GDF-11
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What Is GDF-11?
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11) is a protein in the TGF-β superfamily that acts as a negative regulator of erythropoiesis and plays a critical role in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. It functions as a ligand for activin type II receptors, and while historically debated as a 'rejuvenation factor,' current research focuses on its role in inhibiting red blood cell maturation and its association with aging-related physiological changes.
GDF-11 Research & Studies
01 Activin Receptor II Ligand Traps: New Treatment Paradigm for Low-Risk MDS ▸
This review identifies GDF-11 as a negative regulator of terminal erythroid differentiation and explores how trapping this ligand can treat anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes.
View Study (PubMed)02 Elritercept, a modified activin receptor IIA ligand trap, increased erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis in a phase 1 trial ▸
Clinical study showing that inhibiting GDF-11 and related ligands can safely increase the production of red blood cells and platelets in humans.
View Study (PubMed)03 GDF11 is increased in patients with aplastic anemia ▸
Research findings show that high levels of GDF-11 are significantly correlated with impaired red blood cell production in patients with aplastic anemia.
View Study (PubMed)04 Lifelong exercise, but not short-term high-intensity interval training, increases GDF11, a marker of successful aging ▸
Preliminary evidence suggesting that GDF-11 levels are higher in older men who have maintained lifelong exercise habits compared to sedentary peers.
View Study (PubMed)05 Age Trends in Growth and Differentiation Factor-11 and Myostatin Levels in Healthy Men ▸
A study using advanced mass spectrometry to clarify the relationship between GDF-11, aging, and muscle growth regulators in healthy males.
View Study (PubMed)GDF-11 User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
Scientific consensus is split; while research suggests GDF-11 inhibition treats blood disorders, early 'anti-aging' claims are heavily debated, and user community interest centers on its role as a biomarker rather than a direct supplement.
GDF-11 Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Erythropoiesis Regulation: High levels are associated with suppressed red blood cell production and anemia.
- Aging Biomarker: Potential marker for successful aging, with higher levels found in lifelong athletes.
- Muscle Regulation: Works alongside myostatin (GDF-8) to regulate skeletal muscle mass and development.
- Vascular Homeostasis: Plays a role in physiological functions and may be linked to cardiovascular health in aging.
- Blood Disorders: Highly effective target for treating MDS-related anemia via ligand trap drugs like Luspatercept.
- Rejuvenation Debate: Evidence for its role as a 'fountain of youth' remains controversial with conflicting results in animal and human trials.
- Exercise Synergy: Shows long-term sensitivity to exercise habits rather than short-term high-intensity training.
- Cancer Prognostic: High levels are unfortunately associated with shorter survival in specific cancers like uveal melanoma.
- Clinical Inhibition: In trials, GDF-11 inhibitors are dosed between 0.05 to 4.5 mg/kg for therapeutic effect.
- Natural Promotion: No direct supplemental dose exists; lifelong resistance training is the primary documented way to influence levels.
- Monitoring: Blood assessment via LC-MS/MS is required to accurately determine endogenous levels.
- Anemia Risk: Excessive natural levels or over-expression can lead to suppressed red blood cell counts.
- Oncogenic Potential: Upregulation is linked to poor outcomes in certain malignant conditions.
- Erythrocytosis: In therapeutic contexts, blocking GDF-11 can lead to abnormally high red blood cell or platelet counts.
- Prescription Only: Therapeutic agents targeting GDF-11 (like Luspatercept) are strictly prescription-only for blood disorders.
- Peptide Markets: Often found in research-only peptide stores, though human data for direct GDF-11 peptide self-administration is largely lacking.
Related Compounds
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