Published findings, in context.

Systematic review of 20 studies (18 preclinical, 2 randomized controlled trials) of GHK-Cu as a standalone intervention

“The Regenerative Potential of GHK-Cu in Aesthetic Medicine.”

Mokhtar J, Mohamed B, Haddad J, et al.·Aesthetic Surgery Journal·2026·PMID 42619529 (opens PubMed in a new tab)·DOI 10.1093/asj/sjag169 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Systematic review (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception through March 2026, following PRISMA) of studies of GHK-Cu as a standalone intervention

Twenty studies were included: 18 preclinical studies and 2 randomized controlled trials. The authors synthesize preclinical data on extracellular matrix synthesis (matrix proteins and glycosaminoglycans), metalloproteinase activity, cell proliferation, inflammatory markers and delivery systems. Their conclusions about the two human trials are not summarized in this profile, and not every included study is listed here.

Systematic review of 36 studies (35 preclinical, 1 in humans): mechanism, musculoskeletal endpoints, biotransformation and safety

“Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review.”

Vasireddi N, Hahamyan H, Salata MJ et al.·HSS Journal·2025·PMID 40756949 (opens PubMed in a new tab)·DOI 10.1177/15563316251355551 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Systematic review (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase; through June 2024) of studies on mechanism, musculoskeletal outcomes, biotransformation and safety

Of 544 records identified, 36 studies were included (35 preclinical and 1 in humans). The authors synthesize functional, structural and biomechanical measures from preclinical musculoskeletal models, together with GHR expression and inflammatory cytokine levels; the only study in humans was retrospective. No human safety data were found, and the evidence was graded as level IV and V.

Uncontrolled pilot study in 2 adults: blood markers and vital signs at baseline and after exposure

Lee E, Burgess K·2025·PMID 40131143 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Full record on PubMed

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Uncontrolled pilot study at a private clinic in 2 adults (aged 58 and 68), both exposed to the peptide before the study; blood markers and vital signs recorded at baseline and after each exposure

Sample size

2

Exposure

BPC-157; single arm

Comparator

No control group

Blood markers of heart, liver, kidney and thyroid function and vital signs were recorded at baseline and after each exposure, and the participants were asked about adverse events at each visit. With two participants, both previously exposed to the peptide, and no control group or blinding, the study cannot characterize safety; its result is not summarized in this profile.

Mouse experimental silicosis model and RAW 264.7 macrophages: lung histology, fibrosis, oxidative stress and PRDX6 binding

Bian Y, Deng M, Liu J, et al.·Redox Biology·2024·PMID 38879894 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103237 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Murine model of experimental silicosis induced by crystalline silica; in vitro experiments with the murine macrophage line RAW 264.7, used by the authors as an alveolar macrophage model

Exposure

GHK-Cu vs silica-only controls (mice and macrophage cultures)

Comparator

Silica-exposed animals without GHK-Cu

In a murine model of experimental silicosis, pulmonary inflammatory changes and fibrosis were assessed with and without GHK-Cu; their direction is not summarized in this profile. Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) was identified as a protein bound by GHK-Cu, and the authors attributed the effects in part to inhibition of silica-induced oxidative stress in macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells, used as an alveolar macrophage model).

Single-arm open-label pilot study: symptom questionnaire in 12 women with interstitial cystitis

“Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study.”

Lee E, Walker C, Ayadi B·2024·PMID 39325560 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Full record on PubMed

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Single-arm, open-label pilot study at a private clinic in 12 women aged 39–76 with moderate to severe interstitial cystitis

Sample size

12

Exposure

BPC-157 (compounded preparation); single arm

Comparator

No control group

Symptoms were assessed with the Global Response Assessment questionnaire; the authors report responses from all 12 participants and no dropouts. Because this was an open-label pilot study without a control group or blinding and with a subjective outcome, its design does not allow any change to be attributed to the peptide. The self-rated result is not summarized in this profile.

