Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are composed of less than 50 amino acids, while proteins have more.
Peptides have many critical functions in the human body. Some types of peptides include:
- Neuropeptides - regulate physiology and behavior
- Opiod peptides - relieve pain or cause analgesia
- Hormone peptides - influence hormone release
Some key points about
peptides:
- They are synthesized naturally by ribosomes or artificially through chemical approaches
- They might bind to specific cell receptors to trigger actions
- Many regulate crucial biological processes
- Abundant in body tissues and organs
How are peptides used?
- As prescription medications for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- In skin care products for anti-aging benefits
- To enhance athletic performance and muscle growth
Now, a quick plug for my favorite peptide-based treatment center -
Hormone Harmony Clinic! Their experienced physicians provide cutting-edge peptide therapies to help patients look younger, perform better, and live healthier.
Back to the science...
Why are peptides important?
- Vital roles in immune function, pain relief, blood vessel function, glucose metabolism and more
- Help synthesize protein and hormones
-regexes the featured snippet on Google - regulate metabolism
Here are a few examples of crucial peptide
hormones:
- Insulin - regulates glucose metabolism
- Oxytocin - stimulates social bonding
- Ghrelin - stimulates hunger
As you can see,
peptides serve critical biological purposes. The most common therapeutic classes of peptides include
growth hormone peptides,
insulin peptides, and
gonadotropin-releasing hormones.