Studies suggest ARA-290 is an 11-amino acid peptide designed to replicate the structure and function of erythropoietin (EPO). The production of RBCs is thought to be controlled by this hormone. [i] Unlike erythropoietic peptides, ARA-290 may have tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory impacts without stimulating red blood cell formation.

Researchers created ARA-290 to target the EPO receptor (EPOR) on cells other than erythroid (neurons, endothelial cells, immunological cells). While EPO is widely believed to enhance red blood cell synthesis, ARA-290 has not been suggested to have the same effect.

Scientists are still trying to figure out the complete role of the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) pathway. They posit that it may help preserve and repair tissues. The IRR is a heterodimeric receptor comprising the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) subunit and the -common receptor subunit (CD131). When activated, the IRR seems to signal for the activation of numerous downstream signaling pathways that may promote tissue repair and decrease inflammation. These include the JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways.

Research suggests the ARA-290 peptide may trigger downstream signaling pathways, as suggested by peptide studies, since it may bind directly to the IRR. Findings imply that ARA-290 may mitigate pain after tissue damage due to its potential to stimulate tissue repair and decrease inflammation by activating the IRR pathway. ARA-290 has been suggested to host efficacy in several research studies and investigations for pain mitigation from nerve damage, allodynia, and inflammation. [ii]

ARA-290 and Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication of the disease, and they have been linked to complications including slow wound healing, infection, and even amputation. Action along this route, including erythropoietin activating the innate repair receptor (IRR) in wounded tissue, may aid diabetic wound healing.

Researchers examined the effects of ARA-290, a putative IRR agonist, on wound healing in diabetic rat skin. Researchers speculated that giving rats a daily quantity of ARA-290 for 14 days sped up wound healing, decreased epithelialization time, increased collagen and protein content, boosted biochemical parameters, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and decreased lipid peroxidation. The findings purport that IRR activation mediated by ARA-290 may serve as a signal for further wound repair-related processes. The wound contraction, collagen, and protein content seemed to be affected the most by the 20% ARA-290 concentration. [iii]

“Wound healing activities were validated by macroscopic, biochemical, immunofluorescent, and molecular techniques," as reported by Mashreghi M. et al. Scientists hypothesized that the ARA-290 peptide group appeared to significantly outperform the control group regarding wound closure rate, re-capitalization time, and collagen and protein content. There was a discrepancy between the drop in blood glucose and the lower lipid level, and the rise in serum insulin and HDL. Decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines, lipid peroxidation, and increased antioxidants validated the effect. [iii]

ARA-290 Peptide and the Cardiovascular System

Researchers have looked into the effects of ARA-290 peptide in several different contexts, finding properties in areas such as systolic cardiac function, inflammation in cardiac tissue, resistance to oxidative stress, protein quality control, and mitochondrial function in cardiac myocytes.

Researchers in these experiments hypothesized that ARA-290 peptide within the context of rat test models might delay the deterioration of heart function with age, lessen systemic inflammation, and maintain weight, all of which might reduce age-related frailty. [iv]

ARA-290 and Ischemic Retinal Damage

Studies suggest that retinal ischemia may potentially be mitigated through ARA-290 peptide action. Ischemia of the retina is a late complication of numerous eye disorders. Restoring endothelial colony-forming (ECF) cells in retinal cells is a potential mitigator.

ECF cell transplantation was studied to test the peptide's efficacy in a mouse retinal ischemia model. The potential of ARA-290 was tested by transplanting cells with and without the peptide. The peptide was suggested to have potential anti-inflammatory effects on retinal interleukin expression. The peptide seemed to result in less inflammation and a more rapid healing time after transplantation. [v]

ARA-290 Peptide and Immunomodulation

Subversion of Adaptive Defenses

Long-term antigen exposure is thought to foster the development of adaptive immunity. Research hypothesizes that the ARA-290 peptide may modify antigen presentation by dendritic cells and, hence, modify adaptive immunity. This "negative" effect could help with transplants. Research suggests the peptide's ability to "fine-tune" antigens may prevent immune cells from rejecting donated tissues. [vi]

Immune System Issues

Research on the effects of ARA-290 on autoimmune diseases is extensive. In a study, mice with colitis were given either a placebo or ARA-290 peptide [vii]. In contrast to the control group, mice given ARA-290 peptide appeared to display improved tissue quality, appropriate weight growth, and survival. Scientists speculated that the peptide's anti-inflammatory effects stemmed from its potential to bind to IRR receptor cells and slow the disease's development in mice.

Studies have examined the peptide's potential for various conditions beyond colitis. Skin rashes, joint pain, and even renal failure have all been linked to SLE, an autoimmune disease. Findings imply that the ARA-290 peptide has suggested promise as a potential autoantibody suppressant, particularly for ANA antibodies. The amounts of these antibodies, which may act as SLE indicators, may indicate the severity of the condition. This study's findings suggested that the peptide might reduce kidney damage, reducing future SLE deaths.

Click here to be redirected to Biotech Peptides' website for the best, most affordable research compounds available for licensed professionals working in a lab.