What Is BPC-157?

BPC-157 is a short peptide, a full-length protein known as a body protection compound (BPC). BPC is a naturally occurring peptide and has been found to promote healing when used experimentally in animals. The peptide is known to be very crucial in the repair and healing of the intestines and other tissues when they suffer from injury or assault. The mode of action of the BCP-157 peptide is linked to the growth hormone axis and functioning.

BPC-157 peptide and Healing

BPC-157 represents a short segment of a naturally occurring protein known as body protection compound (BPC). It has been found in various body tissues, such as the liver and skin though it was first isolated from the stomach fluid, also known as the gastric juice. Previous studies have established the efficacy of both BPC-157 and the parent protein BPC in promoting tissue healing. New research is focused on exploring the molecular mechanisms for the same.

Cell Survival and BPC 157 Peptide

In vitro assays have revealed that the peptide helps prolong fibroblasts’ survival by about 1.5 times longer. The cells also tend to be healthier and show higher activity. This enables them to carry out the healing and role of repair.

Fibroblast Outgrowth and Migration

Fibroblasts are motile cells (cells with the capability of migration within the body). They can be found in most connective tissues such as bones, tendons, skin, gastric mucosa, muscle, etc. When there is an injury to tissues, fibroblasts get the cue and migrate to the site to initiate the process of repair. They also divide and reproduce to increase the number of fibroblasts available for tissue repair.
In vitro research has observed that BPC-157 peptide concentrations directly influence fibroblast migration. Highest recommended dose of the peptide also correlates with the highest levels of fibroblasts.
Scientific evidence proves that the peptide is not only a chemoattractant for fibroblasts; it also enhances cellular migration 2.5 times the normal rate of migration. The cells also showed enhanced division by three times.

Fibroblasts and Genetic Modification

Previous research has shown that the BPC-157 peptide also regulates collagen functions of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are also responsible for collagen deposition and maintenance. Recent findings have shown that the peptide also brings about genetic modulation in the fibroblast cells. It helps in increased expression of the GH receptor gene in fibroblasts. Hence, BPC-157 also alters the functions of the DNA.

Fibroblasts are found in the intestine and throughout the body, especially in connective tissues. Administration of the peptide to injured connective tissue enhances response to growth hormone by increasing the receptor density. Hence, even though the GH levels remain the same in the body, there is greater hormone uptake at the injury site. This expedites the rate of healing. Ongoing studies reveal more beneficial effects of the peptide than is currently known to us.

BPC-157 Peptide Research

BPC-157 peptide has been observed to promote healing in various types of injuries like inflammatory bowel disease, muscle, tendon wear, and tear. A 2014 research study on rats has shown that a fraction of the healing response is due to the increased production of GH receptors in the injured tissues upon BPC-157 peptide administration.
Various growth factors have been involved in the tissue healing process. Some noteworthy include growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, platelet-derived growth factor, and likes. Each of the proteins functions depending on the extent of the injury and specific tissue which has endured the damage. GH is crucial for repairing damage to connective tissues like skeletal muscles, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It further promotes the secretion of collagen, a protein that helps scaffold various connective tissues. BCP-157 peptide enhances the effects and recovery by recruiting GH to damaged tissues.

The Net Effect

BPC-157 peptide promotes fibroblast migration, survival, division, and enhances the rate of their movement to the site of injury. Thus the peptide improves the rate of repair by several folds. This is achieved through the stimulation of natural healing processes. Thus it enhances the natural repair mechanisms of our body.

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