Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

Abstract

The human peptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) has multiple biological actions, all of which, according to our current knowledge, appear to be health positive. It stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, increases collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, as well as supports the function of dermal fibroblasts. GHK’s ability to improve tissue repair has been demonstrated for skin, lung connective tissue, boney tissue, liver, and stomach lining. GHK has also been found to possess powerful cell protective actions, such as multiple anti-cancer activities and anti-inflammatory actions, lung protection and restoration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fibroblasts, suppression of molecules thought to accelerate the diseases of aging such as NFκB, anti-anxiety, anti-pain and anti-aggression activities, DNA repair, and activation of cell cleansing via the proteasome system. Recent genetic data may explain such diverse protective and healing actions of one molecule, revealing multiple biochemical pathways regulated by GHK.

Growth‐Factor Free Multicomponent Nanocomposite Hydrogels That Stimulate Bone Formation

“…We used HA to provide a rich and biocompatible ECM macromolecule, which was functionalized with Tyr ( HA‐Tyr ) to control stability through enzyme‐mediated oxidative coupling as previously described by Eglin and co‐workers 47. To further enhance the hydrogel's structural integrity and bioactivity, we designed PA molecules to coassemble with HA‐Tyr through electrostatic interactions into nanofibers that exhibit the proangiogenic osteonectin fragment glycine‐histidine‐lysine ( GHK‐Cu 2+ ) 48. In addition, Laponite discs ( Lap) were incorporated to provide a distinctive dual‐charged structure (i.e., positive rim and negative face charge of the nanaosilicate disc) that would facilitate interaction with both the anionic charged HA‐Tyr and the cationic PA ( GHK‐Cu 2+ ).…”

Triggering Cu-coordination change in Cu(ii)-Ala-His-His by external ligands

“…1,7 GHK possesses a variety of Cu-dependent biological activities, such as acceleration of wound healing and tissue remodeling. 8 HSA is a well-established Cu carrier in the blood. These sites are specific for Cu(II) ions over the other essential metal ions in humans and the respective complexes have been thoroughly described (Scheme 1).…”

Long-Term Oral Administration of LLHK, LHK, and HK Alters Gene Expression Profile and Restores Age-Dependent Atrophy and Dysfunction of Rat Salivary Glands

“…Gly-His-Lys (GHK) is a peptide isolated from human serum [29] that has various biological functions, including in liver growth, angiogenesis, and nerve outgrowth, as well as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-pain, and cell protective and regenerative actions [30]. GHK has also been shown to act on the expression of genes relevant to nervous system functioning and cognitive decline [31].…”