Melanotan II Dose:
Low: 250 mcg
Moderate: 500 mcg
Large: 1mg
Melanotan II analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH). Melanotan peptides are safe and efficacious with growing long term data. Melanotan 2 is a freeze dried peptide sealed in a sterile multi-use vial. Generic 10mg Melanotan II peptide with green plastic flip top:
Melanotan injections act on melanocytes to stimulate melanin production in the skin. Melanin is the body's pigment responsible for a photoprotective safe tan.
Sunless tanning peptides begin with the sequence: His-Phe-Arg-Trp. Melanotan tanning peptide binds to melanocortin receptors influencing pigmentation, inflammation, energy, appetite and sexual function. Melanotan 2 has a small protective amino acid structure that show effect at the melanocortin 1, 3, 4 and 5 receptors.
Melanotan 2 is a small efficient molecule as compared to the linear Melanotan I design after natural melanocyte stimulating hormone peptide. Melanotan 2 passes the blood brain barrier (BBB) stimulating the aphrodisiac and weight loss effects through the melanocortin system. Melanotan is approximately 1,000 times more potent than natural a-MSH.
Fair skinned folks who never tan, always burn in the sun, can achieve a natural tan when using Melanotan 2. For people with sun allergies/mutated receptors, synthetic melanotropin peptide supplements are life changing. A natural tan developed over time is the best defense against skin cancer, to which the fair skin can now acheive. MT-2 was designed to reduce skin cancer rates and potentially for effective sunless tanning.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use Melanotan for accelerated tanning, libido increase and appetite suppression. MT-2 was dubbed the Barbie drug and has been highlighted in wired magazine. Synthetic melanocortin use helps attain a tan with the least amount of exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Melanotan II continues to be the most effective tanning peptide sold online.
Fitzpatrick skin type: Skin type I and II, the lower of the skin types on the Fitzpatrick scale are the best candidates for Melanotan
Treatment: Melanotan stimulates melanin, particularly low skin types
Disclaimer: Please pursue information regarding the usage of these products from your own research, academic journals, or the research of your in-house scientific team. Products sold for research purposes are not for human consumption.
Melanotan 2 Peptide: Melanotan 2 peptides come in 5mg and 10mg sizes. Photograph at left shows a 5mg and 10mg MT-2 peptide as an example. Peptides within photograph were synthesized by the same laboratory, contain no filler and therefore volume reflects content. All peptides and freeze drying processes are not created equal. Current MT-2 industry standard is the 10mg, 2ml vial size.
Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, MT-2 peptide remains potent and preserved. Reconstituting (mixing) your Melanotan 2 peptide is a necessity and will require proper due diligence for results. Nasal sprays, pre-mixed Melanotan 2, pills, oral and loose powder are less than legitimate. Enzymes will render the peptide inactive if ingested. Purchase only pure Melanotan II.
Shipping and Handling: Melanotan peptides are durable and stable. Shipping in the summer not a problem for tanning injections. When receiving MT-2 it is recommended to store in the refrigerator.
Mixing Melanotan: 1ml Bacteriostatic water reconstitutes and preserves tanning peptide Melanotan II. Dilute with more volume for improved dosing accuracy (micrograms).
Remove plastic flip top from vial to expose rubber stopper. Needle will pierce the stopper making way inside the vial to turn the white powder into a clear liquid.
Calculator: Add 100 units (1ml) of water to the vial. 1ml Bacteriostatic water will minimize injection volume and simplify arithmetic. Dosing measurements are often mentioned in both milligram (mg) and microgram (mcg).
Research Peptide Calculator
1ml syringe (U100), 1ml Bact Water to Reconstitute
Calculations for .5mg or 500mcg dose:
Step 1= 1ml
Step 2= 10mg MT-II
Step 3= 1ml bact water
Step 4= 500mcg dose
5 units on your insulin syringe (approximately 1/20th of a U100 syringe)
Needles: 29-31 gauge X 1/2", 1 CC (100 unit). That is a typical insulin needle used to mix as well as inject. Use needles one time only. Once your technique perfected, injections are almost painless. Smaller 1/2 and 1/3cc syringes offer greater measurement accuracy and pre-loading convenience.
Melanotan II Dose: Your first injection should be a very small dose, for example .25mg (250mcg). See how you react. Goal should be to feel nothing. Dose after dinner, before bed. Any dosing chart stating that you should take a high dose (according to your weight) is dated and potentially dangerous.
Loading dose: Load with .5-1mg once a day. People who have used doses in this range generally report getting excellent results. Don’t worry if you miss occasional days. It will not make much difference, focus on the cumulative effects. A tan generally sets in 3 days after UV rays. Dose and expose yourself gradually to UVR when tanning.
