GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide
BPC-157
Pentadecapeptide
| Property | GHK-Cu | BPC-157 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Copper Tripeptide | Pentadecapeptide |
| Formula | Gly-His-Lys·Cu²⁺ | C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 403.93 g/mol | 1,419.53 g/mol |
| Published Studies | 60+ | 120+ |
| Clinical Status | Active Research | Preclinical Research Only |
| Overview | A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied for gene expression modulation across 4,000+ human genes. | A 15-amino-acid gastric peptide extensively studied in preclinical models for FAK-paxillin pathway interactions and NO system modulation. |
GHK-Cu — Key Details
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973. Its concentration in human plasma declines significantly with age — from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60.
Gene Expression Research
A landmark 2012 study by Pickart et al. found that GHK-Cu influences the expression of 4,000+ human genes — roughly 6% of the human genome. The affected genes are involved in collagen synthesis, decorin production, antioxidant defense, and DNA repair pathways.
Investigated Applications
- Extracellular matrix remodeling — collagen I, III, and decorin synthesis
- Copper-dependent enzyme activation — superoxide dismutase (SOD)
- Gene expression modulation — suppression of fibrinogen and activation of TGF-β
- Dermatological research — multiple studies on skin fibroblast behavior in cell culture
Sources
- According to Pickart, L. et al. (2012). "GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways." BioMed Research International, 2012, 206237. [PubMed]
- According to Pickart, L. & Margolina, A. (2018). "Regenerative and protective actions of GHK-Cu peptide." Int J Mol Sci, 19(7), 1987. [PubMed]
BPC-157 — Key Details
What Is BPC-157?
Body Protection Compound-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protein in human gastric juice. First characterized by Prof. Predrag Sikiric (University of Zagreb) in the 1990s, it has over 120 published papers — primarily from one research group.
Investigated Pathways
- FAK-paxillin pathway — cell adhesion and structural integrity signaling
- Nitric oxide (NO) system — vasodilation, inflammation, and cellular communication
- Growth factors — VEGF, EGF, FGF receptor interactions
- Dopaminergic/GABAergic systems — central nervous system signaling
Important Limitations
All published data comes from in-vitro and animal studies. No completed human clinical trials exist. The majority of research originates from a single lab, which limits independent validation. In 2023, the FDA flagged BPC-157 for increased regulatory scrutiny. It is not approved for any therapeutic use.
Sources
- According to Sikiric, P. et al. (2018). "Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and wound healing." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1446. [PubMed]
- According to Sikiric, P. et al. (2023). "BPC 157 and the nitric oxide system." Pharmaceuticals, 16(5), 768. [PubMed]
- According to Vukojevic, J. et al. (2022). "BPC 157 and tendon healing." J Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 17, 235. [PubMed]