AICAR vs Ghrelin

Converted intracellularly to ZMP, a potent AMPK activator. AMPK activation increases fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial biogenesis — the same metabolic pathways activated by sustained aerobic exercise.

A cell-permeable nucleoside analog that activates AMPK, mimicking cellular exercise signals. Studied for endurance enhancement and metabolic disease research. Not a true peptide — a synthetic nucleoside frequently sold by peptide vendors.

Must be acylated at Ser3 (by GOAT enzyme) for GHSR-1a binding. Receptor activation in the pituitary stimulates GH release; hypothalamic action via NPY/AgRP neurons increases appetite and reduces energy expenditure.

An endogenous 28-amino acid peptide hormone produced primarily by gastric oxyntic cells. Functions as both the primary hunger signal and a potent GH secretagogue. The natural ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a).