GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide first isolated from human plasma. It has since been found in urine and saliva. Studies of GHK-Cu have found that this short peptide has significant benefits for wound healing and immune function. It has anti-aging properties and has been found to inhibit free radical damage, increase protein synthesis, fight bacteria, and enhance the health of skin and skin fibroblasts.

GHK-Cu Research

1. GHK-Cu and Skin Healing

GHK-Cu is a natural component of human blood and as such has been found to play an integral role in the skin regeneration pathway. Skin culture studies have found that GHK stimulates the synthesis and breakdown of collagen, glycosaminoglycans and other extracellular matrix components such as proteoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. At least part of this effect is mediated through the positive recruitment benefits of GHK-Cu on fibroblasts, immune cells and endothelial cells. This peptide attracts these cells to the site of injury and appears to orchestrate their activities to repair the damage.1].

GHK-Cu is a common ingredient in skin care products and cosmetics. It improves skin elasticity while tightening and firming. It has also been shown to reduce sun-induced damage, decrease hyperpigmentation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.1].GHK-Cu’s ability to regulate collagen synthesis is important for reducing the appearance of scars, preventing hypertrophic healing, smoothing rough skin, and repairing the structure of aging skin.These effects of GHK-Cu are mediated in part through its ability to increase the levels of transforming growth factor-β. mediated. 2] The peptide likely acts through several different biochemical pathways and has an effect on gene transcription levels.3].

Studies in mice have shown that GHK-Cu increases the rate of healing after burns by 33%. It appears that in addition to recruiting immune cells and fibroblasts to the site of injury, GHK-Cu promotes blood vessel growth.4]. Blood vessel regeneration in burned skin is usually slow due to the cauterization effect, so these findings open a new avenue for improving wound care and accelerating healing in burn wards.

2. GHK-Cu and bacteria

Invasion of tissues by foreign pathogens is one of the main reasons why wounds heal slowly or not at all. Bacterial and fungal infections are particularly problematic for burn victims and patients with compromised immune systems (e.g., diabetes, HIV).GHK-Cu, when combined with certain fatty acids, produces a potent antimicrobial compound that is active against many bacteria and fungi known to complicate wound healing.5].

Studies in diabetic patients have shown that GHK-Cu is superior to standard care regimens alone in the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Patients treated with standard care and GHK-Cu had an increase in wound closure of approximately 40% and a 27% decrease in infection rates compared to the control group.6]. Similar results were observed in patients with ischemic open wounds.7].

3. GHK-Cu, cognitive and neurological functions

Little is known about neuronal death due to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This makes it difficult to develop treatments and existing treatments often have limited efficacy. However, studies have shown that GHK-Cu can counteract the age-related decline in neuronal function that is often at the root of these diseases. Studies have shown that GHK-Cu improves angiogenesis in the nervous system, promotes nerve growth, and reduces inflammation in the central nervous system. There is even evidence that GHK-Cu can reset pathological gene expression and help re-establish health in dysfunctional systems.8].

GHK-Cu is found in high concentrations in the brain, but levels of this peptide decline with age. Scientists believe that GHK-Cu protects nervous system tissues from natural damage such as genetic dysregulation and that it is actually GHK-Cu that declines with age, not the onset of a new disease process. Neurodegeneration.

4. GHK-Cu and the side effects of chemotherapy

Studies in mice have shown that GHK-Cu protects the lungs from fibrosis that occurs after treatment with the cancer drug bleomycin.10]. This may pave the way for the use of GHK-Cu as an adjuvant to chemotherapy, allowing for increased doses of these life-saving drugs without increasing the risk of side effects. This study went a step further than usual and identified a possible pathway by which GHKC-Cu prevents fibrosis. The peptide appears to regulate levels of TNF-α and IL-6, both of which act as inflammatory molecules and affect the extracellular matrix and smooth muscle of the lungs. By reducing lung inflammation, GHK-Cu may prevent the onset of fibrotic remodeling and improve collagen deposition.

Similar benefits of GHK-Cu in protecting the lungs have been found in a mouse model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an inflammatory lung disease that can be rapidly progressive and fatal.ARDS is associated with injury, infection, and certain medications (e.g., those used in chemotherapy).GHK-Cu appears to mediate its effects again by decreasing the expression of TNF-α and IL-6.11]. effects.11].

5. GHK-Cu and pain relief

In a rat model, GHK-Cu administration had a dose-dependent effect on pain-induced behavior. The peptide appears to have an analgesic effect, produced by increasing levels of the natural analgesic L-lysine.12]. Similar studies have found that the peptide also increases levels of another analgesic amino acid, L-arginine.13]. These findings open up new avenues of pain control that do not rely on addictive opioids or NSAIDs, which have been found to have negative effects on the heart.

GHK-Cu showed minimal side effects, low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. The dose per kilogram in mice is not intended for humans.GHK-Cu sold by Peptide Sciences is restricted for educational and scientific research only and is not intended for human consumption. Purchase GHK-Cu only if you are a licensed researcher.