Studies suggest GHK-Cu may be an anti-aging peptide that may speed up wound healing and improve other physiological processes by increasing collagen formation. Follow us to the end of this article so you may learn more about GHK-Cu.
What is GHK-Cu Peptide?
GHK is a tri-peptide made up of the amino acids glycine, histidine, and lysine, and it is found in nature. It is often known as GHK-Cu since it was first isolated from albumin and is thought to have a high affinity for copper. [i]
Studies suggest that collagen contains GHK-Cu, released in response to tissue injury. In addition to blood, saliva, and urine, it is also present in other naturally occurring fluids.
GHK-Cu Peptide: Mechanism of Action
We will go through each process by which GHK-Cu peptide has been researched, within the context of skin. Studies suggest its alleged pleiotropic effects may extend beyond the skin and have been suggested in lung injury and wound healing cases.
Research suggests sagging skin may be tightened with the aid of GHK-Cu because it may promote the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, considered to be two crucial building blocks of connective tissue. [ii]
Findings imply that in addition to promoting repair, it may contribute to the work of metalloproteinases, which degrade the extracellular matrix proteins. The accumulation of damaged proteins, which might disrupt typically smooth dermal texture, may possibly be avoided. [iii]
Researchers speculate GHK-Cu may promote epidermal basal cell proliferation by upregulating integrin and p63 expressions. Scientists hypothesize this peptide may also regulate the activity of fibroblasts in the skin, which are considered essential for skin regeneration and epidermal cells. [iv]
In addition, studies suggest GHK-Cu may exhibit wound-healing potential through a variety of processes. Based on speculative research conducted on rabbits, it was suggested that this peptide may improve anti-oxidant enzyme activity and promote blood vessel formation in the skin that has been damaged. [v]
After a sufficient blood supply has been restored to the injured location, research suggests GHK-Cu may promote nerve regrowth by increasing the synthesis of neurotrophic factors. This procedure may make the newly repaired skin more sensitive, possibly preventing loss of sensation. [vi]
Lipid peroxidation, brought on by the free radicals generated by the sun’s UV rays, is the root cause of solar damage to the skin. Researchers speculate GHK-Cu’s anti-oxidant properties may come from its potential to neutralize these free radicals. [vii]
Findings imply that by inhibiting the entrance of inflammatory cells into the lungs, GHK-Cu may protect mice lungs from experimentally produced acute lung damage. Lung fibroblasts were also reported. [viii]
Scientists hypothesize that suppressing fibrinogen, a component responsible for forming blood clots in arteries, may be a relatively unknown potential action of GHK-Cu. [ix]
GHK-Cu Peptide Potential Properties
Studies suggest GHK-Cu’s alleged anti-aging properties on the skin may be derived from its proposed capacity to alter collagen production. Skin laxity, firmness, and clarity may all be enhanced.
Research suggests that promoting the development of new epidermal basal cells may lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making hair grow faster and thicker. [x]
In addition to its alleged anti-inflammatory properties, researchers speculate GHK-Cu may have anti-oxidant properties that make it useful for shielding the skin from the sun’s UV rays. This peptide has been suggested to minimize sun-induced hyperpigmentation, photodamage, and skin spots.
Actinic keratoses are dry, scaly areas on the skin that are a common consequence of UV exposure. Findings imply that GHK-Cu may rehydrate dry skin and prevent additional harm when introduced under certain laboratory conditions.
Small cuts and bruises, among others, may possibly benefit from stimulating blood vessels and nerve development. Scientists hypothesize GHK-Cu may improve the skin’s texture via the stimulation of blood vessels, potentially making it seem more youthful and healthy. [xi]
Studies suggest test subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may gain positive impact from GHK-Cu’s alleged potential to repair lung damage and restore lung elasticity via modulating pulmonary fibroblast activities.
