Buy Myostatin (GDF-8)

Myostatin, also known as Growth Differentiation Factor 8 (GDF-8), is a protein that acts as a negative regulator of muscle growth. In simpler terms, its primary job is to put the brakes on muscle development to ensure muscles don’t grow too large. It is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of proteins.

Mechanism of Action

Myostatin works by inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts, which are the precursor cells that develop into mature muscle fibers. When myostatin binds to its receptor (the activin type IIB receptor) on the surface of muscle cells, it triggers a signaling cascade inside the cell that ultimately suppresses the muscle growth pathway known as the Akt/mTOR pathway. By doing this, it limits the size and number of muscle fibers.

Essentially, the more myostatin present, the less muscle growth occurs. Conversely, if the action of myostatin is blocked, muscle development can increase significantly.

Myostatin Mutations and “Double Muscling

The most dramatic evidence of myostatin’s function comes from naturally occurring mutations in the gene that produces it. When this gene is defective or “knocked out,” the body produces little to no functional myostatin, and the brakes on muscle growth are effectively removed.

This results in a condition known as “double muscling” or myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy. Animals with this trait, such as Belgian Blue cattle, display an astonishing increase in muscle mass—often up to 40% more than their counterparts with normal myostatin levels. Similar mutations have been observed in whippet dogs, leading to “bully whippets,” and in a few rare cases, in humans. A child was identified in Germany with a mutation in both copies of his myostatin gene, resulting in him having significantly more muscle mass and strength than other children his age, with no apparent negative health effects.

Therapeutic Potential of Myostatin Inhibition

Because myostatin is a powerful inhibitor of muscle growth, blocking its activity is a major area of interest for therapeutic research. The goal of myostatin inhibitors is to treat conditions characterized by muscle loss (atrophy). Potential applications include:

• Muscle Wasting Diseases: Conditions like muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cancer-related cachexia (severe body wasting) could potentially be treated by blocking myostatin to preserve or rebuild muscle mass.
• Sarcopenia: This is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. Myostatin inhibitors could help older adults maintain their mobility and reduce frailty.
• Recovery from Injury: Blocking myostatin might help speed up muscle regeneration and recovery after severe injuries or surgeries.
• Metabolic Diseases: Since muscle tissue is a primary site for glucose metabolism, increasing muscle mass could potentially help in managing conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Several pharmaceutical companies are developing drugs, including antibodies and other molecules, that block myostatin or its receptor. While some have shown promise in clinical trials, none have yet been approved for widespread medical use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to block myostatin in humans? Research so far suggests that blocking myostatin is generally well-tolerated, with few serious side effects reported in clinical trials. The long-term effects, however, are still being studied. The main concern is ensuring that muscle growth is functional and doesn’t negatively impact tendons, bones, or heart function.
2. Can I lower my myostatin levels naturally? Yes, to some extent. Resistance training (weightlifting) has been shown to temporarily decrease myostatin expression in muscles, which is one of the reasons it’s effective for building muscle. Some studies also suggest that certain supplements, like creatine, may have a modest effect on reducing myostatin. However, these natural changes are far less dramatic than the effects of genetic mutations or myostatin-inhibiting drugs.
3. is it inhibitors a type of steroid? No. Anabolic steroids work by mimicking the hormone testosterone to increase protein synthesis in cells. Myostatin inhibitors work through a completely different biological pathway by blocking a specific protein that stops muscle growth. They do not have the same hormonal side effects associated with steroids.
4. Why aren’t myostatin inhibitors used for athletic performance? Myostatin inhibitors are being developed for medical purposes only. Due to their potent muscle-building effects, they are considered performance-enhancing drugs and are banned by major sports organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
5. Do myostatin levels differ between men and women? Generally, myostatin levels are similar between the sexes. The difference in average muscle mass between men and women is primarily due to hormonal factors, especially the much higher levels of testosterone in men, rather than differences in myostatin.Read more​