turning off inflammatory reactions while stimulating cells to divide and heal. The exact mechanism of action of each peptide varies depending on its particular amino acid sequence.
Uses
Peptides have been used in a large number of applications, including to induce healing of chronic injuries, to assist in weight loss, to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and autoimmune diseases, and to stimulate the natural production of human growth hormone to encourage muscle mass gains and to act as anti-aging therapy. More excitingly, although these applications are still experimental, peptides have been able to induce neuronal cells to grow and heal in animal models, suggesting they may be able to help repair spinal cord injuries and brain damage following trauma or strokes. Other peptides have been shown to induce healing of hearts following heart attacks, regeneration of tooth tissue after damage by bacteria, and inducing bone affected by osteoporosis to regain a higher density.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
If you are affected by a chronic condition that could use some encouragement to heal, feel free to learn more about peptide therapy by making an appointment with Optimal Health and Wellness. At our convenient location in Pasadena, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
