DIHEXA

• Molecular Formula:C27H44N4O5
• Molecular Weight: 504.672 g/mol
• Sequence: Non-peptide

DESCRIPTION

Dihexa is a peptide variant derived from angiotensin IV which has been found to potently improve cognitive function in animal models of disease such as Alzheimer’s. Angiotensin IV is a derivative of the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and has been shown to enhance acquisition, consolidation, and recall of learning and memory in animal models when administered centrally or peripherally. In an assay of neurotrophic activity, Dihexa was found to be seven orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF. It could possibly help in the repair of the brain and nerves in neurological disease.

PROTOCOL

• Content & Potency: 20mg/ml transdermal cream provided in a 30ml transdermal applicator.
• Suggested dosage: Apply 0.5-1.0ml (2-4 clicks) to inner forearms once daily, rub in until absorbed.

CLINICAL RESEARCH

The Procognitive and Synaptogenic Effects of Angiotensin IV–DerivedPeptides Are Dependent on Activation of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-MetSystem

A subset of angiotensin IV (AngIV)–related molecules are known to possess procognitive/antidementia properties and have been considered as templates for potential therapeutics. However, this potential has not been realized because of two factors: 1) a lack of blood- brain barrier– penetrant analogs, and 2) the absence of a validated mechanism of action. The pharmacokinetic barrier has recently been overcome with the synthesis of the orally active, blood-brain barrier–permeable analog N-hexanoic-tyrosine-isoleucine-(6) aminohexanoic amide (dihexa).

Therefore, the goal of this study was to elucidate the mechanism that underlies dihexa’s procognitive activity. Here, we demonstrate that dihexa binds with high affinity to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and both dihexa and its parent compound Norleucine 1-AngIV (Nle1-AngIV) induce c-Met phosphorylation in the presence of subthreshold concentrations of HGF and augment HGF- dependent cell scattering. Further, dihexa and Nle1-AngIV induce hippocampal spinogenesis and synaptogenesis similar to HGF itself. These actions were inhibited by an HGF antagonist and a short hairpin RNA directed at c-Met. Most importantly, the procognitive/antidementia capacity of orally delivered dihexa was blocked by an HGF antagonist delivered intracerebroventricularly as measured using the Morris water maze task of spatial learning.

DIHEXA Research

Here are some examples of research studies that have been conducted on the peptide dihexa:

1. A study on the neuroprotective effects of dihexa in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22560805
2. A research article describing the potential use of dihexa for the treatment of traumatic brain injury: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093165/
3. A study on the effects of dihexa on cognitive function in a mouse model of Down syndrome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29174720
4. A review article on the pharmacology and therapeutic potential of dihexa: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28316882
5. A study on the effects of dihexa on axon regeneration in a mouse model of spinal cord injury: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30446007

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other studies that have been conducted on dihexa.