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Research in BPC-157 and The Digestive and Nervous Systems
According to the patent, the peptide’s production is fully synthetic and derived from various organic and inorganic bases. BPC stands for ‘Body Protection Compound.’ It appears to be relatively stable in stomach acid compared to other peptides.
Animal studies indicate the peptide’s potential to modulate the healing of various tissues, including tendons, joints, nerves, the intestinal tract, and skin. BPC-157 likely works via various pathways, including anti-inflammatory action, modulated nitric oxide synthesis, increased growth factor synthesis, and activation of cells involved in tissue repair.
Research
BPC-157 Peptide and the Digestive System
BPC-157 peptide is under investigation for its potential to protect against and treat ulcers in the gastrointestinal system. Animal studies suggest that the peptide has significant protective effects against compounds which are known to cause stomach ulcers.[1][2] Sikiric et al. report that “superior protection against different gastrointestinal and liver lesions and anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were noted for pentadecapeptide BPC.” Researchers also suggest that this protective potential is likely related to the action of BPC-157 peptide on the alpha-adrenergic (e.g., catecholamine release) and dopaminergic (central) systems. Blocking the alpha-adrenergic or dopamine receptors may reduce the effectiveness of BPC-157 against ulcerations.
The peptide may also work by stimulating the synthesis of growth factors in the intestinal cells that cover the digestive system. Another laboratory study reports that BPC-157 peptide has also been suggested to stimulate the mRNA of the growth factor EGR-1.[3] As a result, experiments in rats report that BPC-157 peptide speeds up the healing of surgical injuries in the gastrointestinal system, specifically esophagogastric anastomosis healing.[4] Animal models with short-bowel syndrome also report that the peptide may help prevent weight loss and increase the ability of the bowels to absorb nutrients.[5,6] The researchers report constant weight gain and increased villus height, crypt depth, and muscle thickness of the small intestines. Furthermore, the scientists report that “BPC 157 completely ameliorated symptoms in massive intestinal resection.” Because of its interactions with various neurotransmitters, scientists have also investigated its effects on serotonin production. According to preliminary research BPC-157 may exert beneficial action on serotonin synthesis.[7]
BPC-157 Peptide and the Nervous System
Rat studies report that BPC-175 may significantly increase serotonin synthesis in several brain regions, including the “substantia nigra reticulata and medial anterior olfactory nucleus,” taking only 40 minutes for BPC-157 to exert these effects.[8] One study in rats reported that BPC-157 peptide exhibited possible antidepressant characteristics when the animals were exposed to acute or chronic stress.[9]
BPC-157 peptide may also help ameliorate damage to the brain through various chemicals. According to one experiment which used cuprizone to induce brain damage and nerve demyelination like those observed in multiple sclerosis (MS), BPC-157 had potential protective action.[10] BPC-157 peptide appeared to have reduced the number of damaged cells in numerous brain regions, including the hippocampus. Another study that used a toxin to induce damage, like what is seen in Parkinson’s Disease in rodents, reports that BPC-157 may exerts protective action.[11]
BPC-157 Peptide and Skin, Bones, and Joints
BPC-157 peptide may have action that extend beyond the gastrointestinal and nervous systems, such as stimulating the repair of the skin tissues, bones, joints, tendons, and other tissues. These possible actions could be due to the potential of BPC-157 peptide to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels. By stimulating angiogenesis, BPC-157 may increase the supply of tissues with nutrients and growth factors.
According to one study in rats with injured limbs, the scientists noted an increase in VEGFR2 expression, which was much more significant compared to controls.[12] Hsieh et al. also noted that “BPC 157 accelerates the blood flow recovery and vessel number in rats with hind limb ischemia.”
In tendon and joint injuries, BPC-157 peptide may also speed up the recovery of connective tissues by upregulating fibroblast function. Experiments note that BPC-157 may allow tendon fibroblasts to grow and spread faster.[13] The researchers note that the effect was present only when the fibroblasts were replanted. Another experiment also reported increased wound healing potential in rats after injuries induced via surgical cuts. The researchers hypothesized that BPC-157 peptide might significantly increase the rate of injury healing when compared to the control.[14]
Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory experimentation and/or in-vitro testing. Bodily introduction of any sort is strictly prohibited by law. All purchases are limited to licensed researchers and/or qualified professionals. All information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.
References
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- Staresinic M, Sebecic B, Patrlj L, Jadrijevic S, Suknaic S, Perovic D, Aralica G, Zarkovic N, Borovic S, Srdjak M, Hajdarevic K, Kopljar M, Batelja L, Boban-Blagaic A, Turcic I, Anic T, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth. J Orthop Res. 2003 Nov;21(6):976-83. doi: 10.1016/S0736-0266(03)00110-4. PMID: 14554208.