Follistatin-344 (85%)

Follistatin-344

Follistatin-344 is a multifunctional glycoprotein that belongs to autocrine signaling. It can be found almost in all tissues.  Initially it was isolated from follicles and this discovery determined its name. This protein is an antagonist of activin, and therefore can inhibit the biosynthesis of Follicle Stimulating Hormone which is produced in pituitary. Despite the rumors it doesn’t cause myocardium hypertrophy.

In different studies on animals it was shown that follistatin administration causes increase of muscles and strength. These results became evident even in dystrophic and aged mice and in animals with muscle pathologies. Later it was discovered that the substance inhibits myostatin.

 The major shortcoming of its application as myostatin inhibitor is that it has poor specificity. By inhibiting myostatin it also blocks activins, which are responsible for growth and differentiation of numerous cells including those that constitute skeletal muscles, gonads and pituitary.

Due to this fact new types of myostatin blockers were developed on the basis of follistatin. They have therapeutic potential to cure numerous muscular disorders such as dystrophies of muscles and sarcopenia. The experiments with transgenic mice with increased synthesis of this peptide revealed promising results and and inspired scientists to start human trials. As a result, in 2013 Follistatin-344 hit the market. This protein is produced by recombinant technology and consists of 344 amino acid residues.

Usage and dosage

Follistatin-344 is injected subcutaneously at the dosage of 100mcg a day. The course lasts for 2-3 weeks. Usually athletes take it to get lean muscle mass in a “drying cycle”. The substance may cause the rapid gain of muscle mass – around 4 kg in 10 days. It became very popular among sportsmen as it cannot be detected in doping tests.

Effect

Among the effects of Follistatin -344 one should mention increase of muscle growth, increase of strength and efficiency. Besides there is fat burning effect due to stimulation of cellular metabolism.

Side-effects

Follistatin affects follicle formation and theoretically may cause polycystic ovary. So, women should avoid it. There may be irritation (redness) at the spot of injection.