Maintenance dose: Maintenance is taking doses less frequently than daily to avoid becoming darker than you want. Yes, that will happen. With enough UVR, you will get much darker than you have even been before. A maintenance dose can help prolong super-physiological photo-protection MT-2 delivers.
UV Radiation: Melanotan is a poor sunless tanner. UV (from sun or a tanning bed) light is necessary to develop a tan for most folks. Without it, almost nothing happens. In other words, NO UV = NO TAN. Melanotan use for a full month and with UV exposure, you (and your friends) will be astounded by how fast and how dark MT-II tanning results. Areas of skin that are typically sun-exposed in your day to day life will respond more readily to the effects of the melanotan peptides, take photo therapy serious with Melanotan II.
Melanotan 2 Weight Loss: Melanotan II peptide usage results in adipocyte lipolysis. Dose low-moderate between meals to increase fatty acid oxidation, reduce food intake, and increase energy.
Do you have to inject MT-II?
Yes. The best, most efficient method of administering Melanotan peptides are subcutaneous (subq) injections. Nasal sprays are inconsistent and inefficient. No detectable levels were observed following oral dosing - pills do not work.
Note: There are many things you will need to consider before experimenting with this peptide. Cyclic analogues (MT-II) have a wide range of peripheral effects and systemic control is always going to pose an issue in clinical use. Needless to say, MT-II is not an approved or regulated product. MT-II is legal to buy, possess, etc. Variables such as skin type and individual goals need assessment. Ask for critiques, plans and create a user log during use. Seasoned users are generally more than happy to offer help on how to take peptides.
When supplementing a-MSH (Melanotan II) to tan keep in mind that tanning is literally a side effect. The tanning response is, in reality, a physiological repair mechanism to UV damage of the skin cells (epidermis/dermis). Melanocyte stimulating hormone is not going to color your skin, it is going to make your own skin create its own tan and that in turn creates protection. If you are looking to be some bronzed beach God with perfectly uniform and specific color then you are better off to going to mystic tan. Redheads, for example, naturally produce a variant form of melanin that is yellowish-red (pheomelanin). Do not expect a black tan on ginger skin without serious diligence.
Melanotan Dosing according to Skin Type: Knowing your skin type is one detail which will help create a public user log. There are 10s of thousands of melanotan users worldwide who share the experience. Raise awareness and help others who want to hear success stories, complications and failures.
Am I a good candidate for MT-II?
Melanotan is best suited for the folks with skin types I & II. Prior sun damage, scars, tattoos, freckles, moles, hair color, etc are deciding factors prospective MT-2 users consider.
How should I dose MT-II?
Melanotan II dosage it is recommended to start out small and build up. A typical starting dose is around .25mg and max dose reaching 1mg. Desensitization happens quick, the first administration is an opportunity to dose low to avoid Melanotan 2 side effects. Same goes for bremelanotide (PT-141) dosage unfortunately.
Melanotan Instructions: There is no magic pill or formula. Instructions do not exist for research peptides. Few dermatologists are familiar with Melanotan. The skin is a large, unpredictable organ. Feel comfortable and confident with MT-II before use. Check out as many before and after photos and user logs as you can. A skin type I individual may have to commit months of dedication before dialing in their desired results, be patient and ask questions.
How much MT-II should I buy and how long will it last?
Skin type I: 30-50mg
Skin type II: 20-30mg
Skin type III: 10mg
Should last entire summer or season
How soon will I begin to see Melanotan II results?
Change in skin tone after 2-3 weeks should be anticipated. If you have freckles, expect them to get darker before your actual skin color changes. Brace yourself.
How long will the tan last?
A tan developed using Melanotan 2 lasts much longer than an ordinary tan. A well-tanned person returning from a beach holiday will lose most of the tan in a month if they stop getting sun. But if they had been using Melanotan 2 and continued on maintenance after returning, they would still have most of their tan 3 months later.
Side effects of Melanotan II?
Possible short-term side effects include: nausea, appetite loss, facial flushing and increased libido. Melanotan II side effects may be noticeable during the first few days of treatment but should taper off as the body desensitizes.
Mechano Growth Factor
You want to GROW?
When Human Growth Hormone (GH) was first introduced to the bodybuilding world, everyone had high hopes. Those hopes fizzled out pretty quickly, as bodybuilders experimented with absurdly low dosages (2iu/every other day), necessitated by its high cost. As GH costs fell due to more efficient manufacturing processes (i.e. it was no longer being extracted from cadavers), bodybuilders were able to use more of it, and subsequently began to see better results. We saw the same phenomenon with the anabolic mediator of GH, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, and later with its analogue, LR3IGF-1.