By preventing the creation of fibrinogen and, by extension, blood clots that might lead to myocardial infarction, research suggests GHK-Cu may be an interesting avenue for future research in the context of cardiovascular disorders.
GHK-Cu vs. BPC-157
These peptides have been suggested to hasten recovery after injury; hence they are often researched in tandem.
Research suggests that one key distinction between the two may be that their effects may possibly be limited to the immediate vicinity of the point of introduction. Findings imply the intestinal epithelium may be the primary target of BPC-157’s healing potential, whereas the skin may be the primary target of GHK-Cu’s.
TB-500 vs. GHK-Cu
Researchers speculate that GHK-Cu may sometimes be combined with another peptide called TB-500 because of their proposed synergistic action. The only real distinction between the compounds is where each originated. TB-500 is a synthetic peptide, while GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring component of numerous physiological fluids and collagen.
Biotech Peptides is a reputable supplier of GHK-Cu. Remember that none of the substances mentioned have been approved for human consumption.
References
[i] Pickart, L., Freedman, J. H., Loker, W. J., Peisach, J., Perkins, C., Stenkamp, R. E., & Weinstein, B. (1980). Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells. Nature, 288(5792), 715–717. https://doi.org/10.1038/288715a0
[ii] Siméon, A., Wegrowski, Y., Bontemps, Y., & Maquart, F. (2000). Expression of Glycosaminoglycans and Small Proteoglycans in Wounds: Modulation by the Tripeptide–Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Cu2+. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 115(6), 962–968. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00166.x
[iii] Siméon, A., Monier, F., Emonard, H., Gillery, P., Birembaut, P., Hornebeck, W., & Maquart, F. (1999). Expression and Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Wounds: Modulation by the Tripeptide–Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Cu2+. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 112(6), 957–964. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1747.1999.00606.x
[iv] Kang, Y., Choi, H., Na, J. I., Huh, C., Kim, M., Youn, S. W., Kim, K., & Park, K. (2009). Copper–GHK increases integrin expression and p63 positivity by keratinocytes. Archives of Dermatological Research, 301(4), 301–306. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0942-x
[v] Cangul, I. T., Gul, N. Y., Topal, A., & Yilmaz, R. (2006). Evaluation of the effects of topical tripeptide-copper complex and zinc oxide on open-wound healing in rabbits. Veterinary Dermatology, 17(6), 417–423. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2006.00551.x
[vi] Sensenbrenner, M., Jaros, G. G., Moonen, G., & Meyer, B. J. (1980). Effect of conditioned media on nerve cell differentiation. Experientia, 36(6), 660–662. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf01970123
[vii] Cebrián, J., Messeguer, A., Facino, R. M., & Antón, J. M. G. (2005). New anti-RNS and -RCS products for cosmetic treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 27(5), 271–278. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2005.00279.x
[viii] Campbell, J. D., McDonough, J. H., Zeskind, J. E., Hackett, T., Pechkovsky, D. V., Brandsma, C., Suzuki, M., Gosselink, J. V., Liu, G., Alekseyev, Y. O., Xiao, J., Zhang, X., Hayashi, S., Cooper, J. D., Timens, W., Postma, D. S., Knight, D. A., Lenburg, M. E., Hogg, J., & Spira, A. (2012). A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK. Genome Medicine, 4(8), 67. https://doi.org/10.1186/gm367
[ix] Heinrich, J., Balleisen, L., Schulte, H. D., Assmann, G., & Van De Loo, J. (1994). Fibrinogen and factor VII in the prediction of coronary risk. Results from the PROCAM study in healthy men. Arteriosclerosis and Thrombosis, 14(1), 54–59. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.atv.14.1.54
[x] Pasyukova, E. G., & Vaiserman, A. (2017). HDAC inhibitors: A new promising drug class in anti-aging research. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 166, 6–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2017.08.008
[xi] Pickart, L. (2008). The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science-Polymer Edition, 19(8), 969–988. https://doi.org/10.1163/156856208784909435