GHK-Cu (Copper) Peptide and Natural Composition >GHK-Cu, a peptide naturally found in the human body, is a copper-binding tripeptide consisting of three amino acids: glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine.(1) The addition of copper to the peptide is denoted by the -Cu. This small tripeptide is known to be present in plasma and is believed to be released during injury. Interestingly, the concentration of GHK-Cu has been observed to decrease with age. Starting at an average concentration of 200 ng/mL at 20 years of age, it declines to 80 ng/mL by the age of 60.(1)
Research findings(4) propose that the introduction of plasma GHK peptide in nanomolar concentrations to cell cultures may trigger diverse responses, ranging from stimulating growth to inducing cellular differentiation with potential toxicity. In the peptide isolation process, investigators noted its apparent chelating properties, suggesting a capacity to co-isolate with nearly equivalent amounts of copper ions and a fifth of the iron present in cells. The incubation of the peptide in isolated cells, forming a complex with copper and iron molecules, reportedly resulted in maximal observed potential.
Overview
Research findings(5) propose that the GHK-Cu peptide showcases potential in influencing gene expression and potentially resetting genomic elements. This suggested mechanism indicates that the GHK-Cu peptide may hold promise in rejuvenating impaired cells, such as carcinogenic and COPD-affected cells. The multifaceted potential of GHK-Cu peptide spans various functions(1), including its purported ability to firm and reverse the thinning of aging skin, reinforcing the extracellular matrix. Additionally, it is suggested to contribute to the restoration of the skin barrier, moderating texture, hyperpigmentation, and lesions. The peptide may further play a role in tissue repair, inflammation mitigation, stimulation of increased hair follicle size, demonstration of antioxidant properties, and even potential gene restructuring.
Scientific Investigations and Clinical Trials
Early Investigations into GHK Peptide Functionality
In a research study conducted in the 1980s, the innate potential of the GHK peptide in tissue repair was indicated. GHK peptide, with its possible copper affinity, was proposed to bind with copper (II) ions, subsequently enhancing collagen synthesis and promoting the accumulation of total proteins and DNA at the site of injury in dermal wounded rats. This study highlighted the release of GHK peptide as an “emergency response” following injury, which, upon binding with copper ions, triggered the synthesis of decorin protein. Decorin, known for its role in collagen synthesis and regulation of wound healing, demonstrated potential anti-tumor defense capabilities. Subsequent studies in the 2000s further suggested that GHK-Cu peptide not only stimulated collagen synthesis but also facilitated the production of tissue inhibitors, namely TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.
GHK-Cu Peptide Complex in Wound Healing: Comparative Study
A study conducted to investigate the efficacy of the GHK-Cu peptide complex in comparison to zinc oxide on open wounds utilized 18 New Zealand white rabbits divided into three groups. The rabbits were assigned to receive GHK-Cu, zinc oxide, or a placebo over 21 consecutive days after the induction of wounds. The results at the end of the study period suggested that the group treated with the GHK-Cu peptide complex displayed enhanced healing compared to the groups administered zinc oxide or the placebo.
GHK-Cu Peptide Complex and Helium Neon Laser: Comparative Analysis
The objective of this study(9) was to assess the effects of the GHK-Cu peptide complex in comparison to helium neon laser applications at 1 J cm2 and 3 J cm2. Using 24 New Zealand white rabbits divided into three groups, each receiving the GHK-Cu peptide complex or specific laser applications, wounds were induced and the rabbits were observed for 28 consecutive days. At the conclusion of the study, the researchers suggested that the group treated with the GHK-Cu peptide and a higher concentration of laser application displayed increased receptivity to wound healing. Additionally, the rabbits treated with the GHK-Cu peptide exhibited a notable reduction in neutrophil counts and an increase in neovascularization.
GHK-Cu Peptide Complex and Sarcoma Growth: Investigative Study
Conducted in 1983,(1) this study aimed to explore the impact of the GHK-Cu complex combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) on the proliferation of sarcoma (tumor) cells. A total of 180 mice with cancerous growths were administered this combination, and researchers observed a potential reduction in the growth of carcinogenic cells in the mice. Subsequent findings indicated that the GHK-Cu peptide complex exhibited promising effects on increasing the expression of caspase and related genes, along with influencing gene expression associated with DNA repair.
GHK-Cu Peptide Complex in Diabetic Neuropathic Ulcers: Clinical Investigation
This clinical trial,(10) specifically conducted on diabetic individuals with neuropathic ulcers, incorporated subjects following a standard wound care protocol. Only participants with sharp ulcer wounds or those undergoing debridement were included in this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. The research utilized a GHK-Cu peptide complex gel, and subjects were distributed into different groups, with one receiving the peptide gel and others undergoing standard care with a placebo application. The outcomes revealed that subjects treated with the gel exhibited a remarkable healing rate of 98% or more. The gel complex demonstrated the potential to achieve closure in 98.5% of plantar ulcers, while the control group reportedly achieved only 60.8% healing of ulcers.
GHK-Cu Peptide Complex and Pain Relief: Behavioral Evaluation
This research study,(1) focused on the administration of GHK-Cu to mice to assess its potential for pain mitigation. Mice were subjected to a moderately hot plate, a condition inducing pain, usually extending the time taken for mice to lick their paws. Upon the delivery of the GHK-Cu peptide complex, researchers observed a reduction in the time taken for paw licking compared to control conditions. The findings suggested that the mice exhibited increased comfort, and their pain was alleviated more rapidly in the presence of GHK-Cu.
This research investigation,(11) involved the introduction of male rats into a maze designed to induce anxiety and elicit behavioral modifications. Anxiety-induced behavior in rats typically manifests as a preference for “close arms,” indicating restricted arm movement, while a tendency toward “open arms” suggests reduced anxiety levels. As part of the study, the peptide complex was administered, and the duration rats spent in the “open arms” state within the maze was observed. Subsequent to the study, researchers reported that the peptide demonstrated potential in increasing the occurrence of “open arms” states in the subjects.
GHK-Cu Peptide Complex and Aggression-Induced Behavioral Changes
In an supplementary investigation,(12) a pair of rats was confined in a compact enclosure and subjected to mild electric shocks. These shocks typically prompted the agitated rat to initiate attacks against its counterpart. Prior to this experimental setup, GHK-Cu peptide complex was administered to both rats, with researchers observing a noteworthy reduction—five times less than the typical occurrence—in the number of attacks following the electric shocks.
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