Glossário de Peptídeos
Termos-chave e definições usados na pesquisa de peptídeos. Toque em uma letra para ir àquela seção.
A
Agonist
A substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, triggering a biological response similar to the receptor's natural ligand.
Amino Acid
An organic molecule that serves as a building block of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids encoded by the genetic code.
AMPK
AMP-activated protein kinase, a cellular energy sensor that regulates metabolism. Activation of AMPK promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature. Certain peptides like TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) are studied for their role in promoting angiogenesis during tissue repair.
Antagonist
A substance that binds to a receptor and blocks or dampens its biological response, preventing the natural ligand from activating it.
B
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides while inhibiting bacterial growth, allowing multi-dose use.
BDNF
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that supports neuron survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity. Several peptides are researched for their ability to upregulate BDNF expression.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters systemic circulation and is available to exert its biological effect. Route of administration significantly affects peptide bioavailability.
Bioregulator
Short peptides (typically 2-4 amino acids) theorized to interact with DNA to regulate gene expression. Also known as Khavinson peptides after the researcher who pioneered the field.
C
Cathelicidin
A family of antimicrobial peptides found in mammals that play a key role in innate immune defense. LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document from an analytical laboratory verifying a peptide's identity, purity, and quality. A legitimate COA includes HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry confirmation, and endotoxin testing.
E
Endogenous
Produced naturally within the body. For example, BPC-157 is a fragment of a protein naturally found in human gastric juice.
Endotoxin
Lipopolysaccharides released from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxin testing (LAL test) is critical for injectable peptide quality assurance.
Exogenous
Originating outside the body. Exogenous peptides are synthesized externally and introduced into the body for research or therapeutic purposes.
F
FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, responsible for regulating drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Peptide therapeutics must undergo FDA approval through clinical trials before they can be marketed as drugs.
Follistatin
A glycoprotein that binds and inhibits activin and myostatin, both of which limit muscle growth. Follistatin is studied for its potential role in increasing muscle mass and strength.
G
GHRH
Growth hormone-releasing hormone, a hypothalamic peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone. Synthetic analogs like CJC-1295 and Sermorelin mimic GHRH activity.
GHRP
Growth hormone-releasing peptides, a class of synthetic peptides that stimulate growth hormone secretion through the ghrelin receptor. Examples include GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, and Hexarelin.
GLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) are used in metabolic research.
H
Half-Life
The time required for the concentration of a substance in the body to decrease by half. Peptide half-lives vary widely and influence dosing frequency.
HPLC
High-performance liquid chromatography, an analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture. HPLC is the standard method for determining peptide purity.
I
IGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone structurally similar to insulin that mediates many of growth hormone's anabolic effects. IGF-1 plays roles in cell growth, proliferation, and survival.
In Vitro
Latin for 'in glass.' Refers to experiments performed outside a living organism, typically in test tubes, petri dishes, or cell cultures.
In Vivo
Latin for 'in the living.' Refers to experiments conducted within a living organism, such as animal or human studies.
Intramuscular (IM)
An injection route delivering a substance directly into muscle tissue. Some peptides are administered intramuscularly for slower, sustained absorption.
L
Lyophilized
Freeze-dried. Peptides are commonly supplied in lyophilized (powdered) form to preserve stability during storage. They must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water or sterile water before use.
M
Mass Spectrometry (MS)
An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and characterize molecules. Used alongside HPLC to confirm peptide identity and molecular weight.
Melanocortin
A group of peptide hormones that act on melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R). They regulate pigmentation, energy balance, inflammation, and sexual function. Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin analog.
Myostatin
A protein (also known as GDF-8) that acts as a negative regulator of muscle growth. Inhibiting myostatin is a research target for increasing muscle mass and treating muscle-wasting conditions.
N
Neuropeptide
A small protein-like molecule produced and released by neurons to communicate with other cells. Examples include oxytocin, substance P, and neuropeptide Y.
NF-κB
Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, a protein complex that controls transcription of DNA, cytokine production, and cell survival. Many peptides modulate NF-κB signaling to exert anti-inflammatory effects.
P
Peptide Bond
A covalent chemical bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water. Peptide bonds link amino acids into chains.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial
The first stage of testing a new treatment in humans. Phase 1 trials focus on safety, dosage, and side effects, typically involving a small number of healthy volunteers.
Phase 2 Clinical Trial
The second stage of human testing that evaluates efficacy and further assesses safety. Phase 2 trials involve a larger group of participants who have the condition being studied.
Phase 3 Clinical Trial
Large-scale studies comparing the new treatment to existing standard treatments. Phase 3 trials confirm efficacy, monitor side effects, and collect data for regulatory approval.
Preclinical
Research conducted before clinical (human) trials, including in vitro studies and animal models. Preclinical data is required to support an Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
PubMed
A free search engine maintained by the National Library of Medicine that provides access to the MEDLINE database of biomedical and life sciences literature. The primary source for peer-reviewed peptide research.
Purity
The percentage of the target peptide relative to total content in a sample, typically measured by HPLC. Research-grade peptides generally require 98%+ purity.
R
Receptor
A protein molecule on a cell surface or inside a cell that binds specific substances (ligands) and triggers a cellular response. Peptides exert their effects by binding to specific receptors.
Reconstitution
The process of dissolving a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide in a sterile diluent such as bacteriostatic water. Proper reconstitution technique preserves peptide integrity.
S
Secretagogue
A substance that promotes the secretion of another substance. Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone.
Senolytic
A class of compounds that selectively clear senescent (aged, non-dividing) cells from tissues. Some peptides are being researched for senolytic properties in the context of aging.
SNARE Complex
Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex, a group of proteins that mediate the fusion of vesicles with target membranes. Critical for neurotransmitter release and cellular secretion.
Sterility
The absence of viable microorganisms. Injectable peptide solutions must be sterile to prevent infection. Sterility is confirmed through testing per pharmacopeial standards.
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
An injection route delivering a substance into the layer of fat and connective tissue just beneath the skin. The most common administration route for research peptides.
T
Telomerase
An enzyme that adds DNA sequence repeats to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres), counteracting the shortening that occurs during cell division. Telomerase activation is a research focus in longevity science.
W
WADA
The World Anti-Doping Agency, an international organization that maintains the Prohibited List of substances banned in competitive sports. Many peptides, including GH secretagogues, are on the WADA Prohibited List.
Este glossário é apenas para fins educacionais e informativos. Não constitui aconselhamento médico, diagnóstico ou recomendações de tratamento. As definições são simplificadas para acessibilidade e podem não capturar toda a complexidade de cada termo. Consulte sempre a literatura revisada por pares e profissionais qualificados para decisões de pesquisa e clínicas.