What is ghk cu?

Copper peptide GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. The tripeptide has strong affinity for copper(II) and was first isolated from human plasma. It can be found also in saliva and urine.

Several copper(II)-peptide complexes occur naturally. In human plasma, the level of GHK-Cu is about 200 ng/ml at age 20. By the age of 60, the level drops to 80 ng/ml. In humans, GHK-Cu is proposed to promote wound healing, attraction of immune cells, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in skin fibroblasts and promotion of blood vessels growth. Recent studies revealed its ability to modulate expression of a large number of human genes, generally reversing gene expression to a healthier state. Synthetic GHK-Cu is used in cosmetics as a reparative and anti-aging ingredient.

Loren Pickart isolated the copper peptide GHK-Cu from human plasma albumin in 1973. It was noticed that liver tissue obtained from patients aged 60 to 80 years had an increased level of fibrinogen. However, when liver cells from old patients were incubated in the blood from the younger group, the older cells started functioning in nearly the same way as the younger liver tissue. It turned out that this effect was due to a small peptide factor that behaved similarly to the synthetic peptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). Pickart proposed that this activity in human plasma albumin was a tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and that it might function by chelating metal ions.

In 1977, the growth modulating peptide was shown to be a glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It is proposed that GHK-Cu modulates copper intake into cells.

In the late 1980s, copper peptide GHK-Cu started attracting attention as a promising wound healing agent. At picomolar to nanomolar concentrations, GHK-Cu stimulated the synthesis of collagen in skin fibroblasts, increased accumulation of total proteins, glycosaminoglycans (in a biphasic curve) and DNA in the dermal wounds in rats. They also found out that the GHK sequence is present in collagen and suggested that the GHK peptide is released after tissue injury. They proposed a class of emergency response molecules which are released from the extracellular matrix at the site of an injury. GHK-Cu also increased synthesis of decorin – a small proteoglycan involved in the regulation of collagen synthesis, wound healing regulation and anti-tumor defense.

It was also established that GHK-Cu stimulates both the synthesis of metalloproteinases, the enzymes which break down dermal proteins, and their inhibitors (anti-proteases). The fact that GHK-Cu not only stimulates the production of dermal components, but also regulates their breakdown suggests that it should be used with caution.

A series of animal experiments established pronounced wound healing activity of GHK-Cu. In the dermal wounds of rabbits GHK-Cu facilitated wound healing, causing better wound contraction, faster development of granular tissue and improved angiogenesis. It also elevated the level of antioxidant enzymes.

GHK-Cu has been found to induce a systemic enhancement of healing in rats, mice, and pigs; that is, the GHK-Cu peptide injected in one area of the body (such as the thigh muscles) improved healing at distant body areas (such as the ears). These treatments strongly increased healing parameters such as collagen production, angiogenesis, and wound closure in both wound chambers and full thickness wounds. In one study, full‐thickness wounds of 6 millimeters in diameter were created in an ischemic skin flap on the backs of rats, and for 13 days the wound sites were then treated daily with topical GHK or topical hydroxypropyl methylcellulose vehicle, or given no treatment. At the end of the study, the wound size had decreased by 64.5% in the GHK group; by 45.6% in the vehicle-treated group; and by 28.2% in the control group. The difference between the GHK group's wounds and those of the control group was significant, and was accompanied by significantly lower levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and elastin-degrading matrix metalloproteinases.

Biotinylated GHK-Cu was incorporated into a collagen membrane, which was used as a wound dressing. This GHK-Cu enriched material stimulated wound contraction and cell proliferation, as well as increased expression of antioxidant enzymes. The same material was tested for wound healing in diabetic rats. GHK-Cu treatment resulted in faster wound contraction and epithelization, higher level of glutathione and ascorbic acid, increased synthesis of collagen, and activation of fibroblasts and mast cells. Ischemic open wounds in rats treated with GHK-copper healed faster and had decreased concentration of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 as well as of tumor necrosis factor-beta (a major inflammatory cytokine) compared with vehicle alone or with untreated wounds.

Copper peptide GHK-Cu is widely used in anti-aging cosmetics (INCI name: Copper tripeptide-1). Several controlled facial studies confirmed anti-aging, firming and anti-wrinkle activity of copper peptide GHK-Cu.

Replacement of histidine with other amino acids showed that the glycine residue plays major role in copper binding, whereas lysine can interact with copper only at alkaline pH. At physiological pH, lysine is able to interact with a cellular receptor. The ability of GHK to interact both with copper and with a cellular receptor may allows it to transfer copper into and from cells. The small size of GHK permits speedy traveling in extracellular space and its easy access to cellular receptors.

