Differences of BPC-157 and TB-500 in Tissue Repair

by | Sep 26, 2021 | Research

Peptides are short stretches of amino acids and can be either sourced from naturally prevalent proteins or synthesized. The amino acid sequences are chosen in a way that they may retain the biological function of their full-length protein counterparts and mimic their biological functions. They are said to play diverse roles from hormones, catalysts, and stimulants. The speculated role of peptides in various biological processes—whether initiating a reaction, speeding processes up, stopping the action of catalytic enzymes, or stimulating the release of hormones—varies and appears to be highly dependent on their mechanisms of action.

In this article, we will compare BPC-157 and TB-500, two peptides that have been widely researched for their potential in tissue repair processes, in terms of their chemistry, mechanism of action, and physiological influence.

 

Chemistry of BPC-157 and TB-500

Both BPC-157 and TB-500 are synthetic in origin, implying that they may not be found in nature and might not have common sequence homology with natural peptides. BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide of BPC or Body Protection Compound, identified and isolated from the gastric juice. BPC-157 is a partial sequence of BPC and comprises a chain of 15 amino acids. TB-500 is synthetic form of Thymosin Beta 4, a water-soluble and regenerative compound found abundantly in bio-fluids such as saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid. TB-500 is the isolated (17)LKKTETQ(23) segment of Thymosin Beta 4 and has been researched for its potential to exert similar impacts.

 

BPC-157 and TB-500 Mechanism of Action

Research suggests that BPC-157 may mediate upregulation of growth hormones, modulate Nitric Oxide synthesis, enhance blood vessel production, and modify collagen production as well as bone proteins. TB-500, on the other hand, is suggested to principally associate with actin, promoting cellular migration and regeneration, and blocking inflammatory chemokines and cytokines.

 

BPC-157

The role of BPC-157 is centered on its potential ability to increase angiogenesis or the production of blood vessels by modifying the expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 2 (VEGFR2). This increase in angiogenesis is believed to trigger a cascade of different effects from faster wound healing, improved tendon and bone repair, and tissue regeneration in research subjects. Another suggested action of BPC-157 is its unique potential to enhance the tendon repair process and reduce the recovery time needed for damaged tendons to return to their original strength. BPC-157 is also suggested to show a cytoprotective effect, especially in the gastric mucosa, apart from the liver, pancreas, heart, and brain neurons.

 

TB-500

The research in TB-500 is based on its potential to bind with actin and improve tissue regeneration, tissue formation, and aid wound healing. It also appears to improve cell migration, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis that are claimed to be crucial in tissue repair and wound healing. The peptide is also suggested to exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the release of chemokines and cytokines responsible for inflammation. It is currently being studied for its potential cardioprotective and neuroprotective characteristics. In-vitro tests in animal models also suggest the ability of TB-500 to inhibit premature apoptosis or cell death in the heart and the hippocampal region of the brain.

 

Conclusion of BPC-157 and TB-500

Based on theoretical deductions and scientific findings, both the peptides are speculated to exert action in wound healing and tissue formation. They are suggested to showcase angiogenesis and cytoprotective influence, although they may affect different factors in the process. The difference appears to be that BPC-157 influences tendon and bone repair while TB-500 doesn’t. This suggests it may potentially be more impactful in injuries that damage tendons, ligaments, and bones. It is also claimed to have greater neurological impact compared to the latter. TB-500, on the other hand, is suggested to exhibit anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective roles that BPC-157 may lack.

 

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Dr. Usman

Dr. Usman (BSc, MBBS, MaRCP) completed his studies in medicine at the Royal College of Physicians, London. He is an avid researcher with more than 30 publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Usman has worked as a researcher and a medical consultant for reputable pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi.