PEG-MGF (Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a synthetic variant of a naturally occurring peptide called Mechano Growth Factor (MGF), which is a splice variant of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1).
Mechanism and Properties
- Source and Function: Natural MGF is produced primarily in skeletal muscle, bone, and heart tissue in response to mechanical stress or injury. It signals the repair of damaged muscle fibers by stimulating the division and maturation of muscle stem cells (satellite cells).
- The Pegylation Advantage: Unmodified MGF has an extremely short half-life of only 5–7 minutes. By attaching Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), researchers created PEG-MGF, which extends the half-life to 48–72 hours. This allows the peptide to remain active in the bloodstream for days, reducing the need for frequent injections.
Key Research Benefits
- Muscle Repair & Recovery: Accelerates the healing of muscle micro-tears from training and reduces inflammation.
- Bone & Cartilage Health: Stimulates osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and chondrocytes (cartilage cells), aiding in the repair of fractures and joint tissue.
- Neuroprotection: Studies suggest it may protect neurons from degeneration and assist in recovery after brain ischemia.
- Cardioprotection: Research in animal models indicates it may help guide stem cells to injured heart tissue and inhibit cell death after hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).
Administration and Side Effects
- Administration: Typically supplied as a lyophilized powder that is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
- Common Side Effects: Potential issues include localized redness at the injection site, temporary fatigue, and mild hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Usage Status: As of 2026, PEG-MGF is sold primarily for laboratory research and industrial use only. It is banned in competitive sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a performance-enhancing substance.
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