Thursday 6 June 2013

Interesting Information Is Uncovered During Peptide Drug Discovery

By Lucille Lamb


Throughout the past decade, the use of peptides to treat a broad range of disorders has been rapidly expanding. A variety of physical reactions result from the use of these short chains of amino acids. The latter enhance neurotransmitter performance, act on the human endocrine system, and influence growth factors. Ever since peptide drug discovery, its uses in the fields of neurology, hematology, and endocrinology have been on the increase.

Most peptide-based drugs are not well absorbed when administered orally. This is due to the fact that the gastrointestinal enzymes that live in one's digestive tract quickly inactivate the substance. This is why subcutaneous or intravenous administration methods are much more effective. Researchers are centering on alternate delivery routes, including intranasal administration methods, inhaled medications, and transdermal patches.

Peptides act by attaching themselves to the surfaces of specific cell receptors. However, researchers are still working on the aforementioned ideal delivery method, as cell receptors in the human body have numerous binding sites, and peptides have a complex structure. For this reason, they sometimes do not adhere in an optimum fashion.

There is a long list of peptides that can possibly be used in various medications. In fact, the first peptide developed and administered therapeutically is now a household name, which is insulin. This drug, as many people are aware of, is used to treat diabetes. Short acting insulin is now available as well, which was created by altering the molecular structure of the first type.

Many other peptides are now being produced for a wide variety of gastrointestinal issues. The latter include gastroenteritis, stomach ulcers, and indigestion. The most commonly used peptides for such disorders are two drugs called amylin and pramlintide. A proposed use for these 2 medications is the enhancement of gastric emptying. This helps to quell indigestion. The use of amino acids for this condition has shown much promise in recent clinical trials.

Another drug in this category that is currently being given considerable attention is the endogenous hormone. This hormone may be helpful in regulating metabolism and endocrine system of those with hypothyroidism. In addition, it shows promise as a medication for those with type II diabetes.

In recent years, the focus of a handful of anti-obesity studies was a hormone called leptin. Research indicated that drugs containing peptides discourage the production of the aforementioned hormone, therefore decreasing the obese person's appetite and boosting his or her metabolism. Those who are overweight typically have high leptin levels, and this imbalance makes them feel hungry even after they have eaten an adequate amount. When these levels are rebalanced, the person loses the urge to overeat, and instead realizes that he or she is full after a normal meal.

Since peptide drug discovery trials have been launched, there have been over four hundred studies concerning the use of various supplements and medications containing the latter substance. These studies include the use of such drugs to help manage blood disorders and neurological conditions. Although more research is necessary, findings have shown that scientists have every reason to be hopeful that these medications will help many individuals in the future.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment