This essay will explore the various health benefits of GHK-Cu, a naturally occurring compound in human plasma. These benefits include GHK-Cu’s potential ability to reduce pain and relieve anxiety.
Recent years have shown promising evidence for the health advantages of peptides. One naturally occurring peptide has several biological functions in the human body, even though many synthetic peptides have been generated via artificial synthesis and cutting-edge scientific technology.
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Copper in the form known as GHK-Cu
Composed of only three amino acids—glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine—GHK-Cu is a copper-binding peptide found in nature. For those wondering, “Cu” stands for “copper,” the element’s chemical symbol.
The tiny tripeptide GHK-Cu (Copper) circulates in human plasma and is secreted in response to damage. Since its discovery, the peptide GHK-Cu has provided several health benefits, particularly in wound healing and tissue regeneration.
However, as one age, GHK-Cu levels in the body drop, diminishing its effectiveness. GHK-Cu levels are typically approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 and fall to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60. This prompted researchers to begin artificially synthesizing GHK-Cu, which is now widely accessible in the market and also utilized in cosmetics to assist in maintaining the correct amounts in the body as required.
Genesis of Peptides
Scientist Loren Pickart made the first discovery of GHK-Cu in 1973. Researchers discovered increased amounts of fibrinogen while examining liver cells from subjects aged 60-80. Isolating and incubating these liver tissues in the blood of younger participants revealed that their functioning was restored, and levels were lowered virtually to the same amount as in the liver tissue of younger patients. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine peptide (GHK peptide) is a growth-modulating peptide that was eventually identified as the cause.
This page discusses the results of many experiments conducted to determine the full extent of the peptide’s potency and mechanism.
To what end does Copper Peptide serve?
Nanomolar levels of plasma GHK peptides have been shown in studies to elicit various reactions in cell cultures, from growth promotion to harmful cell differentiation.
The peptide was shown to have chelating characteristics during isolation, as it would co-isolate with about the same number of copper ions and one-fifth of the iron observed in the cells. The peptide’s full efficacy only became apparent after being incubated in the separated cells as a bound complex with molecules of copper and iron. This research established that GHK peptide is strongly attracted to copper ions and can easily combine with copper II ions to create a complex.
In 2010, researchers discovered a previously unknown method by which the peptide exerts its regulatory influence. Studies have proven that the peptide may reset the genome to a healthy state by influencing gene expression. This method is how GHK-Cu peptide may cure cancerous and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cells.
The Copper peptide has several advantages.
The following are some of the health advantages associated with GHK-Cu peptide:
- Anti-aging properties: may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore the skin’s elasticity.
- Capable of repairing the skin’s protein barrier, skin regeneration qualities
- Intensify the skin’s firmness and elasticity and lessen the appearance of fine wrinkles to improve its overall structure.
- Improves skin’s appearance by reducing hyperpigmentation and the appearance of scars
- Activate the body’s natural ability to mend injuries and damaged tissue
- Reduce swelling and pain
- Increase the size of hair follicles, stimulating hair development and thickness.
- Contain free radical-scavenging abilities
- Having the ability to restructure genes, perhaps resulting in anticancer effects.
Laboratory and Non-Human Subjects Research
Some preliminary research on the function of the naturally occurring GHK peptide. This research from the 1980s proved the natural peptide’s biological significance in the recovery from injury.
Human plasma contains a peptide called GHK. When released, it interacts with copper (II) ions at the injury site thanks to its high copper affinity, causing an increase in total protein and DNA accumulation.
In this experiment, rats with skin wounds were employed. GHK peptide was released at the site of damage. At the location of damage, ’emergency response molecules’ were released from the matrix. Freed GHK would bind to Cu ions in the blood, stimulating the production of the decorin protein.
Collagen production, wound healing and the body’s natural defenses against tumors are all governed by the decorin protein.
Research conducted in the 2000s showed that GHK-Cu peptide not only promotes collagen synthesis but also increases the formation of the tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. This indicates that GHK-Cu controls skin cells’ formation and death, suggesting that specialists should use it with care.
Research Showing the Effectiveness of GHK-Cu in Treating Wounds
Comparative studies on rabbits using zinc oxide
The primary goal of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a GHK-Cu peptide combination administered topically to open wounds against a zinc oxide control.
This research employed 18 New Zealand white rabbits, split into three groups: one given GHK-Cu, another given zinc oxide, and the third given a placebo. Each rabbit had a full-thickness incision, and for 21 days, researchers treated that lesion with the appropriate chemical.
On the 21st day, those who were given the GHK-Cu peptide combination had more successful healing than those who had been given zinc oxide and a placebo.
Preliminary research shows that some peptides have anticancer effects.
This research from 1983 looked at how sarcoma (tumor) cell proliferation was affected by a combination of GHK-Cu complex and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). In this experiment, 180 cancer-ridden mice were given this concoction. The combination used in this investigation was effective since it significantly slowed the development of cancerous cells in the mice used in the experiment.
Researchers didn’t share this data with the world until 2014, but it helped back up the subsequent finding of GHK-Cu peptide’s tissue-remodeling actions.
The expression of caspase and its related genes, as well as genes involved in DNA repair, were shown to be elevated after treatment with the GHK-Cu peptide combination. The 1983 research backed up the idea that they have cancer-fighting properties.
Several studies have proven that in addition to its pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing effects, GHK-Cu possesses anti-aggressive qualities. Click here if you are a licensed professional interested in further studying this compound.