GHK Cu is a naturally occurring peptide first isolated from human blood plasma. It has since been identified in urine and saliva as well. Research into GHK Cu has found the short peptide to have substantial benefits in wound healing and immune function. It has anti-aging properties and has been found to suppress free-radical damage, increase protein synthesis, fight bacteria, and increase the health of skin and skin fibroblasts.
1. GHK-Cu and Skin Healing
GHK Cu is a natural part of human blood and, as such, has been found to play an integral role in skin regeneration pathways. Research in skin cultures has found that GHK stimulates the synthesis and breakdown of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and other extracellular matrix components like proteoglycans and chondroitin sulfate. At least part of this effect is mediated through the positive recruitment benefits that GHK Cu has on fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. The peptide draws these cells to the site of injury and appears to coordinate their activity in repairing the damage
GHK Cu is a common component of skin-care and cosmetic products. It improves elasticity of the skin while tightening and firming. It has also been shown to reduce damage due to sunlight, reduce hyperpigmentation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The ability of GHK Cu to modulate collagen synthesis is important in reducing the appearance of scars, preventing hypertrophic healing from taking place, smoothing rough skin, and repair the structure of aged skin. These roles of GHK Cu are mediated partly though its ability to boost levels of transforming growth factor-B. It is likely that the peptide works through several different biochemical pathways and that it has effects and the level of gene transcription.
Research in mice shows that GHK Cu increases the rate of healing following burn by as much as 33%. It appears that besides recruiting immune cells and fibroblasts to the site of injury, GHK Cu also encourages the growth of blood vessels Burned skin is often slow to regrow blood vessels due to the cauterization effect, so these findings open up a new pathway for improving wound care in burn units and accelerating healing.
2. GHK-Cu and Bacteria
The invasion of tissue by foreign pathogens is one of the primary reasons that wounds are slow to heal or do not heal at all. Bacterial and fungal infections are particularly problematic in burn patients and in those with compromised immune systems (e.g. diabetes, HIV). GHK Cu, when combined with certain fatty acids, creates a potent antimicrobial compound that is active against a number of bacteria and fungi known to complicate wound healing.
Research in diabetic patients has shown that GHK Cu is superior to standard care regimens alone in the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Patients given both standard care and GHK-Cu showed a ~40% increase in wound closure and a 27% decrease in rates of infection compared to control groups []. Similar results were seen in patients with ischemic open wounds.
. GHK-Cu, Cognition and Nervous System Function
The death of neurons due to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s is poorly understood. This makes it difficult to develop treatments, and those that are available are generally of limited efficacy. Research, however, suggests that GHK Cu can counter the age-associated decline in neuron function that often underlies these diseases. Research shows that GHK Cu can improve angiogenesis in the nervous system, boost nerve outgrowth, and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. There is even evidence that GHK Cu can reset pathological gene expression and help to recreate a state of health in dysfunctional systems.
GHK Cu is found in high concentrations in the brain, though levels of the peptide decline with age. There is a thought, among scientists, that GHK Cu may protect nervous system tissues against natural insults such as gene dysregulation and that it is the decline in GHK Cu with age, and not the onset of new disease processes, that actually leads to neurodegeneration.
4. GHK-Cu and Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Research in mice shows that GHK Cu can protect the lungs against fibrosis that occurs following therapy with the cancer drug bleomycin. This could pave the way for using GHK Cu as a chemotherapy adjuvant that allows doses of these life-saving medications to be increased without risk of increased side effects. The study when a step farther, than usual, by identifying the likely pathway by which GHKC Cu protects against fibrosis. It appears that the peptide regulations TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels, both of which act as inflammatory molecules and affect the extracellular matrix and smooth muscle of the lung. By reducing inflammation in the lungs, GHK Cu prevents fibrotic remodeling from taking place and improves collagen deposition.
Similar benefit of GHK Cu in protecting lungs was found in mouse models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an inflammatory lung condition that can develop rapidly and be fatal. ARDS is associated with injury, infection, and certain drugs like those used in chemotherapy. Once again, GHK Cu appeared to mediate its effects through decreased TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression.
5. GHK-Cu and Pain Reduction
In rat models, the administration of GHK Cu had a dose-dependent effect on pain-induced behavior. The peptide appears to have analgesic effects that are produced through increased levels of the natural painkiller L-lysine. Similar research has found that the peptide can also increase levels of L-arginine, another analgesic amino acid. These findings open up new avenues for pain control that do not rely on addictive opiate medications or NSAIDs, which have been found to have negative effects on the heart
GHK Cu exhibits minimal side effects, low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg dosage in mice does not scale to humans. GHK Cu for sale at Peptide Sciences is limited to educational and scientific research only, not for human consumption. Only buy GHK Cu if you are a licensed researcher.
Tyler White –
Simple, clean, and does what it promises.
Emily Stevens –
A staple in my anti-aging arsenal.
Joseph Clark –
Helped with redness and post-acne marks.
Brandon Lee –
Would recommend to anyone looking for smoother skin.
Rachel Adam –
A powerful dose! I saw faster results in firmness.
Daniel Mitchell –
Pricey, but worth it for the visible change in texture.
Lisa Grant –
My skin glows after using this consistently.
Jason Cooper –
A little goes a long way. Impressive potency.
Olivia Scott –
Excellent for mature skin. My go-to product now.