A practical reference on hGH fragment: what it is, how it behaves, what the literature reports, and where the honest uncertainties sit.
Reviewed 2026-07-25. Anything still debated is marked as such rather than presented as settled.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide that corresponds to a short section of human growth hormone. It is commonly identified as hGH fragment 176-191 because its sequence matches residues at the C-terminal end of the hormone. The molecule contains sixteen amino acids and is made by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Researchers study it for metabolic effects rather than for the growth-promoting actions associated with full human growth hormone. Its small size distinguishes it from the complete 191-amino-acid hormone.
Several names appear in scientific and commercial settings. AOD9604 and AOD-9604 are development codes used interchangeably, while hGH fragment 176-191 describes the same region. The peptide includes a disulfide bond between two cysteine residues, which helps shape its three-dimensional structure. Different suppliers may provide acetate or other salt forms, and purity can vary. These differences matter because analytical tests and biological assays can respond to the specific form being studied.
Early interest in AOD-9604 centered on whether a fragment of human growth hormone could influence fat metabolism without the broader effects of the full hormone. Cell and animal studies reported changes in fat storage and breakdown. Human trials followed, but the results were not strong enough to secure regulatory approval. The compound remains available for laboratory research, and its clinical potential is still described as uncertain. Studies continue to examine its activity and safety profile.
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide modeled on the C-terminal region of human growth hormone. It corresponds to residues 176-191 of the 191-amino-acid hGH sequence. The fragment is not the full hormone and lacks the receptor-binding region associated with growth and metabolic effects of hGH. Researchers developed it to isolate a specific portion of hGH for study. Its exact sequence and length are often stated in peptide catalogs and patents.
The peptide is frequently described as a growth hormone fragment, although it is chemically distinct from full-length hGH. AOD-9604 contains 16 amino acids and includes two cysteine residues that can form an intramolecular disulfide bond. In solution, this structural feature can influence folding, aggregation, and stability. Published descriptions sometimes call it hGH 176-191 or AOD9604, with spacing and capitalization varying. Such naming differences can complicate literature searches, database entries, and product verification.
Researchers have studied the fragment in cell and animal models to understand its metabolic actions. Some experiments report effects on fat breakdown and fat storage pathways, but the underlying mechanism remains incompletely defined. AOD-9604 does not appear to stimulate the same broad growth hormone receptor signaling as full-length hGH. Whether its observed activities arise from direct receptor interactions or downstream metabolic changes is an open question. Results from different assays are not always consistent.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common name | AOD-9604 | Development code used in scientific literature. |
| Chemical class | Synthetic peptide | Fragment of human growth hormone. |
| Amino acid length | 16 residues | Matches hGH region 176-191. |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Typical lyophilized peptide solid. |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | Dissolves in aqueous media; exact behavior depends on salt form. |
Laboratory studies have reported that AOD9604 can increase lipolysis and reduce lipid accumulation in fat cells. The precise molecular target remains uncertain, and the compound does not appear to activate the growth hormone receptor in the same way as full-length hGH. Proposed mechanisms include effects on beta-adrenergic signaling and enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, but these pathways are not firmly established. Because most evidence comes from cell and animal models, whether the same effects occur in humans is an open question.
Clinical development of AOD9604 included trials in people with obesity, but the results did not lead to approval as a prescription medicine in major markets. Interest later shifted to research settings and to unapproved products marketed for body composition. Regulatory agencies have questioned whether the peptide qualifies as a dietary ingredient, and some have issued warnings about its presence in supplements. Long-term human safety data are limited, and questions about efficacy, dosing, and target populations remain unresolved.
Regulatory status: AOD-9604 is not approved as a therapeutic drug in the United States, European Union, or other major markets. It is listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a prohibited substance in sport, specifically under growth hormone fragments. Many jurisdictions restrict its sale for human consumption. Products marketed online may not meet pharmaceutical quality standards. The legal status varies by country and often depends on whether the material is presented as a research chemical, supplement, or drug.
Detection and characterization of AOD-9604 in research and anti-doping settings typically rely on mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. These methods can identify the peptide by its mass and fragmentation pattern. Immunoassays may also be used in some screening contexts, but they can cross-react with related peptides. Because the molecule is small and may be present at low concentrations, sample preparation and method validation are important. Confirmatory analysis usually requires comparison with a certified reference standard.
In laboratory settings, AOD-9604 is commonly supplied as a lyophilized powder and stored cold to limit degradation. Reconstituted solutions are typically kept refrigerated or frozen, depending on the buffer and concentration, and protected from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Stability can be influenced by pH, temperature, and the presence of proteases. Purity is usually assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. These practices support reproducibility, but they do not imply safety or efficacy for any human use.
== Air Force career == John Chain had a wide and varied military career, serving in a number of powerful positions. He accrued over 5,000 flying hours (including 400 combat hours) in more than 45 different military aircraft. He is a master parachutist with 66 jumps, and has been awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star. Chain was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He received his pilot wings in 1957 and then entered combat crew training. From 1958 to 1959 the general was an F-100 Super Sabre pilot at Toul-Rosières Air Base in France, and from 1959 to 1962 at Ramstein Air Base in West Germany. General Chain then served as a flight examiner at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. In 1964 he was assigned as a forward air controller in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While there he became a master parachutist and flew Army O-1s and Air National Guard F-84 Thunderjets. In 1966 Chain flew combat missions while assigned to Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam. He then transferred to Washington, D.C. From 1969 to 1970, Chain was an exchange officer with the U.S. Department of State. He entered the National War College in 1970 and upon graduation was assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona as deputy commander for operations. In 1972 he became deputy commander for logistics. In 1972 and 1973, Chain flew combat missions in F-4 Phantoms from Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.
