MECHANO-GROWTH FACTOR (MGF) AND INFLAMMATION
Inflammatory cells such as macrophages and specific signaling molecules, are considered to bring about muscle regeneration when released. Macrophages have been considered to produce MGF in the context of muscle inflammation. IGF-1Ea (MGF) not only appears to exhibit anti-inflammatory characteristics, but may also potentially extend the life of macrophages. The specific relevance of this activity is hitherto known, but it is speculated that the influence of MGF may improve the rate of muscle cell healing through macrophage modulation.
MECHANO-GROWTH FACTOR (MGF) AND CELL AGING
IGF-1 has multiple variants, and the synthesis of these isoforms is considered to be influenced by a variety of factors. The splicing and formation of different splice variants of IGF-1 appear to be affected by developmental factors, hormones like growth and steroid hormones, and cellular death and regeneration, or aging. Cell age is considered to be a strong factor in the regulation of IGF-1 splicing. The predominant variants in control models appear to be class 1 and class 2, whereas in older models with less effective cell cycle regulation appear to show prevalence of class 1Ea. The switch in the predominant splice variant acts as a relevant starting point and helps to understand the biology of cell aging better. It has been suggested that MGF may reduce the loss of function and proliferation of muscle cells over time, though an in-depth study is essential.
MECHANO-GROWTH FACTOR (MGF) AND CARDIAC CELLS
The peptide was reported by researchers to potentially protect cardiac muscles from ischemia in sheep models of myocardial infarction (heart attack). The work found a 35% decrease in cardiomyocyte compromise after MGF was introduced following cardiac arrest. The researchers also concluded that “the E domain of MGF protects the myocardium against ischaemia, thus improving cardiac function post-MI.”
MECHANO-GROWTH FACTOR (MGF) AND MUSCLE CELL GROWTH
MGF appears to promote hypertrophy and repair of muscle by stimulating muscle stem cells (called satellite cells). Research in murine models observed a 25% increase in the size of mean muscle fiber following MGF exposure for three weeks. The researchers outline that “The discovery of MGF and muscle IGF-1 provides a link between physical activity and gene expression. This underlines the need for the elderly to remain active as the locally produced growth factors supplement the circulating IGF-1 levels.” The peptide is speculated to improve muscle conditions in degenerative diseases and stimulate the positive action of physical exertion on muscles. The latter speculation stems from the underlying significance of muscle mass in supporting baseline metabolism. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe degenerative muscular disease, is often combatted by transplanting precursors of muscle cells (called myogenic precursor cells). The transplantation is considered to help improve dystrophin production and ameliorate disease conditions, however, low survival rates in transplantation studies persist. Mouse studies have suggested that MGF may help survive the precursor cells, thus making the transplantation successful.
