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What Is Dihexa?
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide) is a small peptide derivative developed at Washington State University. It's an oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV and is claimed to be orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at promoting neuronal connections.
Key Characteristics
- Mechanism: Enhances HGF/c-Met signaling
- Claim: Promotes synaptogenesis and neuroplasticity
- Administration: Orally active (unlike most peptides)
- Research Stage: Preclinical animal studies
Mechanism of Action
HGF/c-Met Pathway
Dihexa works through hepatocyte growth factor signaling:
- Promotes HGF/c-Met dimerization
- c-Met activation promotes neuronal growth
- Enhances synapse formation (synaptogenesis)
- May increase dendritic spine density
Cognitive Effects
- Improved memory in animal models
- Enhanced learning ability
- Reversal of cognitive deficits in aged animals
- Potential for neurodegenerative conditions
Research Findings
- Improved spatial learning in aged rats
- Restored memory in scopolamine-impaired animals
- Active when given orally (rare for peptides)
- Crosses blood-brain barrier
Important Cautions
Dihexa has only been studied in animals. No human clinical trials have been conducted. The claimed potency comparisons to BDNF are from in vitro studies and may not translate to humans. HGF pathway activation raises theoretical concerns about cancer risk, as HGF/c-Met signaling is involved in tumor progression. Long-term safety is completely unknown.
Summary
Dihexa represents an intriguing approach to cognitive enhancement through HGF/c-Met pathway modulation. While animal studies show promising effects on learning and memory, the complete absence of human data and potential oncogenic concerns with HGF pathway activation warrant extreme caution. It remains an early-stage research compound.