Now, we've seen the emergence of yet another compound further down the hormonal cascade: Mechano Growth Factor (MGH). As you probably know, skeletal muscle responds to resistance training (or any mechanical overload), by increasing its size (hopefully). If you detrain that muscle (i.e. don't use it regularly), it atrophies and gets smaller.
Similarly, when you are in your teens and early twenties GH and IGF-1 levels are high, and as you age, those levels are lowered naturally. And if you've been playing along at home, you're probably figuring out that GH and IGF-1 are pieces of the hormonal puzzle that result in this muscle growth (or loss). These growth factors are produced in the liver and other areas, but also in skeletal tissue in response to training induced damage. Now, pay attention, because this is the important part - growth factors produced within the muscle as a response to resistance training likely play a major role in repair, adaptation, hypertrophy (muscle growth), and also ageing.
Scientists have discovered that many of GH's anabolic and regenerative effects are actually mediated by insulin like growth factor 1. Thus, the next logical step for bodybuilders (if bodybuilders can be said to follow some kind of logic), was to start experimenting with IGF-1 and later with the more potent version,LR3IGF-1.
The thing is, we now know that IGF-1 actually exists in the body in multiple isoforms. The isoform that seems most useful to us, differs slightly from that which is produced in the liver (IGF-1Ea). It also appears to be the significantly more anabolic of the two we're looking at here (i.e. that which is produced in the liver vs. that which is produced in the muscle). This is because it is hyper-sensitive to the signals produced by local muscular damage induced by resistance training. This more anabolic isoform of IGF-1 is calledIGF-1Ec, or mechano growth factor (MGF).
That's right, MGF, the mysterious hormone that seems to be only whispered in e-mails and PMs on the net, is actually just another variant of IGF-1. Yeah, if you've used IGF-1 or even GH, then technically, you've already been taking advantage of MGF. In fact, if you work out with weights, you've been producing your own MGF - as this particular isoform of IGF-1 is only detected in normal muscle after mechanical stimulation (such as resistance training). Remember, MGF is just a name for the particular type of IGF-1 which is produced locally in the muscle as part of the anabolic repair response to resistance training.
Here's how it happens;
When we workout with weights, the IGF-1 gene is differentially spliced during the body***8217;s response to local muscular overload. First it is spliced to produce predominantly IGF-1Ec (called the MGF splice variant of IGF-1). This initial splicing appears to stimulate satellite cells into activation. This in turn allows the activation of extra undamaged nuclei required for muscle fiber growth and repair to occur. In addition, the appearance of MGF initiates the upregulation of new protein synthesis. After this initial and short lived burst of splicing, IGF-1 production switches towards producing a systemic release of IGF-1Ea from the liver, which upregulates protein synthesis as well, but over a longer time line. This secondary release of IGF-1Ea noticeably less anabolic than the initial release of IGF-1Ec (MGF).
It is the expression of the various IGF-1 splice variants, over the course of the healing and regrowth phase of muscle repair, that is responsible for a generous portion of the body***8217;s ability to engender growth in target tissue (which is, of course, skeletal muscle). It would appear that the introduction of this hormone, whether by weight training or by injection, will cause a response in the area resulting in localized muscle growth.
But, in the end, we're still just talking about IGF-1, just a particular form of it:
As is often the case with the hot new drug on the net, the rabbit was always in the hat, and the magic was only a trick. MGF is simply a variant of something we've had around for over a decade. It's just not as sexy when we call it IGF-1Ec, but regardless of what we call it, it's still just an isoform of IGF-1. In fact, the anabolic actions of both IGF-1 as well as MGF are achieved by stimulating and upregulating protein synthesis, and proliferating growth and activation of satellite cells. Actually, this latter function of MGF is quite important, as satellite cells are the mononucleated cells in muscle fibers located between the sarcolemma and the basal lamina. Proliferation and activation of these cells results in the creation of new muscle.
And all of this leads us to the real question here, which is: How effective is this stuff?
Well, most of what we have to go on presently is studies in the elderly (which there are very few of), and studies in rodents. The most relevant rodent data has been shown that MGF is a very potent inducer of muscle growth when it's introduced into the muscle via an intramuscular injection. In fact, in one study MGF caused a 20% increase in the weight of the injected muscle within 2 weeks! Further investigation elucidated that this was actually due to an increase in the size of the muscle fibers!
However, scientists are coming around to identifying the one-two-punch of MGF with regards to both inducing satellite cell activation as well as protein synthesis as clearly showing an advantage over other types of (systemic, or liver derived) IGF-1. In fact, when locally produced IGF-1 was compared to systemic IGF-1 (i.e. IGF-1Ea vs. IGF-1Ec) in later rodent studies, the superiority of the locally produced IGF-1 variants (MGF) were clearly elucidated.
