If you have been reading about lipodystrophy and want a single page that covers the useful parts, this is it: definitions, context, how it is studied, and the questions that come up repeatedly.
Last reviewed on 2026-07-22. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
Clinical interest in tesamorelin arose from the need to address visceral adiposity in people living with HIV. Antiretroviral therapy improved survival but was associated in some patients with central fat accumulation, altered lipid profiles, and metabolic complications. This condition, often called HIV-associated lipodystrophy, involves excess visceral adipose tissue that is difficult to manage through diet and exercise alone. Investigators evaluated tesamorelin because GHRH analogs can stimulate growth hormone secretion and influence fat distribution without direct liposuction or invasive procedures.
A Phase 3 program led to regulatory approval in the United States in 2010 for reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy. Subsequent studies examined effects on liver fat, muscle area, and metabolic markers, with mixed findings for some endpoints. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes and effects on mortality remain uncertain because most trials were relatively short and focused on imaging-based fat measurements. Use in populations without HIV has been studied experimentally but is not part of the approved indication.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone, built from 44 amino acids. Its sequence follows the natural human GHRH(1-44) backbone, with a trans-3-hexenoyl group attached to the N-terminal tyrosine. This modification blocks recognition by dipeptidyl peptidase IV, the enzyme that rapidly truncates the native hormone in circulation. The result is a molecule with a substantially longer plasma residence time than unmodified GHRH, which makes it practical for clinical and laboratory study.
Receptor-level activity begins when the peptide binds the GHRH receptor, a class B G-protein-coupled receptor found on pituitary somatotroph cells. Occupancy triggers Gs-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase and a rise in intracellular cyclic AMP, which in turn promotes synthesis and pulsatile release of growth hormone. Because the compound acts upstream of the growth hormone axis rather than supplying hormone directly, its effect depends on intact pituitary function. Binding studies in cell culture and animal models have established this pathway; the detailed kinetics of receptor recycling in humans remain less well characterized.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | Approximately 5,136 Da | Based on the 44-amino-acid peptide backbone and N-terminal modification. |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder | Usually supplied in single-use vials for reconstitution. |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in some organic solvents | Peptide nature supports aqueous reconstitution. |
| Typical storage | 2–8 °C, protected from light | Refrigeration reduces degradation; avoid freezing unless specified. |
| Common analytical method | Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography | Used for identity, purity, and quantification. |
| Synonyms | Tesamorelin, TH9507, GHRH(1-44) analog | Generic descriptors; avoid proprietary names. |
== Taxonomy == The classification of corals has been discussed for millennia, owing to having similarities to both plants and animals. Aristotle's pupil Theophrastus described the red coral, korallion, in his book on stones, implying it was a mineral, but he described it as a deep-sea plant in his Enquiries on Plants, where he also mentions large stony plants that reveal bright flowers when under water in the Gulf of Heroes. Pliny the Elder stated boldly that several sea creatures including sea nettles and sponges "are neither animals nor plants, but are possessed of a third nature (tertia natura)". Petrus Gyllius copied Pliny, introducing the term zoophyta for this third group in his 1535 book On the French and Latin Names of the Fishes of the Marseilles Region; it is popularly but wrongly supposed that Aristotle created the term. Gyllius further noted, following Aristotle, how hard it was to define what was a plant and what was an animal. The Babylonian Talmud refers to coral among a list of types of trees, and the 11th-century French commentator Rashi describes it as "a type of tree (מין עץ) that grows underwater that goes by the (French) name 'coral'." The Persian polymath Al-Biruni (d.1048) classified sponges and corals as animals, arguing that they respond to touch. Nevertheless, people believed corals to be plants until the eighteenth century when William Herschel used a microscope to establish that coral had the characteristic thin cell membranes of an animal.