Rat quadriceps detachment model: defect size, function, muscle histology and nitric oxide markers

Japjec M, Horvat Pavlov K, Petrovic A et al.·Biomedicines·2021·PMID 34829776 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.3390/biomedicines9111547 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Surgical detachment of the quadriceps muscle in the rat; assessment at days 7, 14, 28 and 42

Exposure

BPC-157 vs no-peptide controls

Comparator

Controls without peptide

In a rat model of surgical detachment of the quadriceps muscle, the BPC-157 and control groups were compared on defect size, function, muscle atrophy, inflammatory infiltrate and the orientation of the junction tissue from day 7 to day 42, together with eNOS and COX-2 mRNA, oxidative stress and nitric oxide levels; the direction and size of these differences are not summarized in this profile.

Retrospective chart review with a telephone survey: self-reported knee pain in 16 people, no control group

Lee E, Padgett B·2021·PMID 34324435 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Full record on PubMed

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Retrospective chart review (2019–2020) with a telephone survey at a private clinic; people with knee pain of various causes

Sample size

16

Exposure

BPC-157 as recorded in the charts; 4 of the 16 charts also record a second peptide

Comparator

No control group

Of 17 people on record, 16 were reached by telephone 6 months to 1 year later and asked about their knee pain. There was no control group or blinding, the outcome was self-reported, and the abstract does not report imaging or validated function or quality-of-life instruments; the design carries a high risk of selection and recall bias and does not allow any change to be attributed to the peptide. The self-reported result is not summarized in this profile.

Isolated rat aorta and cultured endothelial cells: vasomotor tone and Src–caveolin-1–eNOS signaling

“Modulatory effects of BPC 157 on vasomotor tone and the activation of Src-Caveolin-1-endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway.”

Hsieh MJ, Lee CH, Chueh HY et al.·Scientific Reports·2020·PMID 33051481 (opens PubMed in a new tab)·DOI 10.1038/s41598-020-74022-y (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Ex vivo rat aortic rings with and without endothelium; 3D vascular smooth muscle cell model; cultured endothelial cells

Exposure

BPC-157 vs no-peptide preparations (ex vivo and in vitro)

Comparator

Preparations without peptide; L-NAME, hemoglobin, Src inhibitor

In isolated rat aorta, concentration-dependent vasodilation was observed that was attenuated in the absence of endothelium and inhibited by L-NAME or hemoglobin, indicating a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism. In endothelial cells, nitric oxide generation and phosphorylation of Src, caveolin-1 and eNOS increased and were abolished by a Src inhibitor, with less caveolin-1/eNOS association in co-immunoprecipitation assays. No direct relaxant effect on smooth muscle cells was seen in the 3D model.

Rat hippocampal ischemia/reperfusion model: neuronal damage, behavioral tests and hippocampal gene expression

Vukojević J, Vrdoljak B, Malekinušić D et al.·Brain and Behavior·2020·PMID 32558293 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1002/brb3.1726 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Ischemia/reperfusion by bilateral clamping of the common carotid arteries (20 min) in male rats; assessment at 24 and 72 h

Exposure

BPC-157 vs saline

Comparator

Saline

In rats subjected to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, hippocampal expression of Egr1, Akt1, Kras, Src, Foxo, Srf, Vegfr2, Nos3 and Nos1 was higher, and that of Nos2 and Nfkb lower, in the BPC-157 group than in saline controls; Mapk1 was not activated. Early and late hippocampal neuronal damage and performance on memory (Morris water maze), locomotion and coordination tests were also assessed; their direction is not summarized in this profile. Exploratory findings in an animal model.

Critical narrative review of preclinical studies in rodent muscle and connective-tissue models

Gwyer D, Wragg NM, Wilson SL·Cell and Tissue Research·2019·PMID 30915550 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Critical narrative review of preclinical studies in rodent muscle and connective-tissue models

Critical review by an independent group (Loughborough University) of the preclinical literature in small rodent models of muscle and connective-tissue lesions. It notes that only a handful of research groups had studied the peptide in depth, that the effects reported in rodents had yet to be confirmed in humans and that the precise mechanisms still needed to be understood.

Narrative review of gene-expression (Connectivity Map) data on GHK and earlier preclinical studies

“Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data”

Pickart L, Margolina A·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·2018·PMID 29986520 (opens PubMed in a new tab)·DOI 10.3390/ijms19071987 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Narrative review focused on gene-profiling data (Connectivity Map) and earlier preclinical studies

Narrative review that compiles the available gene-expression data for GHK and relates them to actions described in skin, pulmonary connective tissue, bone, liver and gastric mucosa in experimental models, as well as antioxidant effects, effects on inflammatory markers and effects on the proteasome system. The authors interpret the gene data as a possible explanation for the diversity of effects; most of the proposed pathways have not been validated in controlled human studies.

Mouse scald burn model and HUVEC: liposome-encapsulated vs free GHK-Cu, vessel counts and proliferation markers

Wang X, Liu B, Xu Q, et al.·2017·PMID 28370978 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Full record on PubMed·DOI 10.1111/wrr.12520 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Murine scald burn model; in vitro experiments in HUVEC with nanoscale liposomes encapsulating GHK-Cu

Exposure

Liposome-encapsulated GHK-Cu vs free GHK-Cu (mice and HUVEC cultures)

Comparator

Free (non-encapsulated) GHK-Cu

In HUVEC, GHK-Cu liposomes increased the proliferation rate (by 33.1%), with higher expression of VEGF, FGF-2, CDK4 and cyclin D1. In a murine scald burn model, liposome-encapsulated and free GHK-Cu were compared on vessel counts and on CD31 and Ki67 staining (endothelial and proliferation markers) in the burned skin, and the size of the scald area was followed over time; the direction and size of these endpoints are not summarized in this profile. The results refer to a specific liposomal formulation.

Rat hindlimb ischemia model, chick chorioallantoic membrane and HUVEC: VEGFR2 expression and Akt–eNOS signaling

Hsieh MJ, Liu HT, Wang CN et al.·Journal of Molecular Medicine (Berlin)·2017·PMID 27847966 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1007/s00109-016-1488-y (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Rat hindlimb ischemia (laser Doppler, histology); chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay; tube formation in HUVEC

Exposure

BPC-157 vs no-peptide controls (ischemia model and in vitro systems)

Comparator

Controls without peptide; blockade with dynasore (endocytosis inhibitor)

In HUVEC, VEGFR2 mRNA and protein increased (VEGF-A did not), with internalization of the receptor, time-dependent activation of the VEGFR2–Akt–eNOS pathway and greater tube formation; these effects were suppressed by the endocytosis inhibitor dynasore. Vascular density in the chorioallantoic membrane assay, and blood flow (laser Doppler), vessel counts and vascular VEGFR2 in rats with hindlimb ischemia, were also measured; the direction and size of these in vivo endpoints are not summarized in this profile.

Mouse LPS-induced acute lung damage model and RAW 264.7 macrophages: cytokines, oxidative stress and lung histology

Park JR, Lee H, Kim SI, et al.·Oncotarget·2016·PMID 27517151 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.18632/oncotarget.11168 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung damage; complementary experiments in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Exposure

GHK-Cu vs LPS-only controls (mice and macrophage cultures)

Comparator

LPS-exposed animals and cultures without GHK-Cu

In macrophages and in the murine model, GHK-Cu was associated with lower production of reactive oxygen species, higher superoxide dismutase activity and lower TNF-α and IL-6 production, with suppression of NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK signaling. Pulmonary histological changes and the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung parenchyma were also assessed in the mice; their direction is not summarized in this profile. The findings are limited to this acute murine model and a macrophage cell line and have not been examined in humans.

Narrative review of in vitro, animal and gene-expression data on GHK by company-affiliated authors

Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A·BioMed Research International·2015·PMID 26236730 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1155/2015/648108 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Narrative review of in vitro and animal studies, observations in humans and gene-expression data

Narrative review proposing a role for GHK, as a copper complex, in tissue remodeling through effects on the synthesis and breakdown of glycosaminoglycans, metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, decorin, and the attraction of immune and endothelial cells; it also summarizes animal lesion models and observations in humans. It states that, according to database analyses, GHK changes the expression of thousands of human genes. The authors declare an affiliation with a company that sells GHK-Cu products.

Rat ACL reconstruction model: knee laxity, graft stiffness, maximum load, gait and histology

Fu SC, Cheuk YC, Chiu WY, et al.·Journal of Orthopaedic Research·2015·PMID 25731775 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1002/jor.22831 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Rat model of unilateral ACL reconstruction; randomization to saline or one of two GHK-Cu groups (24 animals per group)

Sample size

72

Exposure

GHK-Cu vs saline

Comparator

Saline

Knee laxity (side-to-side difference), stiffness of the graft complex, maximum load, gait parameters and histology were compared between the GHK-Cu and saline groups at 6 and 12 weeks. Differences in knee laxity and, in one GHK-Cu group, in graft stiffness were seen at 6 weeks but not at 12 weeks, and there were no differences in maximum load, gait parameters or histological scores; the authors described the effect as transient and not lasting after exposure ended. The direction of the 6-week differences is not summarized in this profile.

Rat cutaneous alkali-burn model and HUVEC: burned-skin histology, tissue VEGF and endothelial ERK1/2 signaling

Huang T, Zhang K, Sun L et al.·2015·PMID 25995620 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Full record on PubMed·DOI 10.2147/DDDT.S82030 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Cutaneous alkali burn in the rat, with histological assessment at day 18; cultured human endothelial cells (HUVEC) and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts

Exposure

BPC-157 vs no-peptide control (rat model and cell cultures)

Comparator

Model control group without peptide

In a rat cutaneous alkali-burn model, the BPC-157 and control groups were compared on the size of the burned area, granulation tissue, re-epithelialization, extracellular matrix deposition and tissue VEGF; the direction and size of these endpoints are not summarized in this profile. In HUVEC, greater proliferation, migration and tube formation were described, with regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and of c-Fos, c-Jun and Egr-1 expression; these cell findings refer to HUVEC, not to the NIH 3T3 cells also used. Study by a group independent of the originating group.

Rat Achilles-derived fibroblasts: GHR gene and protein expression, proliferation and JAK2 signaling

Chang CH, Tsai WC, Hsu YH et al.·Molecules·2014·PMID 25415472 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.3390/molecules191119066 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Primary fibroblasts isolated from rat Achilles; cDNA microarray, quantitative PCR, Western blot

Exposure

BPC-157, with and without subsequent GHR-ligand stimulation, vs no-peptide culture

Comparator

Culture without peptide

Microarray analysis identified GHR among the most strongly induced genes in Achilles-derived fibroblasts exposed to the peptide; the concentration- and time-dependent increase was confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels. Subsequent stimulation of pre-exposed cells with the GHR ligand was associated with greater proliferation (MTT, PCNA) and JAK2 activation. In vitro observation whose in vivo relevance was not assessed.

Human lung tissue gene-expression profiling, a Connectivity Map query and cultured lung fibroblasts exposed to GHK

“A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK”

Campbell JD, McDonough JE, Zeskind JE, et al.·Genome Medicine·2012·PMID 22937864 (opens PubMed in a new tab)·DOI 10.1186/gm367 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Gene-expression profiling of 64 lung tissue samples from 8 lungs of smokers with COPD; computational query of the Connectivity Map; in vitro exposure of lung fibroblasts from individuals with COPD and from former smokers without COPD to the GHK tripeptide (without copper)

Exposure

GHK tripeptide vs unexposed lung fibroblast cultures

Comparator

Unexposed fibroblasts; TGF-β as positive control

The authors identified 127 genes associated with regional emphysema severity. Using the Connectivity Map, GHK was identified as a compound predicted to reverse that gene signature and to induce patterns consistent with activation of the TGF-β pathway. In human fibroblasts, GHK reproduced TGF-β-induced expression patterns, organized the actin cytoskeleton, increased integrin β1 and restored the capacity of fibroblasts derived from COPD lungs to contract and remodel a three-dimensional gel in culture. The authors emphasized the need for further studies on the mechanism and on COPD progression.

Rat Achilles explants and Achilles-derived fibroblasts: outgrowth, survival, migration and FAK–paxillin signaling

Chang CH, Tsai WC, Lin MS et al.·Journal of Applied Physiology·2011·PMID 21030672 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1152/japplphysiol.00945.2010 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Explant cultures of rat Achilles and primary rat Achilles-derived fibroblasts

Exposure

BPC-157 vs no-peptide culture

Comparator

Culture without peptide

In rat Achilles explants, cell outgrowth was faster; fibroblast proliferation (MTT) did not change, but survival under H2O2 stress, transwell migration and cell spreading increased in a concentration-dependent manner, with F-actin formation and higher FAK and paxillin phosphorylation and no change in total protein. The authors propose the FAK–paxillin pathway as a mechanistic hypothesis.

Randomized human trial of finished products with and without GHK-Cu: blinded objective assessments and a self-rated questionnaire

Miller TR, Wagner JD, Baack BR, et al.·Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery·2006·PMID 16847171 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1001/archfaci.8.4.252 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Randomized trial of finished products with or without GHK-Cu, assessed at 12 weeks by computer-assisted analysis, blinded evaluators and a self-rated questionnaire

Sample size

13

Exposure

Finished products containing GHK-Cu

Comparator

Finished products without GHK-Cu

Thirteen participants completed the study. Computer-assisted analysis and blinded evaluators found no differences between the groups on the trial's objective measures at 12 weeks; only a self-rated questionnaire showed a difference between the groups (p = 0.04). The trial used finished products, not research material.

Rat Achilles transection model and cultured tenocytes: biomechanical, functional and histological endpoints

Staresinic M, Sebecic B, Patrlj L et al.·Journal of Orthopaedic Research·2003·PMID 14554208 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1016/S0736-0266(03)00110-4 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Complete Achilles tenotomy in the rat; cultured tenocytes exposed to 4-hydroxynonenal

Exposure

BPC-157 vs saline vehicle

Comparator

Saline

After complete Achilles tenotomy in rats, the BPC-157 and saline groups were compared on biomechanical measures (load to failure, Young's modulus), the Achilles functional index, the size of the macroscopic defect and histology (inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, reticulin and fibrillar extracellular matrix); the direction and size of the differences are not summarized in this profile. In cultured tenocytes, the peptide alone did not change growth but counteracted the growth inhibition caused by the aldehyde 4-hydroxynonenal.

Dermal fibroblast cultures: MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 with GHK-Cu, copper ions and copper-free GHK

Life Sciences·2000·PMID 11045606 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Full record on PubMed·DOI 10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00803-1 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Dermal fibroblast cultures; measurement of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in conditioned media

Exposure

GHK-Cu vs copper ions alone vs copper-free GHK tripeptide

Comparator

Control cultures; copper-free GHK; copper ions alone

GHK-Cu increased MMP-2 levels and MMP-2 mRNA in cultured fibroblasts and increased the secretion of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. The effect on MMP-2 was reproduced by copper ions but not by the copper-free GHK tripeptide, pointing to a substantial contribution of the metal to the observed activity.

Rat gastric and duodenal lesion models (restraint stress, cysteamine, ethanol): lesion counts and mucosal endothelium

Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Grabarevic Z et al.·Life Sciences·1994·PMID 7904712 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1016/0024-3205(94)00796-9 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Rat models of gastric and duodenal lesions (restraint stress, cysteamine, 96% ethanol)

Exposure

BPC-157 vs reference agents

Comparator

H2 receptor antagonists (famotidine, cimetidine), dopaminergic agents and gut peptides (including somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, secretin and cholecystokinin)

In three rat models of gastric and duodenal lesions, mucosal lesions were counted after BPC-157 and after each of the reference agents, and Monastral blue labeling was used to examine the mucosal endothelium. The authors report differences between BPC-157 and the reference agents; their direction and size are not summarized in this profile. Early primary study in an animal model.

Narrative review by the originating group: the BPC 157 fragment and its early rat lesion models

Sikirić P, Petek M, Rucman R et al.·Journal of Physiology, Paris·1993·PMID 8298609 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1016/0928-4257(93)90038-u (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under BPC-157

Model

Narrative review by the originating group of its own preclinical work

Early overview by the originating group of its own work. It refers back to the group's isolation of a gastric juice peptide (BPC, Mr about 40,000), presents the fully characterized 15-amino-acid fragment BPC 157, which the authors consider essential for the activity they studied, and sets out their hypothesis that the stomach mediates responses to stress in other organs. It summarizes the group's lesion models in several organs and proposes the peptide as a possible endogenous mediator.

Rat implanted-chamber model: composition of the tissue formed inside the chamber

Maquart FX, Bellon G, Chaqour B, et al.·Journal of Clinical Investigation·1993·PMID 8227353 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1172/JCI116842 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Experimental chamber model (steel mesh cylinders implanted in rats)

Exposure

GHK-Cu vs saline or a control tripeptide

Comparator

Saline; control tripeptide L-glutamyl-L-histidyl-L-proline

The tissue formed inside chambers exposed to GHK-Cu, saline or a control tripeptide was analyzed for dry weight, DNA, total protein, glycosaminoglycans (including the relative proportion of dermatan sulfate), type I and type III procollagen mRNA and TGF-β mRNA. The direction and size of these endpoints are not summarized in this profile.

Normal human fibroblast cultures: synthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid

“Stimulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+”

Wegrowski Y, Maquart FX, Borel JP·Life Sciences·1992·PMID 1522753 (opens PubMed in a new tab)·DOI 10.1016/0024-3205(92)90504-i (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Normal human fibroblast cultures; labeling with tritiated glucosamine and 35S-sulfate to quantify glycosaminoglycans

Exposure

GHK-Cu vs no-GHK-Cu culture

Comparator

Control cultures without GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu induced a biphasic, concentration-dependent increase in total glycosaminoglycan synthesis, with a maximum in the nanomolar range; at higher concentrations, synthesis returned to control levels. It preferentially increased the synthesis of extracellular dermatan sulfate and cell-layer-associated heparan sulfate, without affecting hyaluronic acid synthesis.

Randomized, evaluator-blinded human trial: a finished tripeptide-copper formulation, an active comparator and an inert vehicle

Bishop JB, Phillips LG, Mustoe TA, et al.·Journal of Vascular Surgery·1992·PMID 1495150 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1067/mva.1992.37086 (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Prospective, randomized, evaluator-blinded trial of three finished formulations

Sample size

86

Exposure

Finished formulation containing a tripeptide-copper complex

Comparator

Active comparator formulation; inert vehicle (placebo)

Among 86 evaluable participants, the active comparator outperformed both the tripeptide-copper formulation and the inert vehicle on the trial's primary measure, and no advantage of the tripeptide-copper formulation over the vehicle was reported. The trial used a finished formulation, not research material.

Fibroblast cultures: protein synthesis and cell number across GHK-Cu concentrations

Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al.·FEBS Letters·1988·PMID 3169264 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed·DOI 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x (opens the publisher record in a new tab)

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Fibroblast cultures exposed to a range of GHK-Cu concentrations; measurement of protein synthesis and cell number

Exposure

GHK-Cu vs no-GHK-Cu culture

Comparator

Control cultures without GHK-Cu

Protein synthesis by cultured fibroblasts was measured across a range of GHK-Cu concentrations, from picomolar to nanomolar, together with cell number, which did not change. The protein measured and the direction of the result are described in the original record. The authors noted that the Gly-His-Lys sequence occurs in the α2(I) chain of type I procollagen and proposed it as a possible physiological origin of the peptide.

Normal and neoplastic liver cells in culture: survival and growth with a tripeptide from human serum

Pickart L, Thaler MM·Nature New Biology·1973·PMID 4349963 (opens PubMed in a new tab)Title on PubMed

Filed under GHK-Cu

Model

Normal and neoplastic liver cells in culture exposed to a tripeptide from human serum; design details are not available in the indexed record

Exposure

Tripeptide from human serum

Discovery work for the GHK tripeptide. The authors described a tripeptide in human serum that prolonged the survival of normal liver cells in culture and increased the growth of neoplastic liver cells. PubMed has no abstract for this record, so the cell source, design and quantitative details could not be verified.