We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Treatments

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Peptide Therapy?

By Jennifer Long
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 31,179
Share

Peptide therapy is a type of treatment used for autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and some types of allergies. These therapies are based on the idea that peptides can be used and manipulated to help the body fight certain illnesses and diseases. While there is still a lot of research needed, some patients have shown significant progress and improvement.

Peptides are specific compounds in the body. They are the result of two amino acids. A peptide can be multifunctional, and can function as a protein, a hormone, or aid in the process of digestion. Exactly how a peptide functions is dependent on the type of therapy and condition being treated. This manipulation is a large contributing factor of what makes peptide therapy potentially beneficial.

Multiple sclerosis is one candidate for peptide therapy. In this treatment, peptides are altered. A specific protein segment, myelin basic protein (MBP), is changed. Altered peptide ligand (APL) protein therapy is the term used to describe this manipulation. Patients with multiple sclerosis suffer from flare-ups of the myelin, which is believed to be attacked by the body, leading to an increase in symptoms.

Peptide therapy can also be used to treat autoimmune problems. In autoimmune conditions, inflammatory T cells promote the development of antigens that target and damage tissue. For this treatment, T cell receptor proteins are targeted and altered. The altered peptides are then used to fight the inflammatory T cells and reduce or prevent the destruction of tissues. Specific conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can benefit from peptide therapies.

Antibiotics are considered to be forms of peptide therapy, particularly antibiotics that target Gram negative and positive bacteria that rely on altered proteins because these bacteria are resistant to standard treatments. In some cases, peptide therapies can also be used to help people with compromised immune systems. Using altered peptides can help increase the ability of a weakened immune system to fight off antigens.

In the same manner as treating multiple sclerosis, peptide therapy has shown potential for people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms of this disease are caused in part by the slow destruction of cells in the middle of the brain and leads to a decrease in dopamine, which results in a chemical imbalance. When dopamine levels are low, resting tremors, slow movement, and balance issues occur. Researchers believe that an increase of a specific protein, called NF-kB, can be targeted by altered peptides. An injection of these peptides has shown some potential in blocking this protein.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By anon352336 — On Oct 21, 2013

There are only a few clinics treating patients with peptides. One is Regenerative Cellular Therapy.

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-peptide-therapy.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.