AOD 9604 has mainly been studied in murine models, and significant experiments have involved relatively large amounts of AOD 9604.[5] These experiments reportedly resulted in a 50% reduction in weight following exposure to the research models. However, it is important to note that the fragment appears to lack any other associated action of hGH, such as a potential increase of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), insulin resistance, or cell proliferation. Therefore, the compound may not possess the potential muscle-preserving and anabolic action typically associated with growth hormones. Nevertheless, it appears that AOD 9604 may stimulate weight loss through mechanisms similar to hGH, as it may trigger various cellular pathways that might lead to the release of fatty acids from adipose cells. Additionally, researchers have posited that the peptide may affect the activity of lipases, a group of enzymes that prevent the return of fat to adipose tissues.[6] It is worth noting that AOD 9604 does not appear to affect natural hGH production and does not appear to act as a growth hormone secretagogue. Moreover, it does not appear to impact hunger hormone signaling to either increase or decrease appetite. Murine models comparing AOD 9604 and hGH have reported different outcomes in lean and obese cases.[4] In lean murine models, hGH appears to increase lean body mass, whereas AOD 9604 or a placebo did not appear to produce the same action. Hence, researchers have speculated that AOD 9604 may not be effective in increasing the size of muscle cells and contributing to muscle hypertrophy. However, in obese murine models, both hGH and AOD 9604 appear to exert a weight loss potential. The scientists also commented that there was an apparent 40% reduction in adipose tissue in the hGH group compared to 28% with AOD 9604. Therefore, experiments suggest that AOD 9604 may hold reduced potential compared to hGH in stimulating the release of fats from adipose cells.[7] The researchers also posit that “the lipolytic actions of both hGH and AOD 9604 are not mediated directly through the β3-AR although both compounds increase β3-AR expression, which may subsequently contribute to enhanced lipolytic sensitivity.” Growth hormone likely promotes a greater release of fats from adipose cells due to its proposed impact on insulin resistance. By reducing glucose uptake, it may force cells to potentially utilize more fat instead. In contrast, the fragment AOD 9604 does not appear to increase insulin resistance. Additionally, anecdotal data suggests that AOD 9604 may potentially offer some impact, including modest improvements in cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity, but it is yet to be confirmed by murine models.