PEG-MGF 5 mg

PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a synthetic variant of Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), a splice isoform of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). PEGylation involves attaching a polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule to MGF, enhancing its stability and prolonging its half-life in the body. This modification allows for sustained anabolic signaling, promoting muscle repair and growth. 

PEG-MGF Research

PEG-MGF and Skeletal Muscle

Muscle injuries, common in sports, range from strains and sprains to severe avulsion injuries. Many such injuries require surgical repair, but recovery tends to be prolonged and outcomes are not always optimal. Research in a mouse muscle injury model suggests that locally injected MGF protects muscle cells by reducing the expression of certain inflammatory hormones and lowering oxidative stress.

Similarly, a study by Sun et al. demonstrates that MGF modulates muscle inflammation and enhances recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils to injury sites. These findings build on prior knowledge that exercise-induced muscle damage stimulates release of IGF-1Ea and IGF-1Eb, both closely related to MGF.

International endocrinology research shows MGF activates the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) as effectively as IGF-1. Activation of this receptor has been associated with reduced aging, increased lean body mass, and improved energy homeostasis in humans. This suggests PEG-MGF can mimic IGF-1’s effects, promoting muscle repair, enhanced fat metabolism, and greater lean mass.

Mouse studies also reveal a 25% increase in average muscle fiber size following MGF administration during exercise. However, direct intramuscular injections required for these effects limit practical application, as noted by Goldspink and Jakeman. PEGylation of MGF extends its plasma half-life, allowing for a single intravenous injection to replace multiple local injections.

PEG-MGF Research in Heart Muscle Repair

Bioengineering research at the University of Illinois indicates MGF inhibits programmed cell death in cardiac muscle cells following hypoxia (oxygen deprivation). Additionally, MGF recruits cardiac stem cells to damaged areas, potentially aiding heart regeneration after myocardial infarction.

In rat models, MGF administered within eight hours post-hypoxia reduced cell death and increased stem cell recruitment compared to untreated controls. Lead author Dr. Doroudian suggests that using nanorods for localized MGF delivery may provide effective, sustained therapy targeting injury sites.

Further studies show localized MGF delivery improves cardiac function by reducing pathological hypertrophy after heart attacks. PEG-MGF treated rats exhibited improved hemodynamics and less cardiac remodeling. Carpenter et al. similarly demonstrated that MGF injection during acute myocardial infarction reduced cardiomyocyte injury by up to 35%.

Bone Repair and Growth

Rabbit studies indicate PEG-MGF accelerates bone repair by stimulating osteoblast proliferation, the cells responsible for bone mineralization. Rabbits receiving high doses of MGF achieved comparable healing in four weeks to control animals at six weeks. This approach may help reduce immobilization time during bone healing.

Protecting Cartilage

Research shows MGF improves chondrocyte function, the cells maintaining cartilage health. Mouse studies reveal that MGF enhances chondrocyte migration from bone into cartilage. PEG-MGF is well-suited for injection into compromised joint spaces, providing prolonged effects—potentially lasting weeks or months—versus minutes or hours with standard MGF.

Dental Applications

Cell culture studies with human periodontal ligament cells demonstrate that PEG-MGF enhances osteogenic differentiation and increases expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2. These factors promote repair of ligaments attaching teeth to bone, potentially offering alternatives to tooth extraction and implants, and aiding preservation of natural teeth after injury. PEG-MGF may even improve outcomes after surgical re-implantation of damaged or avulsed teeth.

Potential Neuroprotective Effects

Alexander Walker, Editorial Assistant at BioMed Central, reviewed a study on long-term effects of elevated MGF levels in the brain and central nervous system. The research found that increased MGF reduces age-related neuronal degeneration, enabling mice to maintain peak cognitive performance longer. Walker notes that MGF efficacy is age-dependent, with better outcomes when overexpression begins earlier in life.

MGF treatment also improves muscle weakness and reduces motor neuron loss in mouse models of ALS. Diuzniewska et al. reported that MGF is naturally expressed in the brain after hypoxic injury and is overexpressed in regions with active neuron regeneration. Administering exogenous MGF may mitigate neurological disease progression by preventing neuron death despite ongoing pathology.