The molecular structure of the GHK copper complex (GHK-Cu) has been determined by X-ray crystallography, EPR spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, as well as other methods such as titration. In the GHK-Cu complex, the Cu (II) ion is coordinated by the nitrogen from the imidazole side chain of the histidine, another nitrogen from the alpha-amino group of glycine and the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the glycine–histidine peptide bond. Since such a structure could not explain a high stability constant of the GHK-Cu complex (log 10 =16.44 vs. 8.68 of the GH copper complex, which is similar to the GHK-Cu structure), it was proposed that another amino group participates in the complex formation. Cu(II) is also coordinated by the oxygen from the carboxyl group of the lysine from the neighboring complex. Another carboxyl group of lysine from a neighboring complex provides the apical oxygen, resulting in the square-planar pyramid configuration. Many researchers proposed that at the physiological pH, GHK-Cu complexes can form binary and ternary structures which may involve amino acid histidine and/or the copper binding region of the albumin molecule. Lau and Sarkar found also that GHK can easily obtain copper 2+ bound to other molecules such as the high affinity copper transport site on plasma albumin (albumin binding constant log 10 =16.2 vs. GHK binding constant 16 log 10 =16.44). It has been established that copper (II) redox activity is silenced when copper ions are complexed with the GHK tripeptide, which allows the delivery of non-toxic copper into the cell.

Copper is vital for all eukaryotic organisms from microbes to humans. A dozen enzymes (cuproenzymes) use changes in copper oxidation state to catalyze important biochemical reactions including cellular respiration (cytochrome c oxidase), antioxidant defense (ceruloplasmin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), detoxification (metallothioneins), blood clotting (blood clotting factors V and VIII), melanin production (tyrosinase) and the connective tissue formation (lysyl peroxidase). Copper is required for iron metabolism, oxygenation, neurotransmission, embryonic development and many other essential biological processes. Another function of copper is signaling – for example, stem cells require a certain level of copper in the media to start their differentiation into cells needed for repair. Thus, GHK-Cu's ability to bind copper and to modulate its tissue level is a key factor determining its biological activity.

The GHK-Cu is known to be a peptide, which is a naturally occurring copper complex that has been first identified in the human plasma. It has also been found in different areas of the body, such as the saliva and the urine.

Copper peptides are usually small and are naturally occurring protein fragments. They have a high affinity for copper ions. Evidence even suggests that they are critical to normal body functions.

A lot of clinical studies have shown that GHK-Cu has different roles and benefits in the human body, including:

Clinical Evidence has even shown that GHK-Cu also acts as a feedback signal for tissue injury. Also, GHK-Cu is also known to act as a potent protector of tissue and anti-inflammatory agent, which reduces oxidative damage in tissues.

Overall, GHK-Cu has been discovered to be involved in signaling tissue remodeling. This is through removing damaged/scarred tissue and generating healthy tissue.

Studies have shown that GHK concentration decreases with age because of its concentration in the body, which might cause tissue destruction, inflammation, or cancer.

Skincare is everything.

And we tell you, that is across all ages, whether male or female.

Usually, the common things people would run to so they continue having glowy and healthy skin would be moisturizers or even sign themselves for a face spa service.

But, did you know that there’s a peptide that could help nourish our skin? Yes, I’m talking about the GHK-Cu peptide.

Let’s get to know more about it, shall we?

GHK-Cu is offered in forms of 10mg/mL subcutaneous injection, which is provided in a 5mL vial. It is also provided as transdermal (for scalp) in 5 mg/mL or a 0.05% topical foam, which is provided in a 50mL foaming applicator.

Also, it is also offered in transdermal (for facial) in 5mg/mL or a (0.05%) facial cream, which is provided in a 15gm pump.

The suggested dosage for injectables are 0.2mL subcutaneously once daily. While for the transdermal (for the scalp), you need to apply 2-3 pumps once daily at night.

Lastly, for transdermal (for the face) you need to apply 1-2 pumps to your face and rub it every night.

According to research, GHK is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine but is seen to decline. It has been proposed that the function of GHK as a complex with copper 2+ accelerates wound healing and skin repair.

GHK can stimulate both the synthesis and as well as the breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. It also helps modulate the activity of both metalloproteinases and inhibitors.

GHK can stimulate collagen, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and small proteoglycan and decorin. Researchers have also found that it can restore the replicative vitality to fibroblasts after radiation therapy. Studies have also seen that it accelerates wound healing of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, boney tissue, and even footpads of dogs.

In cosmetic products, it has been found out that GHK can tighten loose skin, and even:

This also has been proposed to serve as a therapeutic agent for skin inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even metastatic colon.

The copper peptide GHK-Cu is widely known to be used as an anti-aging cosmetic. Several controlled facial studies confirm the effects of GHK on anti-aging, firming, and anti-wrinkle activity of it on the skin.

Let’s take, for example, this study.

Abdulghani et al. have established that facial cream that contains GHK-Cu has increased collagen in photoaged skin on the 20 female volunteers who were part of the study. It performed better than comparing it to vitamin C and even retinoic acid.

On the other hand, Leyden et al. has conducted a facial study on GHK-Cu for 12 weeks containing face and eye cream. It reported significant improvement in the laxity, clarity, and even the appearance of the skin. It was also able to reduce the fine lines and as well as the depths of wrinkles and even was able to increase the skin density and thickness compared to placebo. The GHK-CU eye cream was also seen to perform better if compared to vitamin K cream.

On the other hand, Finley et al. has conducted a 12-week facial study on 67 women and had reported how the GHK-Cu cream, when applied twice daily, has helped improve the appearance, thickness, and even wrinkles of the skin.

Lastly, the product was seen not to be toxic nor irritating.

Now that you know all about what GHK-Cu is and the researches behind it, here is the list of benefits that GHK-Cu can bring to the human body:

Who would have thought that there was a peptide who could make the skin smoother, healthier, and better?

Although we would recommend that before you intake or use any of this, you must consult your doctor to make sure using this peptide won’t cause you any medical issues.

We hope this helps you finally get glowy, and be the happier you! Happy skin time!

GHK-Cu has a variety of roles in the human body, including promoting activation of wound healing, attracting immune cells, having anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in skin fibroblasts, and promoting blood vessel growth.

Evidence has shown that it acts as a feedback signal generated after tissue injury. It seems to act as a potent protector of tissue, and it is an anti-inflammatory agent that controls the oxidative damage that occurs after tissue injury. Further, it then plays a big role in signaling tissue remodeling, removing damaged/scarred tissue and generating new, healthy tissue.

These positive effects decline with age because the concentration of GHK-Cu in the body decreases.

Here are some key benefits of copper peptide GHK-Cu.

Since GHK-Cu plays an important role in skin biology, it is widely used in cosmetics as a reparative and anti-aging ingredient.

GHK stimulates the synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans and modulates the activity of both metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. It stimulates collagen, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and the small proteoglycan decorin. It also restores replicative vitality to fibroblasts after radiation therapy. The molecule attracts immune and endothelial cells to the site of an injury. It accelerates wound healing of the skin, hair follicles, gastrointestinal tract, and boney tissue. In cosmetic products, it has been found to tighten loose skin and improve elasticity, skin density, and firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce photodamage and hyperpigmentation, and increase keratinocyte proliferation.

Copper peptide GHK-Cu is widely used in anti-aging cosmetics (INCI name: Copper tripeptide-1). Several controlled facial studies confirmed the anti-aging, firming and anti-wrinkle activity of copper peptide GHK-Cu. Abdulghani et al. established that facial cream containing GHK-Cu increased collagen in photoaged skin of 20 female volunteers, performing better than vitamin C and retinoic acid. Leyden et al. conducted 12 weeks facial study of GHK-Cu containing face and eye cream, reporting significant improvement of skin laxity, clarity, and appearance, reduced fine lines and the depths of wrinkles, and increased skin density and thickness compared to placebo. GHK-Cu eye cream performed better than vitamin K cream. Finkley et al. conducted a 12-week facial study on 67 women and reported that GHK-Cu cream applied twice daily improved aged skin appearance, increased thickness, reduced wrinkles and strongly stimulated dermal keratinocyte proliferation as determined by histological analysis of biopsies. The same study found copper peptide GHK-Cu to be non-toxic and non-irritating.

Copper peptide GHK-Cu and its analogs were found to strongly stimulate hair growth. The efficiency of the synthetic analog of GHK-Cu was similar to that of 5% minoxidil.

GHK-Cu can promote activation of wound recovery, appeal of immune cells, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory consequences, stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in pores and skin fibroblasts and merchandising of blood vessels increase.

GHK is a safe, extensively studied compound that has a wealth of positive and health-promoting effects in many tissues and systems. It has been widely used in anti-aging and cosmetic products in humans for decades without any adverse effects and can be easily incorporated in creams, liposomes, foams or subcutaneous injections.