== References == Carlsson, J.; Forssell Aronsson, E; Hietala, SO; Stigbrand, T; Tennvall, J; et al. (2003). "Tumour therapy with radionuclides: assessment of progress and problems". Radiotherapy and Oncology. 66 (2): 107–117. doi:10.1016/S0167-8140(02)00374-2. PMID 12648782. "Radioisotopes in Industry". World Nuclear Association. Archived from the original on 27 February 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2008. Martin, James (2006). Physics for Radiation Protection: A Handbook. John Wiley & Sons. p. 130. ISBN 978-3527406111.
=== Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome === In those with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), tentative evidence shows that metformin use increases the rate of live births. This includes those who have not been able to get pregnant with clomiphene. Metformin does not appear to change the risk of miscarriage. A number of other benefits have also been found both during pregnancy and in nonpregnant people with PMOS. In an updated Cochrane review on metformin versus placebo/no treatment before or during IVF/ICSI in women with PMOS, no conclusive evidence of improved live birth rates was found. In long GnRH-agonist protocols there was uncertainty in the evidence of improved live birth rates but there could be increases in clinical pregnancy rate. In short GnRH-antagonist protocols metformin may reduce live birth rates with uncertainty on its effect on clinical pregnancy rate. Metformin may result in a reduction of OHSS but could come with a greater frequency of side effects. There was uncertainty as to metformin's impact on miscarriage. The evidence does not support general use during pregnancy for improving maternal and infant outcomes in obese women. The United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended in 2004 that people with PMOS and a body mass index above 25 be given metformin for anovulation and infertility when other therapies fail to produce results.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Current global map of carbon dioxide concentration CDC – NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards – Carbon Dioxide Trends in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (NOAA) The rediscovery of CO2: History, What is Shecco? - as refrigerant
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes or prediabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glycaemia A family history revealing a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes Maternal age – a woman's risk factor increases as she gets older (especially for women over 35 years of age). Paternal age – one study found that a father's age over 55 years was associated with GD Ethnicity (those with higher risk factors include African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, and people originating from South Asia) Being overweight, obese, or severely obese increases the risk by a factor of 2.1, 3.6, and 8.6, respectively. A previous pregnancy which resulted in a child with a macrosomia (high birth weight: >90th centile or >4000 g (8 lbs 12.8 oz)) Previous poor obstetric history Other genetic risk factors: There are at least 10 genes where certain polymorphism are associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, most notably TCF7L2. The MTNR1B gene is a common gene that is associated with how the body handles insulin and glucose. When this gene is not working properly, it can lead to less insulin production and higher blood glucose levels. In addition to this, statistics show a double risk of GDM in smokers. Some studies have looked at more controversial potential risk factors, such as short stature. About 40–60% of women with GDM have no demonstrable risk factor; for this reason, many advocate for screening all women.
Peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase, or PAM, is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of an n+1 residue long peptide with a C-terminal glycine into an n-residue peptide with a terminal amide group. In the process, one molecule of O2 is consumed and the glycine residue is removed from the peptide and converted to glyoxylic acid. The enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of many signaling peptides and some fatty acid amides. In humans, the enzyme is encoded by the PAM gene. This transformation is achieved by conversion of a prohormone to the corresponding amide (C(=O)NH2). This enzyme is the only known pathway for generating peptide amides. Replacing the carboxylic acid group with an amide group makes the peptide more hydrophobic and more likely to be neutrally charged at physiologic pH, and it is believed that these neutrally charged peptide amides can more easily bind to receptors.
== History == Salad and Go was founded in 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona by Tony and Roushan Christofellis. The co-founders asked Chef Daniel Patino to help them develop the concept. Chef Patino remains an executive chef for the brand. In March 2022, industry veteran Charlie Morrison joined Salad and Go as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Since Morrison joined, the brand has expanded rapidly into major markets including the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, Las Vegas and Oklahoma City while continuing to open locations in its home state of Arizona. Salad and Go was on track to have a total of 135 stores open by the end of 2023. In January 2024, CEO Charlie Morrison said it was on pace to continue to open up a restaurant a week and described his plans for thousands of locations. On September 19, 2025, Salad and Go closed all stores in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, along with some in North Texas, with a total of 41 closures. New CEO Mike Tattersfield stated the move was to focus on more disciplined growth. In January 2026, Salad and Go announced it would be closing all its remaining Texas and Oklahoma locations and focusing on strengthening its operations in Arizona and Nevada. The company also announced it would be relocating its headquarters from Coppell, Texas, back to the Phoenix area. On August 4, 2026, Salad and Go filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced the permanent closure of all remaining locations effective the next day, August 5. As a result, plans for the new headquarters were scrapped.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone. It corresponds to the C-terminal region known as hGH 176-191 and is studied for metabolic effects. It is not an approved therapeutic drug.
No. It contains only a small portion of the human growth hormone sequence. The full hormone has 191 amino acids and many additional actions that the fragment does not share.
The name refers to the amino acid positions in the human growth hormone chain. The fragment spans residues 176 through 191 at the C-terminal end. This naming convention helps distinguish it from full-length hGH.
No, it is a synthetic peptide fragment corresponding to a small portion of hGH. It is not the full 191-amino-acid hormone and does not reproduce all of hGH's effects.