IGF-DES (Insulin-like growth factor DES, or IGF-1 DES) is an insulin-like growth factor with properties that promote muscle cell growth and proliferation. Compared to IGF-1, IGF-DES has a slightly different structure, and this structural change makes it more biologically active in some ways.

What do Bodybuilders use IGF-DES for?

IGF-DES (insulin-like growth factor-1 short chain, or IGF-1 DES, or a specific fragment of IGF-1) is used by bodybuilders primarily to promote muscle growth and improve athletic performance. Here are some specific purposes:

Promote muscle growth

Enhanced muscle hypertrophy: IGF-DES is considered to be more biologically active than IGF-1 and can effectively promote the proliferation and hypertrophy of muscle cells. It helps bodybuilders increase muscle mass by stimulating protein synthesis and amino acid transport in muscle cells.

Accelerated recovery

Promotes muscle repair: IGF-DES speeds up post-workout recovery and helps repair minor muscle damage caused by training. By reducing recovery time, athletes can perform high-intensity training more frequently.

Improve strength and endurance

Enhanced athletic performance: By promoting muscle growth and recovery, IGF-DES can help improve strength and endurance, enabling athletes to perform better in training and competition.

Improve body fat ratio

Lower body fat: IGF-DES may help improve body fat distribution, promote fat oxidation and utilization, and help athletes reduce body fat while maintaining or increasing muscle mass.

Enhance the anti-apoptotic effect

Protection of muscle cells: IGF-DES may have an anti-apoptotic effect that helps protect muscle cells from stress and damage caused by training, thereby maintaining higher muscle mass.

Local injections that target specific muscle groups

Topical application: Some bodybuilders may choose to give IGF-DES as a topical injection to target a specific muscle group (such as biceps, triceps, or legs) for enhancement aimed at achieving more significant muscle growth in a local area.

Combine with other supplements

Enhancing the combined effect: IGF-DES is sometimes used in combination with other hormones or supplements (such as growth hormones, steroids, etc.) to enhance the overall effect and promote muscle growth.

Sum up

The main purpose of IGF-DES use by bodybuilders is to promote muscle growth, accelerate recovery, increase strength and endurance, and improve body fat percentage. Although its potential benefits are significant, it should be used with caution to avoid possible side effects.

How does IGF-DES work?

IGF-DES (insulin-like growth factor-1 short chain, or IGF-1 DES) is an active fragment of IGF-1 that has specific biological functions, mainly related to muscle growth, cell proliferation, and repair. The following is a detailed explanation of how IGF-DES works:

Binding to receptors

IGF receptor binding: IGF-DES works by binding to the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-ILR3). The IGF-1 receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is found in many cell types, including muscle cells, bone cells, and fat cells.

Higher binding affinity: IGF-DES has higher affinity and activity than IGF-1, which means that it can activate the receptor more effectively and trigger downstream signaling pathways.

Signal transduction

Activation of tyrosine kinase activity: After IGF-DES binds to the IGF-1 receptor, the receptor undergoes a conformational change that activates its endogenous tyrosine kinase activity. The tyrosine residue of the receptor is phosphorylated.

Downstream Signaling pathways: Activated IGF-1 receptors can recruit and activate several downstream signaling pathways, including:

PI3K/AKT pathway: This pathway is important for cell proliferation, survival, and metabolism. Activation of AKT promotes protein synthesis and cell growth, enhancing the hypertrophy of muscle cells.

MAPK pathway: IGF-DES can also activate the MAPK pathway and participate in cell proliferation and differentiation. This signaling pathway also plays an important role in muscle growth and repair.

Promotes cell growth and division

Increased protein synthesis: By activating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways, IGF-DES increases protein synthesis in muscle cells, promoting muscle growth and repair.

Enhancing cell survival: The effects of IGF-DES also include inhibiting apoptosis and protecting cells from damage and stress, thereby maintaining muscle mass.

Local effect

Site-specific muscle growth: Bodybuilders sometimes choose to give IGF-DES as a local injection to promote the growth of specific muscle groups. By acting directly on these muscle cells, IGF-DES can promote their proliferation and hypertrophy.

Interactions with other growth factors

Synergistic effect: The action of IGF-DES can interact with other growth factors (such as growth hormone, insulin, etc.) to jointly enhance the effect of muscle growth and repair.

Metabolic regulation

Enhanced amino acid absorption: IGF-DES promotes the transport of amino acids into cells, further supporting protein synthesis and muscle growth.

Influence fat metabolism: IGF-DES may also play a role in regulating fat metabolism, promoting fat utilization and oxidation, and improving body fat ratio.

Sum up

By binding to IGF-1 receptor, IGF-DES activates the downstream signaling pathway, promoting the proliferation, survival and protein synthesis of muscle cells, thereby achieving the effect of muscle growth and recovery. Its unique activity has brought it attention in bodybuilding and sports performance.

How do Bodybuilders use IGF-DES?

IGF-DES (insulin-like growth faction-1 short chain) is often used by bodybuilders with specific methods and strategies to maximize its effect on muscle growth and athletic performance. Here are some common ways that bodybuilders use IGF-DES:

Dosage and mode of administration

Dosage: The common dosage range of IGF-DES is usually between 50 and 200 micrograms (mcg), depending on the individual's goals, weight, and experience with use. First-time users are advised to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance.

Mode of administration: IGF-DES is usually administered by injection. Common ways are:

Subcutaneous injections: Subcutaneous injections are given near muscle groups, such as biceps, triceps, legs, etc., to promote local muscle growth.

Intramuscular injection: It is also sometimes chosen to inject directly into the target muscle to further concentrate the effect.

Cycle

Cycle scheduling: IGF-DES is usually combined with other supplements or hormones (such as growth hormones or steroids) to form a cycle. The use cycle is generally 4-8 weeks, depending on the goal and response.

Rest period: After the end of the IGF-DES use cycle, a period of rest is recommended to prevent the body from developing tolerance to it.

Use in combination with other substances

IGF-DES is often used in combination with other muscle growth and recovery supplements by bodybuilders, such as:

Growth hormone: Can enhance the effects of IGF-DES and promote more significant muscle growth.

Steroids: In combination with anabolic steroids, the effects of strength and weight gain may be further enhanced.

Amino acid and protein supplements: Help support the effects of IGF-DES and improve protein synthesis.

Optimum service time

Use before and after training: Many bodybuilders choose to use IGF-DES before or after training to maximize its training boost. Pre-training use may improve athletic performance, while post-training use may aid muscle recovery.

Fasting state: Some people recommend injection on an empty stomach to improve the absorption and efficacy of IGF-DES.

Monitoring effect and adjustment

Effect monitoring: During the use of IGF-DES, bodybuilders should regularly monitor its effects, including muscle growth, recovery rate and overall athletic performance. If side effects or unsatisfactory effects are found, the dosage or use method can be adjusted as needed.

Side effect management: Pay attention to possible side effects, such as hypoglycemia, joint pain, etc., and communicate with professionals in a timely manner.

Sum up

The use of IGF-DES by bodybuilders usually involves dose management, mode of injection, cycle scheduling, and combination with other supplements. Understanding how to use IGF-DES properly can help them maximize its effects on muscle growth and athletic performance while avoiding side effects that may occur.