This is a critical point that distinguishes SS-31 (Elamipretide) from many other peptides.
SS-31 is a synthetic, artificially created peptideA peptide is a molecule consisting of a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Peptides are shorter chains than proteins and usually contain from 2 to 50 amino acids. When the number of amino acids in a chain exceeds 50, such molecules are called proteins. Peptides can perform various functions in the body, including: Hormones, Neuropeptides, Antibiotics, Antioxidants. It is not a natural product of any organ or gland for the human body (unlike, for example, insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, or melanotan, which is a synthetic analog of the natural hormone).
It was developed in vitroIn vitro can be defined as in a test tube, outside a living organism. This term is used in scientific research when experiments are conducted in an artificially created environment that mimics the conditions of a living organism. (in the lab) by modifying earlier molecules (SS-02, SS-20) to maximize beneficial effects and minimize side effects (in this case, opioid activity).
Thus, it cannot be ‘stimulated’ by diet, fasting, or exercise. It can only be administered externally as an injection.
2. What receptors does it act on? Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of SS-31 is its key feature and is fundamentally different from many other substances. : It does not act on classical receptors on the cell surface.
Instead, it targets mitochondria directly and acts on their internal components.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how it works:
1. Purpose: The inner membrane of mitochondria SS-31 has a unique chemical property — it has a positive charge and affinityAffinity is the ability of various cells and tissues to capture and bind certain chemical substances that have entered the body or are formed in it. for the negatively charged inner membrane of mitochondria. , which allows it to freely penetrate through cellular and mitochondrial membranes and accumulate exactly where it is needed.
2. Molecular target: Cardiolipin The main molecule SS-31 binds to is cardiolipin. Cardiolipin is a special type of phospholipid that is found exclusively in the inner membrane of mitochondria in large quantities. It is critical for the functioning of key proteinsProteins are high-molecular organic substances consisting of alpha-amino acids linked in a chain by a peptide bond. In living organisms, the amino acid composition of proteins is determined by the genetic code. During synthesis, 20 standard amino acids are used in most cases. Many combinations of them determine the great diversity of properties of protein molecules. Proteins play a key role in the immune response and can perform transport, storage, catalytic, structural, and receptor functions. Proteins are an important part of the nutrition of animals and humans. The main sources of proteins are meat, poultry, fish, milk, nuts, legumes, and grains. involved in energy production (the respiratory electron transport chain).
3. Mechanism of action (What it does on the spot):
Stabilization and protection: By binding to cardiolipin, SS-31 stabilizes the structure of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Imagine that it acts as a ‘support’ or ‘clip’ for the most important protein complexes (I, III, IV and V (ATP synthase)) that are located in this membrane and are responsible for the production of ATP (the energy currency of the cell).
Reducing oxidative stress: When the respiratory chain is disrupted (mitochondrial dysfunction), electrons ‘leak’ and react with oxygen to form superoxide — a dangerous type of free radical (ROS — reactive oxygen species). By stabilizing the respiratory chain, SS-31 dramatically reduces electron leakage and, consequently, the production of these harmful free radicals. This is its powerful antioxidant effect.
Prevention of apoptosis (cell death): A high level of oxidative stress is a signal to trigger a program of cell death (apoptosis). By reducing this stress, SS-31 helps maintain cell viability in damaged conditions (which is especially important for neurons in Alzheimer’s disease or heart cells after a heart attack).
Restoring the function: By comprehensively stabilizing the membrane, improving the production of ATP and reducing ROS, the peptide restores the normal function of mitochondria. , which leads to an improvement in the energy supply of the cell and, as a result, to an improvement in the function of the entire organ (brain, heart, muscles, liver).
Brief diagram of the mechanism of action:
SS-31 → Penetrates mitochondria → Binds to cardiolipin on the inner membrane → Stabilizes respiratory chain protein complexes → Improves ATP + production Reduces electron leakage and free radical formation → Protects cells from damage and death → Restores the function of the tissue / organ.
Thank you for the file you provided! This is a very typical example of biohacking and anti-age content. I have studied the text and am ready to give my analysis, structured as we discussed.
Dosage: 4 mg per day subcutaneously.
Course: 8 weeks.
Breeding: A 50 mg bottle is diluted in 2.5 ml of bacteriostatic or water for injection.
Application: Take 20 units daily in a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Peptides should be stored in the refrigerator.
3. Scientific justifications and claimed effects
Main action: Restoration of mitochondrial function by protecting their inner membrane.
Reducing oxidative stress: Reducing the formation of harmful free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory effect: Reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Neuroprotection: Reduction of cell death in Alzheimer’s disease, reduction of beta-amyloid activity, reduction of neuroinflammation, protection from the consequences of traumatic brain injury (and alcohol intoxication).
Organ protection: Protecting the liver and lungs from damage.
Human research: A study on patients with mitochondrial myopathy was mentioned, where the peptide group showed an improvement in the 6-minute walking test (+64 m vs. +20 m in the placebo group).
Activating longevity: An increase in the level of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), the ‘longevity enzyme’, has been reported.
This requires serious critical analysis
Research status: The SS-31 peptide (also known as Bendavia, Elamipretide) has indeed been under investigation since the 2000s, but almost all studies are in the human phase II and III clinical stages. . It is NOT an approved drug for widespread use in any country in the world (except for orphan prescriptions for primary mitochondrial myopathy). Its effectiveness and safety in long-term use in healthy people have not been studied.
Security (risk profile): with prolonged use of unknown substances, the risks can be serious (autoimmune reactions, long-term effects on cellular processes).
5. Summary and conclusions
Dry matter: SS-31 is a promising experimental compound for the treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction (Alzheimer’s disease, myopathies, consequences of injuries). Its study continues.
SS-31 is neither a hormone nor a signal peptide. It is a mitochondrial-directed antioxidant and cardiolipin-targeted protector. Its mechanism is fundamental and is aimed at correcting the very basis of cellular energy, which explains its potentially wide range of applications in a variety of diseases united by a common feature — mitochondrial dysfunction. .However, as mentioned earlier, its use in healthy people remains purely experimental and ambiguous.
