AHK-Cu (Topical) (200mg)

AHK-Cu Peptide

AHK-Cu is a tripeptide that contains a copper atom. It is a short peptide in which the copper atom is attached between the histidine and alanine residues of the alanine-histidine-lysine tripeptide. The copper atom is linked to three nitrogen atoms in this molecule. It is a naturally occurring compound that has been suggested to be significantly valuable in growth regulation, and death, of vascular endothelial cells (these are the cells that make the innermost layer of blood vessels). AHK-Cu has been studied extensively in animal models under laboratory conditions for its suggested potential in hair regrowth and impact on collagen synthesis. Researchers suggest that the peptide appears to regulate various cellular processes primarily by controlling the production of two compounds: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-B).^[1] According to the researchers “TGF-beta1 induction of angiogenesis requires a rapid and transient apoptotic effect mediated by VEGF/VEGFR2.”
AHK-Cu, by enhancing levels of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, may possibly activate fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Fibroblasts are considered to lead to the production of two complex compounds; elastin and collagen. These two molecules may therefore affect skin texture, tone, and elasticity. Endothelial cells are responsible for the growth and health of blood vessels that supply nutrition to hair follicles and skin cells. The activation of endothelial cells in association with the fibroblasts may lead to reduced fine lines and wrinkles and increased skin elasticity, as well as potential acceleration in tissue repair. Some laboratory studies done on dermal cells indicate an increase in collagen type 1 production to the extent of as much as 300%.

Specifications

MOLECULAR FORMULA: C₁₅H₂₅CuN₆O₄

MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 416.9 g/mol

SEQUENCE: Ala-His-Lys-Cu

RECONSTITUTION: Required

AHK-Cu Research

AHK-Cu studies have primarily examined the peptide’s potential in the areas of hair and skin research. AHK-Cu primarily exhibits an apparent effect on fibroblasts. These cells are considered to function in maintaining and growing the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), which surrounds cells. Fibroblasts secrete various biological substances, such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). VEGF seems to be a signaling protein, reportedly involved in angiogenesis, a process that may be responsible for the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature. This process apparently starts when the VEGF protein, which is considered to be secreted by oxygen-deprived cells during a hypoxic response, may bind to VEGF receptors on the surface of endothelial cells. While there are several types of these receptors, like VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, it appears that the primary mediator of angiogenic response is most likely VEGFR-2. This hypothesized VEGF/VEGFR interaction may activate a complex intracellular signaling cascade, which may involve multiple proteins such as phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and the mitogen-activated protein kinases. This cascade may possibly lead to the proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation of endothelial cells, which are posited to be the building blocks of new blood vessels. Furthermore, VEGF may also increase the permeability of blood vessels, which might enable the extravasation of plasma proteins and contribute to the formation of a primitive vascular scaffold, thereby potentially promoting the process of angiogenesis. Therefore AHK-Cu may have potential action on blood vessel growth as well which can further enhance the function of fibroblasts.

AHK-Cu and Wrinkles
Copper and its peptide derivates are often the subject of research studies examining the levels of collagen synthesis and production in skin. A decline in the skin levels of collagen is the hallmark of the aging process, with production of new collagen decreasing and existing collagen reducing structural and functional integrity. Collagen also exhibits an affinity for water, so it hydrates the skin cells and the Extracellular Matrix when it enters the skin.^[2] These apparent properties of collagen may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines of the skin.
Research studies have suggested the potential of AHK-Cu in skin conditioning and collagen production. The developers shared that potential action of the AHK-Cu copper peptide complexes on collagen formation was hypothesized by attempting to isolate the quantity of collagen type I, produced by fibroblasts in cell culture. Normal dermal fibroblasts were seeded into what appears to be a 96-well cell culture plate and have been grown to confluence in high glucose media, supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum for around 3 days. Following this, they were transferred to low glucose media with 2% serum and various quantities of AHK-Cu complex. After a period of approximately 3 days, the culture media was gathered and analyzed for collagen type I content. This was done using a sandwich ELISA assay which employed a purified antibody to collagen type I. The addition of the AHK-Cu complex may potentially have stimulated the proliferation of normal dermal fibroblasts and possibly enhanced their viability. Researchers suggested that the inclusion of the AHK-Cu complex may stimulate the formation of collagen type I, with an increase hypothesized to be around 300% over the control, although this is not entirely certain.^[2]

AHK-Cu and Hair Growth/Loss
AHK-Cu may possibly influence follicle stimulation via two potential mechanisms. The first hypothesized mechanism is via the stimulation and secretion of the VEGF, leading to the growth of blood vessels in the area surrounding the hair follicles. These blood vessels supply nutrition to hair follicles and may promote hair growth. A reduction in the supply of these nutrients, on the other hand, may lead to hair loss. Studies have suggested that AHK-Cu may also lead to the formation of new hair follicles by promoting new blood vessels and improving blood supply to existing hair follicles. By stimulating the growth of blood vessels, AHK-Cu may potentially influence growth. The second mechanism by which AHK-Cu may potentially mitigate hair loss via down-regulating Transforming Growth Factor beta. This action may reduce the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on hair loss.^[3]
One study focused on the potential role of the tripeptide concerning dermal papilla cells (DPCs). DPCs are considered specialized variants of fibroblasts, which may play a pivotal role in the development and growth of hair follicles, although this was not definitively proven. The study then shifted its focus to the potential action of AHK-Cu on hair growth and on cultured dermal papilla cells. When AHK-Cu was introduced, an increase in the elongation of hair follicles was observed, which might suggest a positive action. Similarly, there appeared to be a proliferation of DPCs, though this result was not entirely certain. Further experimentation involved Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide labeling and flow cytometric analysis, which suggested that AHK-Cu could have reduced the number of apoptotic DPCs, although this decrease was not statistically significant and thus not conclusively confirmed. The study’s researchers hypothesized that the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, proteins that potentially regulate cell death, was elevated, hinting at a possible protective role of AHK-Cu. This hypothesis might have been corroborated by the observation that the levels of the cleaved forms of caspase-3 and PARP, both proteins which may be associated with programmed cell death, seemed to be reduced after introduction of AHK-Cu. The scientists concluded that “The present study proposed that AHK-Cu promotes the growth of hair follicles, and this stimulatory effect may occur due to stimulation of the proliferation and the preclusion of the apoptosis of DPCs.”
The hormone dihydrosterone is considered to be a primary contributor to progressive hair loss. Researchers posit that mitigating the impact of dihydropteroate may reduce overall hair loss and potentially protect hair follicles from negative stress. By increasing the blood supply to an existing follicle, researchers suggest AHK-Cu may potentially increase and enhance follicle thickness and size. Studies also suggest that AHK-Cu may possibly extend the growth phase. Generally, the hair growth cycle has 3 phases: Anagen, Telogen, and Catagen phases. Among these, AHK-Cu has been posited to potentially both extend and trigger Anagen hair growth phases, with impact seen up to 3-5 years. It is an interesting tripeptide with potential in slowing down age-related degenerating changes, specifically in hair and skin.
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.

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