GHK-CU

With age, GHK-Cu gradually disappears from the blood. That observation is the starting point for five decades of research into the tripeptide of glycine, histidine and lysine, which binds copper ions and was first obtained from human plasma in the early 1970s. Because the level declines, the molecule became a core topic of ageing and skin regeneration research.

Activity shows up at tiny concentrations of 1 to 10 nanomolar. The cell types in which it has been described in vitro include dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes and endothelial cells.

What preclinical and in vitro work attributes to the copper peptide:

• more collagen and glycosaminoglycans
• regulation of metalloproteinases and their counterparts
• a push towards new vessel formation
• antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action
• activation of genes that take part in tissue repair

When applied to the skin, studies measured denser, more elastic skin and more type I collagen. Beyond that, findings exist for lung, bone, liver and gastric mucosa.

The molecule has one weak spot: it is attacked by carboxypeptidases. Research therefore often works with stabilised formulations or combines GHK-Cu with other peptides. In regeneration and anti-ageing research it nevertheless counts among the most thoroughly examined peptides of all. If you search the literature, you will find more review articles on it than on almost any other peptide.

Across five decades of research a mild profile is documented, above all for application to the skin and for low subcutaneous amounts. For systemic administration and for long periods there are no solid human data; the assessment rests on cell models, topical studies and short periods of experience.

• Injection site: redness, a feeling of pressure or a brief irritation after subcutaneous administration, the most frequent observation.
• Copper: as a copper complex, GHK-Cu tends to irritate the injection site slightly more than copper-free peptides. With very high or very frequent amounts the literature debates a theoretical danger of copper building up in the body.
• Circulation: isolated reports mention brief tiredness or a sensation of warmth after administration.

This summary is no substitute for medical advice.

• GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration - broad review of the signalling routes GHK sets in motion in skin.
• Regenerative and Protective Actions of GHK-Cu in the Light of New Gene Data - gene expression data on protective and regenerative effects.
• Nanoengineered Self-Assembling Peptides Promote Wound Healing - recent work on stabilised formulations of the peptide.
• GHK and DNA: Resetting the Human Genome to Health - gene expression analysis: GHK alters the activity of more than 4000 genes.