Stimulation of endogenous pulsatile growth hormone secretion by activation of growth hormone secretagogue receptor reduces the fat accumulation and improves the insulin sensitivity in obese mice.

Huang Z, Lu X, Huang L, Zhang C, Veldhuis JD, Cowley MA, Chen C

FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology1 Jan 2021Cited by 11 (Europe PMC)

PMID33368660DOI10.1096/fj.202001924rrPepBankPUB-33368660

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

Jump to 12 results

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study12

12 results from studies that gave the peptide. No result from this study comes from people.

01AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin infusion increased pulsatile growth hormone secretion versus vehicle.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin raised pulsatile growth hormone release compared with vehicle.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreasePulsatile GH secretion
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
Hexarelin treatment significantly increased the pulsatile GH secretion without detectable alteration on basal GH secretion in MC4RKO mice.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866001
02AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin did not detectably change basal growth hormone secretion.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin did not change baseline growth hormone release.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeBasal GH secretion
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
Hexarelin treatment significantly increased the pulsatile GH secretion without detectable alteration on basal GH secretion in MC4RKO mice.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866002
03AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin increased lipolysis and lipid oxidation in adipose tissue.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin increased fat breakdown and fat burning in fat tissue.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseAdipose tissue lipolysis and lipid oxidation
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
The treated mice showed increased lipolysis and lipid oxidation in the adipose tissue, and reduced de novo lipogenesis in the liver, leading to reduced visceral fat mass, reduced triglyceride content in liver, and unchanged circulating free fatty acid levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866003
04AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin reduced de novo lipogenesis in the liver.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin reduced new fat production in the liver.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
DecreaseHepatic de novo lipogenesis
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Liver fat and liver function · Liver
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
The treated mice showed increased lipolysis and lipid oxidation in the adipose tissue, and reduced de novo lipogenesis in the liver, leading to reduced visceral fat mass, reduced triglyceride content in liver, and unchanged circulating free fatty acid levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866004
05AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin reduced visceral fat mass versus vehicle.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin reduced belly fat mass compared with vehicle.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
DecreaseVisceral fat mass
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
The treated mice showed increased lipolysis and lipid oxidation in the adipose tissue, and reduced de novo lipogenesis in the liver, leading to reduced visceral fat mass, reduced triglyceride content in liver, and unchanged circulating free fatty acid levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866005
06AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin reduced triglyceride content in the liver.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin lowered fat content in the liver.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
DecreaseLiver triglyceride content
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Liver fat and liver function · Liver
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
The treated mice showed increased lipolysis and lipid oxidation in the adipose tissue, and reduced de novo lipogenesis in the liver, leading to reduced visceral fat mass, reduced triglyceride content in liver, and unchanged circulating free fatty acid levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866006
07AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin left circulating free fatty acid levels unchanged.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin did not change free fatty acid levels in the blood.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeCirculating free fatty acids
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Lipids · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
The treated mice showed increased lipolysis and lipid oxidation in the adipose tissue, and reduced de novo lipogenesis in the liver, leading to reduced visceral fat mass, reduced triglyceride content in liver, and unchanged circulating free fatty acid levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866007
08AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin improved whole-body insulin sensitivity.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin improved how well the body responds to insulin.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseWhole-body insulin sensitivity
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
Importantly, hexarelin treatment improved the whole-body insulin sensitivity but did not alter glucose tolerance, insulin levels, or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866008
09AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin did not alter glucose tolerance.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin did not change glucose tolerance.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeGlucose tolerance
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
Importantly, hexarelin treatment improved the whole-body insulin sensitivity but did not alter glucose tolerance, insulin levels, or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866009
10AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin did not alter insulin levels.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin did not change insulin levels.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeInsulin levels
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
Importantly, hexarelin treatment improved the whole-body insulin sensitivity but did not alter glucose tolerance, insulin levels, or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866010
11AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin did not alter IGF-1 levels.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin did not change IGF-1 levels.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeIGF-1 levels
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
Importantly, hexarelin treatment improved the whole-body insulin sensitivity but did not alter glucose tolerance, insulin levels, or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866011
12AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Mechanism
In obese MC4RKO mice, hexarelin increased expression of genes in GH signaling pathways in visceral adipose tissue and liver.
In plain wordsIn obese mice, hexarelin raised activity of growth hormone signaling genes in fat tissue and liver.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseGH signaling pathway gene expression
Study
mousen: not reported in source
MC4RKO hyperphagic obese mice
Comparator
Vehicle infusion
Outcome group
Receptor activity and mechanism · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
10.56 μg/day · continuous infusion (osmotic pump) · 3-4 weeksAs given in this study (mouse).
Source sentences
Summary
The metabolic effects of hexarelin were likely through the direct action of GH, as indicated by the increased expression level of genes involved in GH signaling pathways in visceral adipose tissues and liver.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Male melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice (MC4RKO) were pair-fed and received continuous hexarelin (10.56 μg/day) or vehicle infusion by an osmotic pump for 3-4 weeks.
Report a problemFND-3336866012

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
13 Oct 2026, 21:44 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

Publication types

MeSH terms

Keywords

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.