TFF3 vs Leu-enkephalin

Head-to-head comparison of TFF3 (Trefoil Factor 3 (intestinal trefoil factor)) and Leu-enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyTFF3Leu-enkephalin
CategoryGastrointestinalPain Management
Full NameTrefoil Factor 3 (intestinal trefoil factor)Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu
Molecular Weight6370 Da555.63 Da
Half-Lifeunknown; likely short in circulation1-5 minutes in plasma
Amino Acids595
Typical Doseresearch-only; model-dependent microgram to milligram ranges0.1-5 ug per animal
RouteOral/IntrarectalIntrathecal / intracerebroventricular
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count701000
Research StatusPre-clinicalPre-clinical

TFF3 Benefits

  • epithelial-restitution
  • mucus-support
  • wound-healing
  • barrier-stability

Leu-enkephalin Benefits

  • delta-opioid activity
  • endogenous analgesic model
  • receptor-selective pharmacology
  • nociception pathway research

TFF3 Dosing

preclinical dosing varies widely by model|local or systemic administration|repeated dosing for inflammatory injury studies

Leu-enkephalin Dosing

Intrathecal 0.1-5 ug per animal|Intracerebroventricular 0.1-2 ug per animal|In vitro 1-100 nM

TFF3 Side Effects

  • limited human dosing data
  • protein stability issues
  • potential immunogenicity with exogenous use

Leu-enkephalin Side Effects

  • sedation
  • constipation-like opioid effects
  • very short plasma stability

Research Overview

TFF3

TFF3 is a well-established mucosal repair factor in the literature, especially in the context of intestinal injury and inflammation. Experimental studies support a role in accelerating restitution and protecting the epithelial surface in gut disease models.

Leu-enkephalin

Leu-enkephalin is a standard tool in opioid receptor and pain-transmission research because it helps distinguish delta- from mu-preferring signaling. Its research value is high, but its clinical utility is limited by rapid enzymatic breakdown and delivery challenges.

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Common Stacking Partners

TFF3 stacks with:

probioticsmesalaminezinc-carnosine

Leu-enkephalin stacks with:

gabapentinketamine
IBDmucosal-healingepithelial-restitutionmucusbarrier-protectionopioid-peptideenkephalindelta-opioidanalgesia