Most of the proteins in food responsible for the immune reaction in coeliac disease are prolamins. These are storage proteins rich in proline (prol-) and glutamine (-amin) that dissolve in alcohols and are resistant to proteases and peptidases of the gut. Prolamins are found in cereal grains with different grains having different but related prolamins: wheat (gliadin), barley (hordein), rye (secalin) and oats (avenin).
the theoretical predictions align with experimental results. This relation can thus be used to analyse the environment of the nanoparticle, i.e. the interfacial layer, by measuring the wavelength of the plasmon resonance.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
==== 1100–1199 ==== Welfare Food Amendment Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/1105) A630 Trunk Road (Rotherham) (Detrunking) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1107) Social Security (Claims and Payments) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/1113) Local Fisheries Committees (Fees for Copy Byelaws) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1116) Legal Aid in Family Proceedings (Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/1117) Central and Fife Regions and Clackmannan and Dunfermline Districts (River Forth, Kilbagie Mill, Slack Cottage and River Black Devon) Boundaries Amendment Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1118) Transport and Works Applications (Inland Waterways Procedure) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/1119) Local Government Finance (Housing) (Consequential Amendments) (Amendment) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1120) Road Traffic (Training of Drivers of Vehicles Carrying Dangerous Goods) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993/1122) Value Added Tax (Education) (No. 2) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1124) Grampian Region (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1125) Moray Health Services National Health Service Trust (Appointment of Trustees) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1126) Royal Scottish National Hospital and Community National Health Service Trust (Appointment of Trustees) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1127) Royal Alexandra Hospital National Health Service Trust (Appointment of Trustees) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1128) Raigmore Hospital National Health Service Trust (Appointment of Trustees) Order 1993 (S.I. 1993/1129) Grampian Healthcare National Health Service Trust (Appointment of Trustees) Order 1993 (S.I.
Amanita virosa first appears as a white, egg-shaped object covered with a universal veil. As it expands, the mushroom-shaped fruit body breaks free, though ragged patches of veil may persist at the cap edges. The cap is initially conical with inturned edges, before becoming hemispherical and flattening with a diameter up to 12 cm (4+3⁄4 in). The cap often has a distinctive boss; it is able to be peeled and is white, though the centre may be ivory. The crowded, free gills are white, as is the stipe and volva. The thin stipe is up to 15 cm (5.9 in) tall, with a hanging, grooved ring. The spore print is white and the spores are subglobose and 7–10 μm long. They are amyloid, staining purple with Melzer's reagent. The flesh is white, with a smell reminiscent of radishes, and turns bright yellow with sodium hydroxide.
The first step involves the enzyme carbamoyl phosphate synthase combining glutamine with CO2 in an ATP dependent reaction to form carbamoyl phosphate. Aspartate carbamoyltransferase condenses carbamoyl phosphate with aspartate to form uridosuccinate. Dihydroorotase performs ring closure, a reaction that loses water, to form dihydroorotate. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, located within the mitochondrial inner membrane, oxidizes dihydroorotate to orotate. Orotate phosphoribosyl hydrolase (OMP pyrophosphorylase) condenses orotate with PRPP to form orotidine-5'-phosphate. OMP decarboxylase catalyzes the conversion of orotidine-5'-phosphate to UMP. After the uridine nucleotide base is synthesized, the other bases, cytosine and thymine are synthesized. Cytosine biosynthesis is a two-step reaction which involves the conversion of UMP to UTP. Phosphate addition to UMP is catalyzed by a kinase enzyme. The enzyme CTP synthase catalyzes the next reaction step: the conversion of UTP to CTP by transferring an amino group from glutamine to uridine; this forms the cytosine base of CTP. The mechanism, which depicts the reaction UTP + ATP + glutamine ⇔ CTP + ADP + glutamate, is below:
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Between 1978 and 1979 Channon designed and fabricated an insulin pump driven by a small compression spring with a programmable bore to allow different rates of insulin infusion. Channon tested this device on himself in what is believed to be the first time a background bolus regime was used to treat an insulin dependent diabetic. The device is now part of the Bristol Museums Collection. With the support of two National Medical Research fund (now WellChild) grants - £26,000 to Channon to fund his secondment and £40,000 to Guy's to support the clinical evaluation - Channon developed a compact insulin infusion pump "no larger than a pocket cigarette lighter" and weighing just three ounces. The pump could be set to a 3-stage decaying programme, which automatically delivered 3 infusions during the day with a successively lower dose on the 2nd and 3rd. In addition the user could manually operate the device when required to cope with the additional insulin required when eating a meal. Channon's work received national, regional and professional coverage including articles in the Times, the Telegraph, New Scientist and the bulletin of the Institute of Marine Engineers. In 1981 the work was featured in the national magazine of Diabetes UK. Following a suggestion by Professor Keen, Channon also developed a 5ml syringe with a precision engineered mechanism for delivering doses of insulin with an audible and tactile click on each rotation of a knurled thimble, for use by blind and deaf-blind diabetics.
=== EC 1.14.12 With NADH or NADPH as one donor, and incorporation of two atoms of oxygen into one donor === EC 1.14.12.1: anthranilate 1,2-dioxygenase (deaminating, decarboxylating) EC 1.14.12.2: Now EC 1.14.13.35 anthranilate 3-monooxygenase (deaminating) EC 1.14.12.3: benzene 1,2-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.4: EC 1.14.13.242, 3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridinecarboxylate monooxygenase EC 1.14.12.5: Now EC .14.13.241, 5-pyridoxate monooxygenase EC 1.14.12.6: Now EC 1.14.13.66, 2-hydroxycyclohexanone 2-monooxygenase EC 1.14.12.7: phthalate 4,5-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.8: 4-sulfobenzoate 3,4-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.9: 4-chlorophenylacetate 3,4-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.10: benzoate 1,2-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.11: toluene dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.12: naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.13: 2-halobenzoate 1,2-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.14: 2-aminobenzenesulfonate 2,3-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.15: terephthalate 1,2-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.16: 2-hydroxyquinoline 5,6-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.17: nitric oxide dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.18: biphenyl 2,3-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.19: 3-phenylpropionate dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.20: Now classified as EC 1.14.15.17, pheophorbide a oxygenase. EC 1.14.12.21: Now EC 1.14.13.208, benzoyl-CoA 2,3-epoxidase EC 1.14.12.22: carbazole 1,9a-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.23: nitroarene dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.24: 2,4-dinitrotoluene dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.25: p-cumate 2,3-dioxygenase EC 1.14.12.26: chlorobenzene dioxygenase
=== Blood supply === Branches of the internal pudendal arteries are the main arterial supply. The dorsal arteries of the penis run alongside the dorsal vein between the corpora cavernosa and supply the fibrous tissue surrounding them, the corpus spongiosum, the spongy urethra and the penile skin. The deep arteries of the penis run in the centre of each corpus cavernosum and supply the erectile tissue; their branches, the helicine arteries, are coiled when the penis is flaccid. The penile skin is also supplied by superficial and deep branches of the external pudendal arteries. The deep dorsal vein of the penis receives blood from a venous plexus draining the cavernous spaces, while the superficial dorsal vein drains the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
=== 1950s–1960s === Bodybuilding became more popular in the 1950s and 1960s with the emergence of strength and gymnastics champions, and the simultaneous popularization of bodybuilding magazines, training principles, nutrition for bulking up and cutting down, the use of protein and other food supplements, and the opportunity to enter physique contests. The number of bodybuilding organizations grew, and most notably the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) was founded in 1946 by Canadian brothers Joe and Ben Weider. Other bodybuilding organizations included the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), National Amateur Bodybuilding Association (NABBA), and the World Bodybuilding Guild (WBBG). Consequently, the contests grew both in number and in size. Besides the many "Mr. XXX" (insert town, city, state, or region) championships, the most prestigious titles were Mr. America, Mr. World, Mr. Universe, Mr. Galaxy, and ultimately Mr. Olympia, which was started in 1965 by the IFBB and is now considered the most important bodybuilding competition in the world. During the 1950s, the most successful and most famous competing bodybuilders were Bill Pearl, Reg Park, Leroy Colbert, and Clarence Ross. Certain bodybuilders rose to fame thanks to the relatively new medium of television, as well as cinema. The most notable were Jack LaLanne, Steve Reeves, Reg Park, and Mickey Hargitay.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
It is a synthetic peptide analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone. It is used clinically to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It works by stimulating pituitary growth hormone release.
Pivotal trials enrolled adults with HIV and excess visceral abdominal fat, often in the context of antiretroviral therapy. Participants were assessed mainly by computed tomography for visceral adipose tissue. The approved indication remains specific to that population.
Long-term effects on cardiovascular events, mortality, and sustained fat distribution are not well established. Most trials measured changes over months rather than years. Open questions also include whether benefits persist after treatment stops.
The principal difference is a chemical cap on the N-terminal tyrosine that prevents rapid enzymatic cleavage. Native GHRH is degraded within minutes in plasma, whereas the modified peptide persists considerably longer. The amino acid backbone otherwise mirrors the natural hormone.