Tesamorelin has demonstrated remarkable effects on mitochondrial function, particularly in the liver, where it upregulates genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and energy production.
In an unbiased analysis of the MSigDB hallmark gene sets, researchers found that tesamorelin led to hepatic upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation genes compared with placebo over 1 year. Furthermore, among tesamorelin-treated participants, enhanced expression of these genes related to oxidative phosphorylation was associated with decreased fibrosis-related gene score and degree of hepatic fat reduction. Moreover, increases in oxidative phosphorylation were related to increased IGF-1 transcription, providing evidence linking augmented GH signaling to increased oxidative phosphorylation.
Mitochondria play a key role in fatty acid catabolism, and dysfunction in this key organelle has been implicated as a key feature in NAFLD pathogenesis. Similarly, liver biopsy specimens obtained from patients with NASH were found to have reduced maximal mitochondrial respiration and blunted expression of transcription factors regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and the electron transport chain versus controls. Mitochondrial impairment may promote hepatic fat accumulation and generation of toxic lipid metabolites, increasing oxidative stress, cell death, inflammation, and fibrosis, which are key events in NAFLD progression.
Strategies to restore oxidative phosphorylation may be useful to ameliorate the clinical course of NAFLD progression. The finding that tesamorelin upregulated expression of hepatic oxidative phosphorylation genes is supported by prior work showing that GH axis augmentation has beneficial mitochondrial effects.
In a small study of healthy men and women, short-term infusion of GH acutely elevated skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity, heightened the abundance of muscle mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins.
The finding that tesamorelin upregulated expression of hepatic oxidative phosphorylation genes is supported by prior work showing that GH axis augmentation has beneficial mitochondrial effects. In a small study of healthy men and women, short-term infusion of GH acutely elevated skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity.
Tesamorelin increases metabolic rate, boosting calorie burning and helping to create a caloric deficit necessary for fat loss. Tesamorelin can enhance energy expenditure, resulting in higher energy levels and potential improvements in physical performance.
By optimizing mitochondrial function, Tesamorelin supports the efficient production of ATP, the body’s primary energy currency. This translates to improved cellular energy, enhanced metabolic efficiency, and better overall physiological function.
The mitochondrial enhancements associated with Tesamorelin extend beyond the liver to support energy production throughout the body. Optimized mitochondrial function contributes to improved exercise tolerance, faster recovery, enhanced cognitive function, and overall vitality.
