GHK-CU

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring peptide found in human serum with levels averaging 200 ng/ml at age 20 but declining to an average of 80 ng/ml by age 60. The molecule has a very high affinity for copper and forms the chelate GHK-Cu. The peptide as well as its Cu (II) chelate have anti-inflammatory and tissue remodeling properties. GHK-Cu has been shown to promote skin remodeling, wound healing and regeneration, and has prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, preliminary observations suggest GHK can partially reverse cognitive impairment in aging mice by targeting anti-inflammatory and epigenetic pathways. The evidence as presented provides the rationale to further investigate this naturally occurring peptide in preclinical and clinical aging studies.

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring peptide originally found in human serum and shown to stimulate growth in hepatoma cells [1]. The molecule has a very high affinity for copper (II) and forms the chelate GHK-Cu. The plasma level of GHK is about 200 ng/ml at age 20 but declines to 80 ng/ml by age 60. However, no studies have yet been reported linking low serum GHK levels with specific aging processes or age-related disease. The peptide is cleaved and released from its parent protein SPARC during the degradation of extracellular matrix, to aid in tissue remodeling by increasing levels of angiogenesis [2]. Both GHK and GHK-Cu have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and tissue remodeling properties. GHK-Cu has been studied in clinical research showing positive effects on skin remodeling and regeneration.