GHK Basic (50mg)

What is the GHK Basic peptide?

GHK is a copper peptide that occurs naturally in a copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It has two variants — GHK with or without Cu. GHK has a strong affinity for copper (II), and it is synthesized naturally from saliva, human plasma, and urine. In cases of injury, GHK is released from tissues. The copper peptide appears to affect genes that control an organism’s response to injury and stress. Its functions appear to include the following: tissue remodeling, anti-inflammatory response, anti-pain, anti-anxiety, anti-cancer action, blood vessel growth, and nerve outgrowth. A decrease in the regenerative capacity of an organism may be traced to a decline in GHK-level. Its functions extend to GHK’s role in infection control, hair growth, increase in collagen and elastin, cancer, facial cosmetic use, wound healing, and synthesis of glycosaminoglycan. GHK in human plasma declines as the individual ages to about 60.^[1]

Specifications

Molecular Formula: C14H24CuN6O4+29

Molecular Weight: 403.9242g/mol

PubChem: CID 54608178

Synonyms: NSC661251, NSC-661251

Reconstitution: Required

Differences between GHK-Cu and GHK?

GHK may influence the genes responding to injury and stress. Its sequence is inherent in SPARC protein and collagen molecules. Copper, on the other hand, is a transitional element of utmost importance to organisms with a cell membrane, extending from microorganisms to humans. Sequel to its conversion from oxidized Cu (II) to reduced Cu (I), it is a vital cofactor in a series of biochemical reactions accompanied by electron transfer. The changes in copper oxidation state are an advantage, as dozens of enzymes adopt it in catalyzing critical biochemical reactions such as detoxification, blood clotting, cellular respiration, antioxidant defense, and connective tissue regeneration.^[2] Copper is also vital in iron metabolism and embryonic development, as it is essential for most metabolic reactions that occur in fetal life, oxygenation, and other biological processes.

Research

GHK Peptide and Tissue Repair
The natural GHK molecule plays a vital role in the repair of tissues in the human body. Naturally occurring Copper peptides are similarly vital, lessening fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin by accelerating the production of elastin and collagen. They also enhance the production of glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid that aid in moisturizing and hydrating of the skin. The administration of synthetically developed copper peptide appears to further enhance blood flow to the scalp letting the follicles grow hair in the typical terrain. According to Campbell et al., GHK appears to enhance the production of TGF beta and members of the same species that initiate the repair process. The copper peptide, with the aid of TGF beta, may reset the gene expression of fibroblasts in COPD patients. Campbell et al also “suggest the need for additional studies to examine the mechanisms by which TGF beta and GHK each reverse the gene-expression signature of emphysematous destruction and the effects of this reversal on disease progression.” ^[3]

GHK Peptide and Cancer
Tumor suppressor genes or antioncogenes, growth regulatory-, and DNA repair-genes appear to be essential in cancer suppression. Following research by Hong et al., the copper peptide may be linked to wound healing and skin remodeling.^[4] The two molecules appeared to significantly reversed the gene expressions of affected patients. Subsequently, researchers suggested that this peptide might have therapeutic effects on patients prone to metastasis.

GHK Peptide and Fibrinogen Synthesis
Fibrinogen is a glycoprotein complex composed of three polypeptide chains: alpha, beta, and gamma. GHK appears to suppress the beta chain of fibrinogen. As a result, inadequate FGB actively stops fibrinogen synthesis because fibrinogen synthesis depends on equal amounts of the three polypeptide chains. General synthesis of fibrinogen appears to be brought to a halt by the effects of the GHK peptide exerted on the FGB gene & IL-6 production.^[5]

GHK Peptide and Insulin, Insulin-like Genes
The insulin family, in minimal amounts, has been suggested to increase lifespan and longevity, but high levels of insulin and insulin-like proteins may actually reduce longevity. Similarly, the GHK peptide appears to stimulate the production of three genes in this system and suppresses six genes.^[6] The gene expression data suggest that GHK suppresses six of nine insulin/IGF-1 receptors. In vitro experiments reported that reduced insulin/IGF-1 signaling due to mutations may decelerate the dwindling process of aging and lengthen lifespan in several organisms and perhaps humans.^[7]

GHK Peptide and DNA Repair
At the onset of aging, DNA damage begins to amass. The GHK peptide has been researched in relation to its potential to reset the activity of DNA repair genes, diminishing the dwindling effects of aging. Studies are ongoing.

GHK as an Antioxidant
GHK appears to initiate 14 antioxidant genes, and represses two pro-oxidant genes. Pickart et al. propose that the “GHK tripeptide as a possible therapeutic agent against age-associated neurodegeneration and cognitive decline”.^[8] As a result, the effects of free radicals and toxic end products such as, atherosclerosis, cancer, cataracts, may be reduced or annulled.

GHK Peptide and Ubiquitin/Proteasome System (UPS)
UPS is known to abolish damaged proteins. GHK appears to stimulate gene expression in 41 UPS, and suppress only 1 UPS gene. As a result, UPS appears to reduce aging effects.

Conclusion

According to research studies, GHK may possess measurable amounts of positive effects, but these dwindle with age. The apparent positive effects and functions are as aforementioned. The side effects exerted by copper peptide are reported by researchers to be minimal, ranging from low oral to notable subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. The dose of the copper peptide is not scaled down to be the same for humans.

References