Research Applications

PEG-MGF is utilized in scientific studies focusing on:

• Muscle Repair and Growth: Investigating its role in stimulating satellite cell proliferation and muscle fiber regeneration.
• Tissue Regeneration: Assessing its potential in repairing tendon, ligament, and neural tissues.
• Recovery Enhancement: Studying its effects on reducing recovery time following intense physical activity.

Product Specifications

• Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for reconstitution.
• Dosage: Each vial contains 5 mg of PEG-MGF.
• Purity: ≥99%, ensuring high-quality material for research purposes.
• Packaging: Sealed vials to maintain product integrity.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After reconstitution, store at 4°C and use within 2-7 days.

Safety and Handling

PEG-MGF is intended strictly for laboratory research and is not approved for human consumption. Handle with care, following appropriate safety protocols. Ensure proper storage conditions to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the compound.

Referenced Citations

1. X. Liu, Z. Zeng, L. Zhao, P. Chen, and W. Xiao, “Impaired Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Induced by Macrophage Depletion Could Be Partly Ameliorated by MGF Injection,” Front. Physiol., vol. 10, p. 601, 2019. 
2. K.-T. Sun, K.K. Cheung, S.W. N. Au, S. S. Yeung, and E. W. Yeung, “Overexpression of Mechano-Growth Factor Modulates Inflammatory Cytokine Expression and Macrophage Resolution in Skeletal Muscle Injury,” Front. Physiol., vol. 9, 2018. 
3. A. Philippou et al., “Expression of IGF-1 isoforms after exercise-induced muscle damage in humans: characterization of the MGF E peptide actions in vitro,” Vivo Athens Greece, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 567–575, Aug. 2009. 
4. J.A.M. Janssen, L.J. Hofland, C.J. Strasburger, E.S.R. van den Dungen, and M. Thevis, “Potency of Full-Length MGF to Induce Maximal Activation of the IGF-1 Receptor Is Similar to Recombinant Human IGF-1 at High Equimolar Concentrations,” PLoS ONE, vol. 11, no. 3, Mar. 2016. 
5. G. Goldspink, “Research on mechano growth factor: its potential for optimising physical training as well as misuse in doping,” Br. J. Sports Med., vol. 39, no. 11, pp. 787–788, Nov. 2005. 
6. G. Doroudian, J. Pinney, P. Ayala, T. Los, T.A. Desai, and B. Russell, “Sustained delivery of MGF peptide from microrods attracts stem cells and reduces apoptosis of myocytes,” Biomed. Microdevices, vol. 16, no. 5, pp. 705–715, Oct. 2014. 
7. J.R. Peña, J.R. Pinney, P. Ayala, T.A. Desai, and P.H. Goldspink, “Localized delivery of mechano-growth factor E-domain peptide via polymeric microstructures improves cardiac function following myocardial infarction,” Biomaterials, vol. 46, pp. 26–34, Apr. 2015. 
8. M. Deng et al., “Mechano growth factor E peptide promotes osteoblast proliferation and bone-defect healing in rabbits,” Int. Orthop., vol. 35, no. 7, pp. 1099–1106, Jul. 2011. 
9. X. Jing et al., “Mechano-growth factor protects against mechanical overload-induced damage and promotes migration of growth plate chondrocytes through RhoA/YAP pathway,” Exp. Cell Res., vol. 366, no. 2, pp. 81–91, May 2018. 
10. J.T. Chen, Y. Wang, Z.-F. Zhou, and K.-W. Wei, “[Mechano-growth factor regulated cyclic stretch-induced osteogenic differentiation and MMP-1, MMP-2 expression in human periodontal ligament cells by activating the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway],” Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue Shanghai J. Stomatol., vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 6–12, Feb. 2019. 
11. A.W., graduated from the University of L. with a B.S. in Z. in 2015, joined B.C. as Editorial Assistant for the Life Sciences department in May 2017, “Hearts and Minds of Mice and Men: Mechano Growth Factor a new tool in the battle against age-related neuron loss?” On Biology, 20-Jul-2017. 
12. J. Dluzniewska et al., “A strong neuroprotective effect of the autonomous C-terminal peptide of IGF-1 Ec (MGF) in brain ischemia,” FASEB J., vol. 19, no. 13, pp. 1896–1898, Nov. 2005.