It may just be that overexpression of MGF (IGF-1Ec) and the subsequent overexpression of IGF-1Ea are the deciding factors in whether a muscle will grow or not. But remember what I told you at the beginning about GH and IGF-1 in general? Until the prices on MGF go down to affordable levels, bodybuilders are probably going to be using substandard doses of MGF and reporting substandard results; or using tiny amounts with boatloads of other pharmaceuticals, and claiming absurd results. In the end, what we're looking at is another variant of IGF-1, that's probably going to be even better than LR3IGF-1 at producing muscle growth - once somebody finds a way to produce it at affordable prices.
PEG-MGF (PEGylated Mechano Growth Factor)
MGF is a splice variant of the IGF gene which increases stem cell count in the muscle and allows for muscle fibers to fuse and mature. This is a process required for growth of adult muscle. Natural MGF is made locally and does not travel into the bloodstream. Synthetic MGF is water based and when administered intramuscularly, travels into the bloodstream. MGF is only stable in the blood stream for only a few minutes.
Multiple medical studies have verified the swiftly enhanced muscle growth, rapid recovery from intense training, and incredible fat loss properties of the remarkably fast-acting Pituitary Growth Hormone formula. Order today and start seeing incredible improvement in your general health and overall well-being!
PEGylation is the act of attaching a Polyethylene glycol (PEG) structure to another larger molecule (in this case, MGF). The PEG acts as a protective coating and the theory here is that this will allow the MGF to be carried through the blood stream without being broken down.
Background
I have to be honest here, and say that in my estimation, PEGylating MGF is basically something a research chemical company did to have a bit of a market with no competition for awhile. That's not to say that it's not a decent product, but honestly, in this particular case, I feel that marketing was in the drivers seat with the development of this version of MGF, and science was in the backseat asking, are we there yet?
Action
MGF is produced biologically when muscle fibers are broken down through resistance (weight training). It is a potent factor in muscle growth. MGF stimulates muscle growth, creates new muscle fibers, promotes nitrogen retention and increases protein synthesis. This compound is commonly used for overall growth of muscle and to promote growth in body parts that are not up to par with the rest of the user's physique. Results usually depend on dosage. Fat loss and strength increases are not typically seen with MGF's use (as they are in IGF-1 use).
The PEG itself is safe for use as it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and does not react in the body. The PEG is not broken down in the body and excreted (intact) through urine or feces. Any risk associated PEGylated drugs is due to drug itself not the PEG per se.
Technical Data
In a study on older rodents, muscle fiber reduction in their older muscles was found to be attributed to decreased activity of satellite cells (1). After a certain size was reached, growth ceased. In the presence of MGF, satellite cells became activated and hypertrophy in mature muscles continued.
In experiments where MGF was administered intramuscularly, there was a 20% increase in the weight of the injected muscle fibers within 2 weeks (2). In further studies, it took 4 months for IGF to cause a 25% increase in muscle mass (3). MGF was found to be more potent than IGF-1Ea in rapid muscle growth (4).
[Note: This data is on regular MGF, not the Pegylated version. we can assume similar results, however]
User Notes
Although the science looks impressive on paper, in the real world, we see something totally different. While PEGMGF should have theoretically given the athletes who use it better results than regular MGF, it struggles to provide even the same results at a higher dosage (judging from the athletes I have personally spoken to).
So does that mean it's useless?
No, not at all. Not entirely;
I think that the PEGylation is actually a potentially useful addition to MGF if properly used. If we assume that the PEGylation will extend the life of the MGF in the body somewhat, then we can use it in a very specific manner to help our gains. It is nowhere near as good as regular MGF though, and I wouldn't use it unless I really had the disposable cash on hand.
I feel that, based on conversations with several athletes and bodybuilders, that PEGMGF is best used in conjunction with (not instead of) regular MGF (and IGF). I feel that if one were to use my Peptides protocol (to read about that in detail, check out the article, Peptides: The Next Frontier in Hypertrophy, I think that PEGMGF is probably best used on off-days from training, to keep MGF levels elevated and get additional hypertrophy from the longer releasing PEGMGF.
So, along with regular MGF and Lr3IGF-1, if I felt it to be necessary, I might throw in some PEGMGF on off-days from training, to get additional growth (and again, if it were me, I'd probably recommend 400-500mcg of PEGMGF on off days, with a regular dose of 200mcg of regular MGF + 100mgs of Lr3IGF-1 on training days, as per my article).
For most athletes I've spoken to and worked with, this is what we've found to be optimal. Again, though, I'm not very fond of this product, and it's best used (if at all), as a possible adjunct to an IGF + MGF cycle, and never in place of regular MGF. Unfortunately, it just didn't pan out as people hoped it would, but it***8217;s not a complete waste of money.
