The human peptide GHK is generated from the extracellular matrix during tissue breakdown and activates remodeling processes that restore the normal tissue morphology. Published results on GHK actions are defining the biochemical processes of remodeling. Based on published studies, we know:

1. GHK is generated during tissue breakdown either after injury or during routine remodeling. It activates remodeling processes that restore normal tissue morphology or maintain tissue health and function. It has a very high affinity for copper 2+ and can obtain copper from its binding site on plasma albumin or from cells. This forms GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-lysine:copper 2+). In the blood, it binds to plasma albumin, presumably forming a tridentate complex of GHK-copper 2+-albumin.

2. As GHK is generated it binds copper and lowers cellular copper which increases stem cell proliferation. The low cellular copper helps induce an inflammatory condition that kills bacteria and viruses, and helps remove damaged tissue. GHK also attracts macrophages which clean up cellular damage, capillary cells which build blood vessels, and mast cells which help close wounds and tighten skin.

3. As copper builds up the the affected region, GHK is converted to GHK-Cu which pushes stem cell into the types of differentiated cells needed by the organs. GHK-Cu also increases P63, a protein needed for epithelial stem cell function. Without P63, skin rapidly ages. It increases proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the expression of the expression of integrins alpha6 and beta1, but this information is not in 2009 article - see Kang YA et al, Arch Dermatol Res. 2009:301, pages 301-6)

4. GHK-Cu stops the inflammatory condition by increasing the antioxidant proteins superoxide dismutase and decorin. It increases vascular vasodilation by binding to angiotensin II and inhibiting thromboxane formation. It suppresses damage by oxygen radicals and reactive carbonyl species, the release of oxidizing iron from ferritin, TGF-beta-1, TNF-alpha, and protein glycation. It blocks ultraviolet damage to skin keratinocytes and the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. It improves fibroblast recovery after X-ray treatments.

5. GHK-Cu remodels skin (Out-with the old, In with the new) by increasing the synthesis of metalloproteinases and anti-proteases that remove damaged proteins and increasing the new production of collagen, elastin, and the water-holding proteoglycans and glycosoaminoglycans, and subcutaneous fat cells.

6. GHK-Cu increases the proliferation of healing cells (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, chrondrocytes, osteoblasts) plus important growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, FGF-2, NGF, neutrotropins 3 and 4, and erythropoietin. It increases nerve outgrowth, angiogenesis, subcutaneous fat cells and hair follicle size.

7. GHK-Cu stimulates healing in numerous models and in humans. On aged humans, it tightens and thickens skin, improves elasticity and firmness, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, photodamage, and hyperpigmentation. It also improves hair transplant success, protects hepatic tissue from tetrachloromethane poisoning, blocks stomach ulcer development, heals intestinal ulcers and bone tissue. In rats, mice, and pigs, GHK-Cu injections, one to several, induces systemic wound healing. For example, an injection into a thigh muscle will induce strong healing of a wound in the skin of the ear.

8. Both GHK and GHK-Cu strongly increase infection resistance.

9. Blood levels of GHK drop by 60% between age 20 and age 60. This may be the cause of reduced organ maintenance and function as humans age.

For detailed sources of copper peptide information and references to journal articles,
Go to: reverseskinaging.com/studies.html

The Actions of Skin and Tissue Remodeling Copper Peptides August 19, 2009

The Actions of Skin and Tissue Remodeling Copper Peptides
August 19, 2009