Peptide Glossary

AMPK

An enzyme that regulates metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature.

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

A neurotrophic factor involved in neuronal growth and cognitive function.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selective membrane separating circulating blood from the brain's extracellular fluid.

Compounding Pharmacy

A pharmacy that creates customized medications not commercially available.

Copper Peptide

A peptide complexed with a copper ion, often studied for skin and wound healing.

Cytoprotection

The process of protecting cells from harmful agents or stressors.

DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)

A technology that extends the biological half-life of peptides.

FDA Approval

Formal authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market a drug.

Ghrelin

A stomach-derived hormone that stimulates appetite and growth hormone release.

GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone)

A hypothalamic hormone that stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary.

GHRP (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide)

A class of synthetic peptides that stimulate growth hormone release via the ghrelin receptor.

GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)

An incretin hormone that enhances insulin secretion in response to nutrient intake.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

A compound that activates GLP-1 receptors to regulate blood sugar and appetite.

Growth Hormone Secretagogue

A compound that stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary gland.

HbA1c

A measure of average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Hexapeptide

A peptide composed of six amino acids.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that controls hormonal output of the pituitary gland.

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

A hormone mediating many effects of growth hormone in the body.

Lipodystrophy

Abnormal distribution of body fat, often associated with metabolic complications.

Lipolysis

The metabolic process of breaking down stored fat.

MC4 Receptor

A melanocortin receptor in the CNS involved in sexual arousal and appetite regulation.

Melanocortin Receptor

CNS receptors that modulate sexual arousal, appetite, and pigmentation.

Neurotrophic Factor

A family of proteins that support neuronal growth, survival, and plasticity.

NGF (Nerve Growth Factor)

A neurotrophic factor essential for nerve cell growth and survival.

Nootropic

A compound proposed to enhance cognitive function, memory, or learning.

Orphan Drug Designation

FDA status granted to drugs targeting rare diseases, providing development incentives.

PDE5 Inhibitor

A class of drugs that increase blood flow to erectile tissue by blocking phosphodiesterase type 5.

Pentadecapeptide

A peptide composed of fifteen amino acids.

Peptide

A short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, shorter than a full protein.

Peptide Therapy

The clinical use of peptide compounds to influence specific physiological pathways.

Pituitary Gland

An endocrine gland that produces growth hormone and other critical hormones.

Secretagogue

A substance that triggers the secretion of another substance — most often a hormone — from a gland or cell.

Section 503A Compounding

Federal provision allowing pharmacies to compound medications for individual prescriptions.

Section 503B Outsourcing Facility

FDA-registered facilities that compound medications in larger quantities without individual prescriptions.

Subcutaneous Injection

An injection administered into the fat layer beneath the skin.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of new synaptic connections between neurons.

Telomerase

An enzyme that maintains telomere length, associated with cellular aging.

Tetrapeptide

A peptide composed of four amino acids.

Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)

Fat stored around internal organs, associated with metabolic risk.