References
Chakravarthy et al. 2000
Goldspink, 2001
Musaro et al. 2001
Musaro et al. 2001
Low: 250 mcg
Moderate: 500 mcg
Large: 1mg
Melanotan II analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH). Melanotan peptides are safe and efficacious with growing long term data. Melanotan 2 is a freeze dried peptide sealed in a sterile multi-use vial. Generic 10mg Melanotan II peptide with green plastic flip top:
Melanotan injections act on melanocytes to stimulate melanin production in the skin. Melanin is the body's pigment responsible for a photoprotective safe tan.
Sunless tanning peptides begin with the sequence: His-Phe-Arg-Trp. Melanotan tanning peptide binds to melanocortin receptors influencing pigmentation, inflammation, energy, appetite and sexual function. Melanotan 2 has a small protective amino acid structure that show effect at the melanocortin 1, 3, 4 and 5 receptors.
Melanotan 2 is a small efficient molecule as compared to the linear Melanotan I design after natural melanocyte stimulating hormone peptide. Melanotan 2 passes the blood brain barrier (BBB) stimulating the aphrodisiac and weight loss effects through the melanocortin system. Melanotan is approximately 1,000 times more potent than natural a-MSH.
Fair skinned folks who never tan, always burn in the sun, can achieve a natural tan when using Melanotan 2. For people with sun allergies/mutated receptors, synthetic melanotropin peptide supplements are life changing. A natural tan developed over time is the best defense against skin cancer, to which the fair skin can now acheive. MT-2 was designed to reduce skin cancer rates and potentially for effective sunless tanning.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use Melanotan for accelerated tanning, libido increase and appetite suppression. MT-2 was dubbed the Barbie drug and has been highlighted in wired magazine. Synthetic melanocortin use helps attain a tan with the least amount of exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Melanotan II continues to be the most effective tanning peptide sold online.
Fitzpatrick skin type: Skin type I and II, the lower of the skin types on the Fitzpatrick scale are the best candidates for Melanotan
Treatment: Melanotan stimulates melanin, particularly low skin types
Disclaimer: Please pursue information regarding the usage of these products from your own research, academic journals, or the research of your in-house scientific team. Products sold for research purposes are not for human consumption.
Melanotan 2 Peptide: Melanotan 2 peptides come in 5mg and 10mg sizes. Photograph at left shows a 5mg and 10mg MT-2 peptide as an example. Peptides within photograph were synthesized by the same laboratory, contain no filler and therefore volume reflects content. All peptides and freeze drying processes are not created equal. Current MT-2 industry standard is the 10mg, 2ml vial size.
Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, MT-2 peptide remains potent and preserved. Reconstituting (mixing) your Melanotan 2 peptide is a necessity and will require proper due diligence for results. Nasal sprays, pre-mixed Melanotan 2, pills, oral and loose powder are less than legitimate. Enzymes will render the peptide inactive if ingested. Purchase only pure Melanotan II.
Shipping and Handling: Melanotan peptides are durable and stable. Shipping in the summer not a problem for tanning injections. When receiving MT-2 it is recommended to store in the refrigerator.
Mixing Melanotan: 1ml Bacteriostatic water reconstitutes and preserves tanning peptide Melanotan II. Dilute with more volume for improved dosing accuracy (micrograms).
Remove plastic flip top from vial to expose rubber stopper. Needle will pierce the stopper making way inside the vial to turn the white powder into a clear liquid.
Calculator: Add 100 units (1ml) of water to the vial. 1ml Bacteriostatic water will minimize injection volume and simplify arithmetic. Dosing measurements are often mentioned in both milligram (mg) and microgram (mcg).
Research Peptide Calculator
1ml syringe (U100), 1ml Bact Water to Reconstitute
Calculations for .5mg or 500mcg dose:
Step 1= 1ml
Step 2= 10mg MT-II
Step 3= 1ml bact water
Step 4= 500mcg dose
5 units on your insulin syringe (approximately 1/20th of a U100 syringe)
Needles: 29-31 gauge X 1/2", 1 CC (100 unit). That is a typical insulin needle used to mix as well as inject. Use needles one time only. Once your technique perfected, injections are almost painless. Smaller 1/2 and 1/3cc syringes offer greater measurement accuracy and pre-loading convenience.
Melanotan II Dose: Your first injection should be a very small dose, for example .25mg (250mcg). See how you react. Goal should be to feel nothing. Dose after dinner, before bed. Any dosing chart stating that you should take a high dose (according to your weight) is dated and potentially dangerous.
Loading dose: Load with .5-1mg once a day. People who have used doses in this range generally report getting excellent results. Don’t worry if you miss occasional days. It will not make much difference, focus on the cumulative effects. A tan generally sets in 3 days after UV rays. Dose and expose yourself gradually to UVR when tanning.
