MGF stands for Mechano Growth Factor. MGF is a peptide for tissue repair that promotes the expansion of tissue stem cells. It is an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) splice variant. Research suggests MGF promotes healthy tissue regeneration, wound repair, cardiac repair, and skeletal muscle recovery.
Mechanical growth factor (MGF) is a growth factor specifically produced in response to mechanical stimulation. Clinical evidence suggests that mechanical stimulation from occlusion promotes periodontal ligament (PDL) remodelling.The mechanochemical coupling effect of MGF mediates the enhancement of the mechanical effect, which in turn is regulated by Fyn-FAK kinase signalling and subsequently the MAPK pathway. Thus, MGF has a potential therapeutic role in patients with impaired occlusal forces or periodontal destruction.
MGF appears to improve muscle repair after injury and speed up recovery after exercise or injury. In addition, MGF may protect cartilage (and other vulnerable tissues) from the mechanical stresses of activities like running, lifting weights, and other repetitive motions.
Mechano growth factor (MGF) is a unique, spliced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) variant. The IGF-1 gene includes 6 exons and generates 5 mRNAs coding for three distinct isoforms: IGF-1Ea, IGF-1Eb and IGF-1Ec through alternative mRNA splicing. IGF-1 is found in various tissues of the body, including the liver and muscle. The liver isoform of IGF-IEa is different from the muscle IGF-I isoforms (IGF-1Eb, IGF1-Ec). When muscle tissues are stretched or mechanically damaged, IGF-1Eb mRNA expression (in rodents) or IGF-1Ec mRNA expression (in humans) increases. Because these increases were identified after mechanical damage and expressed in a mechano-sensitive manner, IGF-IEb mRNA was named mechano-growth factor (MGF)[1].
Potential negative side effects:
Hypoglycemia – Low Blood Sugar
Scientific research involving animal subjects has concluded that this side effect may be countered through increased glucose intake.
Lowered blood pressure
Swelling of extremities.
[1] Jason J Tang. “Mechano growth factor, a splice variant of IGF-1, promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain.” ACS Applied Electronic Materials (2017): 23.
