Description

GHK-Cu Peptide

For Research & Laboratory Use Only

Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide complex composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine (GHK) bound to a copper(II) ion. Research suggests the copper ion may stabilize the tripeptide and enhance its delivery into cells.

Researchers have proposed that GHK-Cu may play roles in:

• Tissue remodeling and wound repair

• Collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses

• Protection against free-radical–induced cellular damage

Early findings show that GHK-Cu may stimulate extracellular matrix regeneration and modulate cellular signaling pathways associated with repair and inflammation.

Chemical Makeup

Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight: 340.38 g/mol
Other Names: Cu-GHK, Copper tripeptide-1, 6BJQ43T1I9

Research and Experimental Findings

1. GHK-Cu and Collagen Synthesis

One study reported that GHK-Cu may stimulate fibroblasts to increase collagen synthesis, potentially due to the presence of a GHK sequence in the α2(I) chain of Type I collagen.(1)

Mechanistic proposals include:

• Collagen breakdown may release GHK fragments

• These fragments may signal fibroblasts to initiate new collagen production

• Resulting signaling may promote tissue repair and structural restoration

In a month-long clinical investigation, GHK-Cu was compared to vitamin C, vitamin A derivatives, and other peptides.(2) GHK-Cu was associated with:

• Increased dermal procollagen

• Enhanced keratinocyte proliferation

• Improved hydration, elasticity, and skin thickness

A 2023 study investigated GHK-Cu combined with hyaluronic acid (HA).(3) Key findings:

• A 1:9 ratio of GHK-Cu to low-molecular-weight HA boosted collagen IV synthesis

• GHK-Cu may stimulate glycosaminoglycans and collagen

• HA may reduce collagen degradation by scavenging ROS and inhibiting MMPs

• