The topic of this article will revolve around the GHK-Cu peptide and the extensive wound and tissue research it has been a part of. The copper-binding peptide GHK-Cu consists of the amino acids glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine [i]. Copper was added chemically, thus the notation “-Cu.” The tiny tripeptide GHK-Cu (Copper) is present in plasma and is thought to be released in response to trauma. GHK-Cu levels naturally drop as organisms become older.
Research [ii] suggests that the plasma GHK peptide can cause various reactions, from growth stimulation to harmful cell differentiation when given to the cell culture in nanomolar quantities. During peptide isolation, scientists hypothesized that it may co-isolate with almost as many copper ions as were detected in the cells and just a quarter of the quantity of iron. The maximum potential was recorded when the peptide was incubated in the isolated cells as a bound complex with copper and iron molecules.
Preliminary Studies on GHK-Cu Peptide
This research from the 1980s [iii] suggested that natural peptides could have biological applications in tissue healing. Potential copper (II) ion hosting by the GHK peptide may enhance total protein and DNA accumulation at the injury site and promote collagen production. In this experiment, rats with superficial wounds were employed. GHK peptide was secreted in response to damage, and matrix “emergency response molecules” were secreted at the damage site. Released GHK was speculated to interact with Cu ions in the blood, subsequently prompting increased decorin protein production. Collagen production, wound healing, and the body’s natural defenses against tumors are all governed by the decorin protein. Studies conducted in the 2000s [iv] suggested that GHK-Cu peptide may induce the creation of collagen and the tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.
GHK-Cu Peptide and Tissue
The primary objective of this investigation [v] was to evaluate the effectiveness of a GHK-Cu peptide combination on open wounds compared to zinc oxide. In this research, 18 New Zealand white rabbits were split into three groups: those given GHK-Cu, those given zinc oxide, and those given a placebo. Each rabbit had a will instilled into it, and then for 21 days, the rabbits were exposed to the chemicals in question. Researchers suggested that after 21 days, those who received the GHK-Cu peptide combination seemed to recover faster than those who received zinc oxide or a placebo.
This investigation [vi] examined the GHK-Cu peptide combination and how it functions in the helium-neon laser. The intensity of laser applications at 1 J cm2 and 3 J cm2 were evaluated. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were employed in this investigation, and they were split into three groups, each receiving a different amount of the GHK-Cu peptide combination and helium-neon laser treatment. All rabbits were given experimental wounds and evaluated for 28 days while exposed to various chemicals. Researchers suggested that rabbits given GHK-Cu peptide and a greater concentration of the laser agent appeared to have greater receptivity toward wound healing. The findings also suggested decreased neutrophil numbers and increased neovascularization in rabbits given the GHK-Cu peptide.
GHK-Cu Peptide and Metastasis
It was suggested in research conducted in 1983 [i] that sarcoma (tumor) cell development appeared inhibited by a combination of GHK-Cu complex and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Researchers speculated that the combination could slow the spread of cancerous cells in the mice used in the study. Ultimately, the scientists hypothesized that the GHK-Cu peptide combination might potentially boost the expression of caspase and related genes and DNA repair-related genes.
GHK Peptide and Wounds
Test subjects with Diabetes and neuropathic ulcers were recruited in this clinical investigation [vii]. Only models needing debridement or acute ulcer wounds were included in this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Every subject was randomly assigned to either a group that received the peptide or a group that received conventional care with a placebo application. Researchers suggested that those given the peptide saw much faster recovery (98%+) than the control group. It was speculated that only 60.8% of plantar ulcers healed after being presented with the control, whereas 98.5% of ulcers healed after being presented with the peptide.
More study is needed to understand its potential applications in science. Core Peptides is a great resource for licensed researchers looking to purchase peptides for research trials. GHK-Cu for sale online is restricted to usage in research and educational institutes.
References
[i] Pickart, Loren, and Anna Margolina. “Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 19,7 1987. 7 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3390/ijms19071987. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073405/
[ii] Pickart L, Freedman JH, Loker WJ, Peisach J, Perkins CM, Stenkamp RE, Weinstein B. Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells. Nature. 1980 Dec 25;288(5792):715-7. doi: 10.1038/288715a0. PMID: 7453802. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7453802/
[iii] Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988 Oct 10;238(2):343-6. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x. PMID: 3169264. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3169264/
[iv] Siméon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX. The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures. Life Sci. 2000 Sep 22;67(18):2257-65. doi: 10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00803-1. PMID: 11045606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11045606/
[v] Cangul IT, Gul NY, Topal A, Yilmaz R. Evaluation of the effects of topical tripeptide-copper complex and zinc oxide on open-wound healing in rabbits. Vet Dermatol. 2006 Dec;17(6):417-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2006.00551.x. PMID: 17083573. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17083573/
[vi] Gul NY, Topal A, Cangul IT, Yanik K. The effects of topical tripeptide copper complex and helium-neon laser on wound healing in rabbits. Vet Dermatol. 2008 Feb;19(1):7-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2007.00647.x. PMID: 18177285. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18177285/
[vii] Mulder GD, Patt LM, Sanders L, Rosenstock J, Altman MI, Hanley ME, Duncan GW. Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper. Wound Repair Regen. 1994 Oct;2(4):259-69. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-475X.1994.20406.x. PMID: 17147644. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147644/
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