Follistatin vs Kisspeptin-10
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10 is the active fragment of kisspeptin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in initiating puberty and regulating reproductive function. It acts upstream of GnRH in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Kisspeptin-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Binds to KISS1R receptors in the hypothalamus, stimulating GnRH neurons to release GnRH. This triggers the downstream cascade of LH, FSH, and sex hormone production. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Research protocols vary widely. Studies have used IV boluses of 1-10mcg/kg or subcutaneous administration. Clinical applications still being developed. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | IV or subcutaneous injection. Has very short half-life requiring frequent administration or continuous infusion for sustained effects. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Limited data. May cause flushing, increased heart rate, and changes in libido. Generally well-tolerated in studies. |
| Best For |