Maintenance dose: Maintenance is taking doses less frequently than daily to avoid becoming darker than you want. Yes, that will happen. With enough UVR, you will get much darker than you have even been before. A maintenance dose can help prolong super-physiological photo-protection MT-2 delivers.
UV Radiation: Melanotan is a poor sunless tanner. UV (from sun or a tanning bed) light is necessary to develop a tan for most folks. Without it, almost nothing happens. In other words, NO UV = NO TAN. Melanotan use for a full month and with UV exposure, you (and your friends) will be astounded by how fast and how dark MT-II tanning results. Areas of skin that are typically sun-exposed in your day to day life will respond more readily to the effects of the melanotan peptides, take photo therapy serious with Melanotan II.
Melanotan 2 Weight Loss: Melanotan II peptide usage results in adipocyte lipolysis. Dose low-moderate between meals to increase fatty acid oxidation, reduce food intake, and increase energy.
Do you have to inject MT-II?
Yes. The best, most efficient method of administering Melanotan peptides are subcutaneous (subq) injections. Nasal sprays are inconsistent and inefficient. No detectable levels were observed following oral dosing - pills do not work.
Note: There are many things you will need to consider before experimenting with this peptide. Cyclic analogues (MT-II) have a wide range of peripheral effects and systemic control is always going to pose an issue in clinical use. Needless to say, MT-II is not an approved or regulated product. MT-II is legal to buy, possess, etc. Variables such as skin type and individual goals need assessment. Ask for critiques, plans and create a user log during use. Seasoned users are generally more than happy to offer help on how to take peptides.
When supplementing a-MSH (Melanotan II) to tan keep in mind that tanning is literally a side effect. The tanning response is, in reality, a physiological repair mechanism to UV damage of the skin cells (epidermis/dermis). Melanocyte stimulating hormone is not going to color your skin, it is going to make your own skin create its own tan and that in turn creates protection. If you are looking to be some bronzed beach God with perfectly uniform and specific color then you are better off to going to mystic tan. Redheads, for example, naturally produce a variant form of melanin that is yellowish-red (pheomelanin). Do not expect a black tan on ginger skin without serious diligence.
Melanotan Dosing according to Skin Type: Knowing your skin type is one detail which will help create a public user log. There are 10s of thousands of melanotan users worldwide who share the experience. Raise awareness and help others who want to hear success stories, complications and failures.
Am I a good candidate for MT-II?
Melanotan is best suited for the folks with skin types I & II. Prior sun damage, scars, tattoos, freckles, moles, hair color, etc are deciding factors prospective MT-2 users consider.
How should I dose MT-II?
Melanotan II dosage it is recommended to start out small and build up. A typical starting dose is around .25mg and max dose reaching 1mg. Desensitization happens quick, the first administration is an opportunity to dose low to avoid Melanotan 2 side effects. Same goes for bremelanotide (PT-141) dosage unfortunately.
Melanotan Instructions: There is no magic pill or formula. Instructions do not exist for research peptides. Few dermatologists are familiar with Melanotan. The skin is a large, unpredictable organ. Feel comfortable and confident with MT-II before use. Check out as many before and after photos and user logs as you can. A skin type I individual may have to commit months of dedication before dialing in their desired results, be patient and ask questions.
How much MT-II should I buy and how long will it last?
Skin type I: 30-50mg
Skin type II: 20-30mg
Skin type III: 10mg
Should last entire summer or season
How soon will I begin to see Melanotan II results?
Change in skin tone after 2-3 weeks should be anticipated. If you have freckles, expect them to get darker before your actual skin color changes. Brace yourself.
How long will the tan last?
A tan developed using Melanotan 2 lasts much longer than an ordinary tan. A well-tanned person returning from a beach holiday will lose most of the tan in a month if they stop getting sun. But if they had been using Melanotan 2 and continued on maintenance after returning, they would still have most of their tan 3 months later.
Side effects of Melanotan II?
Possible short-term side effects include: nausea, appetite loss, facial flushing and increased libido. Melanotan II side effects may be noticeable during the first few days of treatment but should taper off as the body desensitizes.
Mechano Growth Factor
You want to GROW?
When Human Growth Hormone (GH) was first introduced to the bodybuilding world, everyone had high hopes. Those hopes fizzled out pretty quickly, as bodybuilders experimented with absurdly low dosages (2iu/every other day), necessitated by its high cost. As GH costs fell due to more efficient manufacturing processes (i.e. it was no longer being extracted from cadavers), bodybuilders were able to use more of it, and subsequently began to see better results. We saw the same phenomenon with the anabolic mediator of GH, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, and later with its analogue, LR3IGF-1.
