Can GHRP-2 be used by athletes?

No. GHRP-2 is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned substances list. Growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) are a class of small peptides consisting of 4-7 amino acids, including GHRP-1, 2, 4, 5, 6, hexarelin, alexamorelin and ipamorelin. They mimic the biological effects of the endogenous hormone gastrin, inducing the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. Many of these peptides, such as GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, have the effect of increasing muscle mass by promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged muscle fibers. They are formulated for intravenous, oral and intranasal administration. There is considerable evidence of abuse of GHRP peptides by athletes.

GHRP-2, GHRP-6, ipamorelin and hexarelin have been detected in vials seized from athletes in the United States, Germany, Belgium and Australia. While these peptides are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), mass spectrometry-based methods can detect these peptides in urine at levels as low as 2-10 pg/mL. Detection of the parent GHRP-2 is possible if GHRP-2 is injected (IV) shortly before urine collection. GHRP-2 metabolites can be detected up to four days after IV administration. The parent GHRP-6 can be detected in urine without being metabolized. Qualitative identification of the peptides is achieved by comparing the relative abundance of the product ions in the sample to a positive control as described in the WADA guidelines.

References:

[1] HOLLY D. COX; Daniel E; Cole M Hughes. Detection of GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 in urine samples from athletes[J]. Drug Testing and Analysis, 2015, 7 5: 439-444. DOI:10.1002/dta.1791.

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