GHK-CU (Copper) (50mg)

What is the GHK-Cu peptide?

GHK-Cu is a naturally prevalent peptide that was first purified from human blood plasma. It has been identified in saliva and urine as well. Experimental research in GHK-Cu indicates the peptide has the potential to play a beneficial role in the body’s wound healing and immune functions.^[1] The peptide has been studied for anti-aging properties, protein synthesis capabilities, free-radical damage control, bacterial infection prevention and the health of skin fibroblasts, and skin.

Specifications

Molecular Formula: C14H24N6O4

Molecular Weight: 340.38 g/mol

Sequence: Gly-His-LysCu.xHAc

PubChem: CID 73587

CAS Number: 89030-95-5

Reconstitution: Required

Research

GHK-Cu and Skin Healing
GHK-Cu is a natural component of human blood and, as such, has been studied for its potential in skin regeneration pathways. Research in skin cultures has suggested that GHK may stimulate the synthesis as well as breaking down of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and other extracellular matrix components like proteoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. The potential effect is partially mediated through the positive effects of GHK-Cu recruitment on fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. The peptide appears to attract these cells to the wound site and coordinate their activity in repairing the damage. GHK-Cu happens to be a common ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. It not only appears to improve the elasticity of the skin but also may mediate skin tightening and firming. Research identifies its potential abilities to protect the skin against UV damage, prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Modulation of collagen synthesis by GHK-Cu could be important in reducing the appearance of scars, preventing hypertrophic healing, smoothening rough skin, and repairing the structure of aged skin. Research in the roles of GHK-Cu suggest its benefits are mediated partially via its ability to boost the expression of transforming growth factor Beta. It is likely that the peptide works through various biochemical pathways and modifies gene expression. Studies in mice suggest that GHK-Cu may increase the rate of wound healing in burn patients to the extent of about 33%.^[2] The peptide not only appears to recruit immune cells and fibroblasts to sites of injury, but may also promote the development of new blood vessels at these sites. Burnt skin often regrows blood vessels slowly because of the cauterization effect. Thus, these scientific hypotheses about the abilities of the peptide offer up a new option for potentially improving wound care in burn units for hastening the healing process.

GHK-CU and Cognitive, Nervous System Functions
The mechanism behind neuronal death, which occurs in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, is poorly understood. This limits the development of effective treatments, making the existing regimens only partly beneficial. Studies have suggested GHK-Cu’s potential to inhibit the age-associated loss in neuronal function, which is involved in such diseases.^[3] In these studies, the molecule has been observed to enhance angiogenesis in the nervous system, stimulate nerve outgrowth, and decrease inflammation in the central nervous system. There is further scientific studies supporting the theory that it may alter the expression profiles of pathological genes and help to reset a state of health in dysfunctional systems. Natural GHK-Cu expression is high in the brain and decreases with age. Some scientists believe that GHK-Cu is possibly neuroprotective against natural insults like gene dysregulation. Further, one school of thought believes that it is the age-related decline in GHK-Cu, and not the initiation of new disease processes that mediates neurodegeneration. The peptide has been observed to protect neurons in rat brains from apoptosis through the well-known miR-339-59/VEGFA pathway, which is active after brain bleeds and stroke. In the rat models, GHK-Cu was reported to improve the neurological deficits in the brain, reducing swelling, and preventing neuronal death that is commonly brought about by over-expression of miR-339-5p.

GHK-Cu and Bacteria
Invasion of foreign pathogens is the primary reason behind both delayed healing of wounds and absence of healing. Bacterial and fungal infections are specifically dangerous in burn patients and those with compromised immune systems (e.g., diabetes, HIV patients). However, GHK-Cu in combination with certain fatty acids may create a strong antimicrobial compound that works against a number of bacteria and fungi known to interfere with the process of wound healing. Research in diabetic patients has suggested that GHK-Cu by itself is more effective than standard care regimens in the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Patients treated with a combination of standard care and GHK-Cu were observed to have a 40% increase in wound closure and a 27% reduction in infection rates as opposed to control groups.^[4] Similar results have also been obtained from studies in patients with ischemic open wounds. Researchers report that “GHK-Cu improved healing of ischemic wounds and suppresses inflammation by lowering the level of acute-phase inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-beta and TNF-alpha.”

Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Studies in murine models have suggested that GHK-Cu may protect the lungs against fibrosis, a common after-effect seen in patients of cancer treated with bleomycin.^[5] Therefore, GHK-Cu may be used as a chemotherapy adjuvant which could help to increase the doses of the chemotherapeutic drugs but keeps their adverse effects under control. The study has also explored the mechanistic action of the peptide. It was observed to modulate TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels, both of which function as inflammatory molecules and affect the extracellular matrix and smooth muscles of the lungs. The peptide may reduce lung inflammation, thereby enhancing collagen production and preventing fibrotic remodeling. GHK-Cu was also suggested to be effective in treating mouse models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an inflammatory lung condition that can aggravate very fast and be fatal. ARDS is linked with injury, infection, and use of certain chemotherapeutic drugs. Once again, the suggested underlying mechanism of the peptide action is by decreasing the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6.^[6]

GHK-Cu Peptide and Pain Reduction
In rat models, the use of GHK-Cu had a dose-dependent effect on pain-induced behavior. The peptide appeared to deliver analgesic effects mediated through increased levels of the natural painkiller L-lysine.^[7] The researchers reported that “It was found the L-lysine residue plays the key role in these effects, because they were observed under the influence of L-lysine administration in doses close to its equimolar content in the studied tripeptide.” Similar studies have suggested the ability of the peptide to also enhance levels of L-arginine, another analgesic amino acid.^[8] These findings indicate the alternate mechanisms for pain alleviation that do not rely on addictive opiate drugs or NSAIDs, which are detrimental to the heart. In conclusion, research reports that in experimental studies, GHK-Cu  appeared to exhibit minimal side effects, low oral bioavailability and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. However, per kg dosage in mice does not match up to humans.

References