GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu Overview

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper) is a naturally occurring copper complex first isolated from human plasma. It serves as a critical signaling peptide, with concentrations that naturally peak during youth and decline as the body ages. Scientific investigation into GHK-Cu has revealed that this short peptide possesses significant advantages in wound healing, immune system regulation, and tissue remodeling. Beyond its anti-aging characteristics, it has been shown to inhibit free-radical damage, enhance protein synthesis, and improve the health of skin fibroblasts.

GHK-Cu Structure

• Chemical Name: Copper glycyl-histidyl-lysine
• Molecular Formula: C14H21CuN6O4
• Structure Solution: The GHK-Cu complex consists of a tripeptide sequence (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine) that forms a high-affinity coordinate bond with a copper (II) ion. The nitrogen atoms from the peptide backbone and the imidazole side chain of the histidine residue wrap around the copper ion, creating a stable chelate structure that facilitates cellular uptake and biological activity.

GHK-Cu Research

Research Area

Primary Biological Mechanism

Observed Clinical Outcome

Dermatology

Collagen and GAG synthesis stimulation

Improved skin firmness and elasticity

Wound Care

Recruitment of fibroblasts and immune cells

33% increase in burn healing rates

Neurology

Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis

Reduced neurodegeneration in stroke models

Immunology

Cytokine (TNF-alpha and IL-6) modulation

Reduced pulmonary inflammation

Microbiology

Synergistic antimicrobial activity

27% reduction in infection rates

1. GHK-Cu and Skin Healing

GHK-Cu is an essential component of the human blood system, playing an integral role in skin regeneration pathways. Investigation in skin cultures has demonstrated that GHK stimulates the synthesis and breakdown of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and other extracellular matrix components like proteoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. This effect is mediated through the positive recruitment of fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells to the site of injury. Studies indicate that GHK-Cu improves skin elasticity, tightens the dermis, and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and fine lines.

2. GHK-Cu and Bacteria

Bacterial and fungal infections often stall the healing process, especially in immunocompromised patients. GHK-Cu, when combined with specific fatty acids, creates a potent antimicrobial compound. Research in diabetic patients showed that GHK-Cu outperformed standard care for diabetic ulcers, showing a 40% increase in wound closure.

3. GHK-Cu, Cognition and Nervous System Function

Research suggests that GHK-Cu can counteract age-associated neuron loss. It has been shown to improve angiogenesis in the nervous system and boost nerve growth factor. In rat models, GHK-Cu prevented apoptosis following brain bleeds by acting on the miR-339-5p/VEGFA pathway, drastically reducing the death of neurons.

4. GHK-Cu and Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Research in mice shows that GHK-Cu protects lung tissue from fibrosis caused by bleomycin. By reprogramming TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels, the peptide reduces inflammation in the lungs and prevents fibrotic remodeling, which could allow for higher therapeutic doses of life-saving medications.

5. GHK-Cu and Pain Reduction

In rat models, GHK-Cu demonstrated a dose-dependent analgesic effect. It is thought to increase levels of L-arginine, providing a potential pathway for pain control that avoids the addictive properties or cardiovascular risks associated with traditional medications.

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 system.

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 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 angiogenesis," 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

GHK-Cu should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage of the lyophilized powder, a temperature of minus 20 degrees Celsius is recommended. Once reconstituted into a liquid solution, the product must be kept refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and should be used within the appropriate timeframe to ensure stability.