Now, we've seen the emergence of yet another compound further down the hormonal cascade: Mechano Growth Factor (MGH). As you probably know, skeletal muscle responds to resistance training (or any mechanical overload), by increasing its size (hopefully). If you detrain that muscle (i.e. don't use it regularly), it atrophies and gets smaller.
Similarly, when you are in your teens and early twenties GH and IGF-1 levels are high, and as you age, those levels are lowered naturally. And if you've been playing along at home, you're probably figuring out that GH and IGF-1 are pieces of the hormonal puzzle that result in this muscle growth (or loss). These growth factors are produced in the liver and other areas, but also in skeletal tissue in response to training induced damage. Now, pay attention, because this is the important part - growth factors produced within the muscle as a response to resistance training likely play a major role in repair, adaptation, hypertrophy (muscle growth), and also ageing.
Scientists have discovered that many of GH's anabolic and regenerative effects are actually mediated by insulin like growth factor 1. Thus, the next logical step for bodybuilders (if bodybuilders can be said to follow some kind of logic), was to start experimenting with IGF-1 and later with the more potent version,LR3IGF-1.
The thing is, we now know that IGF-1 actually exists in the body in multiple isoforms. The isoform that seems most useful to us, differs slightly from that which is produced in the liver (IGF-1Ea). It also appears to be the significantly more anabolic of the two we're looking at here (i.e. that which is produced in the liver vs. that which is produced in the muscle). This is because it is hyper-sensitive to the signals produced by local muscular damage induced by resistance training. This more anabolic isoform of IGF-1 is calledIGF-1Ec, or mechano growth factor (MGF).
That's right, MGF, the mysterious hormone that seems to be only whispered in e-mails and PMs on the net, is actually just another variant of IGF-1. Yeah, if you've used IGF-1 or even GH, then technically, you've already been taking advantage of MGF. In fact, if you work out with weights, you've been producing your own MGF - as this particular isoform of IGF-1 is only detected in normal muscle after mechanical stimulation (such as resistance training). Remember, MGF is just a name for the particular type of IGF-1 which is produced locally in the muscle as part of the anabolic repair response to resistance training.
Here's how it happens;
When we workout with weights, the IGF-1 gene is differentially spliced during the body***8217;s response to local muscular overload. First it is spliced to produce predominantly IGF-1Ec (called the MGF splice variant of IGF-1). This initial splicing appears to stimulate satellite cells into activation. This in turn allows the activation of extra undamaged nuclei required for muscle fiber growth and repair to occur. In addition, the appearance of MGF initiates the upregulation of new protein synthesis. After this initial and short lived burst of splicing, IGF-1 production switches towards producing a systemic release of IGF-1Ea from the liver, which upregulates protein synthesis as well, but over a longer time line. This secondary release of IGF-1Ea noticeably less anabolic than the initial release of IGF-1Ec (MGF).
It is the expression of the various IGF-1 splice variants, over the course of the healing and regrowth phase of muscle repair, that is responsible for a generous portion of the body***8217;s ability to engender growth in target tissue (which is, of course, skeletal muscle). It would appear that the introduction of this hormone, whether by weight training or by injection, will cause a response in the area resulting in localized muscle growth.
But, in the end, we're still just talking about IGF-1, just a particular form of it:
As is often the case with the hot new drug on the net, the rabbit was always in the hat, and the magic was only a trick. MGF is simply a variant of something we've had around for over a decade. It's just not as sexy when we call it IGF-1Ec, but regardless of what we call it, it's still just an isoform of IGF-1. In fact, the anabolic actions of both IGF-1 as well as MGF are achieved by stimulating and upregulating protein synthesis, and proliferating growth and activation of satellite cells. Actually, this latter function of MGF is quite important, as satellite cells are the mononucleated cells in muscle fibers located between the sarcolemma and the basal lamina. Proliferation and activation of these cells results in the creation of new muscle.
And all of this leads us to the real question here, which is: How effective is this stuff?
Well, most of what we have to go on presently is studies in the elderly (which there are very few of), and studies in rodents. The most relevant rodent data has been shown that MGF is a very potent inducer of muscle growth when it's introduced into the muscle via an intramuscular injection. In fact, in one study MGF caused a 20% increase in the weight of the injected muscle within 2 weeks! Further investigation elucidated that this was actually due to an increase in the size of the muscle fibers!
However, scientists are coming around to identifying the one-two-punch of MGF with regards to both inducing satellite cell activation as well as protein synthesis as clearly showing an advantage over other types of (systemic, or liver derived) IGF-1. In fact, when locally produced IGF-1 was compared to systemic IGF-1 (i.e. IGF-1Ea vs. IGF-1Ec) in later rodent studies, the superiority of the locally produced IGF-1 variants (MGF) were clearly elucidated.
