What is copper peptide GHK Cu?
GHK Cu is a peptide naturally present in human plasma, urine, and saliva. In 1973, Dr. Roland Picat first discovered GHK Cu, which played an important role in promoting wound healing and stimulating collagen production. Since its discovery, researchers have explored various biological activities of GHK Cu, including its role in regulating gene expression, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammation.
A key characteristic of GHK Cu is its ability to bind with copper ions. Copper is an important cofactor in various enzyme reactions, especially those involved in antioxidant defense and inflammatory responses. By binding with copper, GHK Cu enhances the body’s natural ability to combat inflammation and oxidative damage, making it an attractive target for therapeutic interventions.
Anti-inflammatory mechanism of copper peptide GHK cu
GHK Cu works in multiple pathways within the human body, primarily due to its unique peptide sequence and copper’s ability to support various biological functions. At the site of tissue injury, GHK Cu acts as a chemical inducer, attracting mast cells and macrophages, and then releasing proteins that stimulate tissue growth and repair. GHK Cu has a dual function in healing, as it can remove scar tissue and replace it with healthy tissue.
It particularly promotes the activity of fibroblasts and increases the production of mRNA and proteins required for tissue repair, such as collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and proteoglycans. In addition, it can enhance the production of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, which can eliminate damaged proteins while reducing levels of TGF – β, a protein that triggers scar formation.
GHK Cu can also enhance collagen synthesis in chondrocytes in bones, thereby supporting bone growth and attachment of osteoblasts, promoting bone formation. It plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, providing necessary copper for developing blood vessels, which is essential for tissue survival. In the nervous system, GHK Cu stimulates the differentiation and growth of neuronal axons, which contributes to normal neural function. In addition, it can also block the release of harmful free iron after injury, thereby preventing iron catalyzed lipid peroxidation. These tissue repair mechanisms are beneficial for various tissues, including skin, hair follicles, bones, stomach walls, and nails.
Antioxidant and free radical protection
In addition to anti-inflammatory effects, GHK Cu also has strong antioxidant properties. When the production of free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells) is imbalanced with the body’s detoxification ability, oxidative stress occurs. Chronic oxidative stress is a major factor in the development of inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.
GHK Cu can inhibit lipid peroxidation, a process in which free radicals attack lipids (fats) in the cell membrane, leading to cell damage. By binding with copper ions, GHK Cu enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that neutralizes harmful free radicals. This helps protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.
In addition, GHK Cu has been shown to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are highly reactive molecules that can cause oxidative stress. By neutralizing ROS, GHK Cu helps prevent activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, further reducing the risk of chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
