GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu Overview

GHK-Cu is a human tripeptide complex characterized by its high affinity for copper ions. Originally isolated from blood plasma, this molecule is a central player in the human body’s natural biochemical repair toolkit. It acts as a biological response modifier, influencing tissue remodeling and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Research suggests that GHK-Cu acts at the level of gene expression, effectively resetting thousands of human genes to a more youthful state. Its broad range of effects includes stimulating skin renewal, providing antioxidant defense, and exhibiting neuroprotective qualities.

GHK-Cu Structure

• Peptide Identification: Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper
• Chemical Formula: C14H21CuN6O4
• Structure Solution: The molecular structure is formed by the tripeptide GHK binding to a copper ion. In this solution, the copper atom is coordinated by the nitrogen of the glycine amino group, two amide nitrogens from the peptide backbone, and the nitrogen of the histidine imidazole group, resulting in a stable, bioactive chelate.

GHK-Cu Research

Research Objective

Mechanism of Action

Primary Findings

Dermal Restoration

Extracellular matrix modulation

Increased collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis

Pathogen Defense

Antimicrobial fatty acid conjugation

Significant reduction in wound infection rates

Neuro-Regeneration

VEGF pathway and NGF boost

Enhanced angiogenesis and reduced neuron loss

Pulmonary Protection

Inflammatory cytokine suppression

Mitigation of ARDS and chemotherapy side effects

Analgesia

L-Arginine level modulation

Dose-dependent reduction in pain behavior

1. GHK-Cu and Skin Healing

GHK-Cu is a fundamental signaling molecule in the skin's regenerative process. Research in cell cultures indicates that the peptide stimulates both the production and the controlled breakdown of collagen and proteoglycans. By coordinating the activity of fibroblasts and immune cells at injury sites, GHK-Cu helps transition the skin from an inflammatory state to a remodeling state. It has been shown to improve skin density, reduce the depth of fine lines, and repair the structural integrity of aged skin by increasing levels of transforming growth factor-beta.

2. GHK-Cu and Bacteria

Microbial management is essential for successful wound closure. GHK-Cu research demonstrates that when the peptide is combined with specific fatty acids, it creates a powerful antimicrobial barrier. In clinical studies focusing on diabetic ulcers, GHK-Cu therapy resulted in a 40 percent improvement in healing rates and a 27 percent decrease in infection compared to conventional treatments.

3. GHK-Cu, Cognition and Nervous System Function

Neurological health is heavily influenced by GHK-Cu levels, which naturally decline with age. Studies suggest that the peptide can help outpace neuron loss by promoting blood vessel growth in the nervous system and increasing nerve growth factors. In rodent stroke models, GHK-Cu inhibited the death of neurons by modulating the miR-339-5p and VEGFA pathways, offering a potential avenue for research into neurodegenerative diseases.

4. GHK-Cu and Side Effects of Chemotherapy

In mouse models, GHK-Cu has shown a protective effect against lung fibrosis caused by the chemotherapy agent bleomycin. It works by suppressing pro-inflammatory molecules like TNF alpha and IL-6. This anti-inflammatory action is also beneficial in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where GHK-Cu helped maintain respiratory function and prevent life-threatening lung remodeling.

5. GHK-Cu and Pain Reduction

Data from rat models suggests that GHK-Cu acts as a peripheral analgesic. The peptide appears to influence pain sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner by increasing the availability of L-arginine. This research provides a foundation for developing non-opioid pain management strategies that avoid the cardiovascular side effects common in NSAIDs.

Article Author

The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Scientific Journal Author

Loren Pickart, Ph.D. has released 109 publications and is developing patents and analyzing GHK's effects on human gene expression of 4,150 genes. In GHK's published potential uses on skin inflammation, metastatic cancer and COPD, it appears to have beneficial effects on other tissue systems such as the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and mitochondrial sys1tem.

Loren Pickart, Ph.D is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of GHK-Cu. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or supporting the product nor is there any known or suggested connection, financial or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Peptide Sciences and this doctor.

Referenced Citations

1. L. Pickart, J. M. Vasquez-Soltero, and A. Margulies, "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration," BioMed Res. Int., vol. 2015, p. 648108, 2015.
2. A. Gruchlik, E. Chodurek, and Z. Dzierzewicz, "Effect of GLY-HIS-LYS and its copper complex on TGF-beta secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts," Acta Pol. Pharm., vol. 71, no. 6, pp. 954-958, Dec. 2014.
3. L. Pickart and A. Margulies, "Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data," Int. J. Mol. Sci., vol. 19, no. 7, Jul. 2018.2
4. X. Wang et al., "GHK-Cu liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogen3esis," Wound Repair Regen., vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 270–278, 2017.
5. M. Kulawska et al., "In vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates as potential candidates for therapeutics," Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 542–546, 2015.
6. G. D. Mulder et al., "Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper," Wound Repair Regen., vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 259–269, 1994.
7. S. O. Canapp et al., "The effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds," Vet. Surg., vol. 32, no. 6, pp. 515–523, 2003.
8. L. Pickart et al., "The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function," Brain Sci., vol. 7, no. 2, 2017.
9. H. Zhang et al., "GHK Alleviates Neuronal Apoptosis via the miR-339-5p/VEGFA Pathway," Neuropsychiatric Dis. Treat., vol. 12, p. 644, 2018.
10. X. M. Zhou et al., "GHK Peptide Inhibits Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice," Front. Pharmacol., vol. 8, p. 904, 2017.
11. J.-R. Park et al., "The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice," Oncotarget, vol. 7, no. 35, pp. 58405–58417, 2016.
12. L. A. Senel-yanova and M. E. Delighiaey, "Effects of Tripeptide Gly His Lys in Pain-Induced Aggressive-Defensive Behavior in Rats," Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 164, no. 2, pp. 140–143, 2017.
13. L. A. Senel-yanova and D. V. Proshiov, "Binding of Oligopeptides to L-Arginine Inverts Its Analgesic Effects," Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 165, no. 5, pp. 621–624, 2018.

Storage

Store GHK-Cu in a cool, dry place. For long-term preservation of the lyophilized powder, it is recommended to keep it at minus 20 degrees Celsius. Once the peptide is reconstituted, store the liquid solution in a refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Keep the vial protected from light to maintain chemical stability.