It may just be that overexpression of MGF (IGF-1Ec) and the subsequent overexpression of IGF-1Ea are the deciding factors in whether a muscle will grow or not. But remember what I told you at the beginning about GH and IGF-1 in general? Until the prices on MGF go down to affordable levels, bodybuilders are probably going to be using substandard doses of MGF and reporting substandard results; or using tiny amounts with boatloads of other pharmaceuticals, and claiming absurd results. In the end, what we're looking at is another variant of IGF-1, that's probably going to be even better than LR3IGF-1 at producing muscle growth - once somebody finds a way to produce it at affordable prices.
PEG-MGF (PEGylated Mechano Growth Factor)
MGF is a splice variant of the IGF gene which increases stem cell count in the muscle and allows for muscle fibers to fuse and mature. This is a process required for growth of adult muscle. Natural MGF is made locally and does not travel into the bloodstream. Synthetic MGF is water based and when administered intramuscularly, travels into the bloodstream. MGF is only stable in the blood stream for only a few minutes.
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PEGylation is the act of attaching a Polyethylene glycol (PEG) structure to another larger molecule (in this case, MGF). The PEG acts as a protective coating and the theory here is that this will allow the MGF to be carried through the blood stream without being broken down.
Background
I have to be honest here, and say that in my estimation, PEGylating MGF is basically something a research chemical company did to have a bit of a market with no competition for awhile. That's not to say that it's not a decent product, but honestly, in this particular case, I feel that marketing was in the drivers seat with the development of this version of MGF, and science was in the backseat asking, are we there yet?
Action
MGF is produced biologically when muscle fibers are broken down through resistance (weight training). It is a potent factor in muscle growth. MGF stimulates muscle growth, creates new muscle fibers, promotes nitrogen retention and increases protein synthesis. This compound is commonly used for overall growth of muscle and to promote growth in body parts that are not up to par with the rest of the user's physique. Results usually depend on dosage. Fat loss and strength increases are not typically seen with MGF's use (as they are in IGF-1 use).
The PEG itself is safe for use as it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and does not react in the body. The PEG is not broken down in the body and excreted (intact) through urine or feces. Any risk associated PEGylated drugs is due to drug itself not the PEG per se.
Technical Data
In a study on older rodents, muscle fiber reduction in their older muscles was found to be attributed to decreased activity of satellite cells (1). After a certain size was reached, growth ceased. In the presence of MGF, satellite cells became activated and hypertrophy in mature muscles continued.
In experiments where MGF was administered intramuscularly, there was a 20% increase in the weight of the injected muscle fibers within 2 weeks (2). In further studies, it took 4 months for IGF to cause a 25% increase in muscle mass (3). MGF was found to be more potent than IGF-1Ea in rapid muscle growth (4).
[Note: This data is on regular MGF, not the Pegylated version. we can assume similar results, however]
User Notes
Although the science looks impressive on paper, in the real world, we see something totally different. While PEGMGF should have theoretically given the athletes who use it better results than regular MGF, it struggles to provide even the same results at a higher dosage (judging from the athletes I have personally spoken to).
So does that mean it's useless?
No, not at all. Not entirely;
I think that the PEGylation is actually a potentially useful addition to MGF if properly used. If we assume that the PEGylation will extend the life of the MGF in the body somewhat, then we can use it in a very specific manner to help our gains. It is nowhere near as good as regular MGF though, and I wouldn't use it unless I really had the disposable cash on hand.
I feel that, based on conversations with several athletes and bodybuilders, that PEGMGF is best used in conjunction with (not instead of) regular MGF (and IGF). I feel that if one were to use my Peptides protocol (to read about that in detail, check out the article, Peptides: The Next Frontier in Hypertrophy, I think that PEGMGF is probably best used on off-days from training, to keep MGF levels elevated and get additional hypertrophy from the longer releasing PEGMGF.
So, along with regular MGF and Lr3IGF-1, if I felt it to be necessary, I might throw in some PEGMGF on off-days from training, to get additional growth (and again, if it were me, I'd probably recommend 400-500mcg of PEGMGF on off days, with a regular dose of 200mcg of regular MGF + 100mgs of Lr3IGF-1 on training days, as per my article).
For most athletes I've spoken to and worked with, this is what we've found to be optimal. Again, though, I'm not very fond of this product, and it's best used (if at all), as a possible adjunct to an IGF + MGF cycle, and never in place of regular MGF. Unfortunately, it just didn't pan out as people hoped it would, but it***8217;s not a complete waste of money.
References
Chakravarthy et al. 2000
Goldspink, 2001
Musaro et al. 2001
Musaro et al. 2001
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