Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO₂ Laser–Resurfaced Skin

Abstract

To evaluate the role of skin care products that contain a copper tripeptide complex, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu 2ϩ (GHK-Cu), in treating carbon dioxide (CO 2) laser-resurfaced skin. Methods: Patients meeting the inclusion criteria underwent circumoral skin resurfacing using a CO 2 laser at standard settings. Patients were then randomized to receive posttreatment skin regimens with or without GHK-Cu. Evaluations for erythema throughout the posttreatment period were performed using computer software and blinded evaluators. In addition, overall improvement in wrinkles and overall improvement in skin appearance 12 weeks after treatment were assessed. Patients completed a validated questionnaire before and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: Thirteen patients completed the study. Computer analysis and blinded evaluators found no statistically significant differences between groups for earlier resolution of erythema. All the patients experienced significant improvement in wrinkles and overall skin quality, but no differences were found between groups. The results of the questionnaire indicated a significant difference in the posttreatment improvement of overall skin quality for patients using GHK-Cu (P =.04). Conclusions: Copper tripeptide complex (GHK-Cu) skin care products placed on CO 2 laser-resurfaced skin offered no significant reduction or resolution of posttreatment erythema. Objective evaluation found no significant improvement in wrinkles or overall skin quality. However, patient satisfaction was significantly higher for those who used GHK-Cu skin care products after CO 2 laser skin resurfacing.

Selected Biomarkers Revealed Potential Skin Toxicity Caused by Certain Copper Compounds

“…These copper nanoparticles-mediated drug delivery systems can significantly increase the permeability of drug and enable controlled transdermal drug delivery10. With developments in novel skin permeation enhancing methods such as microneedles and laser, copper compounds can potentially be used on skin for cosmeceutical or medicinal purposes51112. Efficacy and safety studies are equally important for the successful development of such delivery systems.…”

Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on Wound Healing in an Irradiated Rat Model

“…In the current study, ischemia trended toward being greater in the GHK‐Cu group as compared to the test group, but this was not statistically significant. This is contrary to prior animal and human studies reporting improved wound healing 7‐12 . We sought to explain the clinical effects at a molecular level through analysis of angiogenesis via caveolin‐1 and VEGF expression.…”

“…We sought to perform the first study evaluating the effects of topical GHK‐Cu on irradiated soft tissue wound healing and did so using objective analysis of flap survival in an ischemic model and of angiogenesis through caveolin‐1 and VEGF analyses. This is the first in vivo study evaluating GHK‐Cu as applied topically to closed wounds; prior models used either subcutaneous impregnation in closed wounds 7‐9 or topical application to open wounds 10‐12 . The topical application was chosen because ultimately, patients at high risk for wound healing complications, such as those treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, have closed wounds after salvage surgery.…”

“…This is the first in vivo study evaluating GHK-Cu as applied topically to closed wounds; prior models used either subcutaneous impregnation in closed wounds [7][8][9] or topical application to open wounds. [10][11][12] The topical application was chosen because ultimately, patients at high risk for wound healing complications, such as those treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, have closed wounds after salvage surgery. Note.…”

“…In vivo rat studies have repeatedly demonstrated improved healing in dorsal soft tissue wounds treated with GHK‐Cu, 7‐9 but this has never been evaluated in an irradiated model. Randomized, evaluator‐blinded, placebo‐controlled human clinical trials utilizing topical GHK‐Cu have shown improved wound closure and infection rates in diabetic neuopathic ulcers 10 and higher patient satisfaction in healing results following circumoral CO2 laser resurfacing 11 …”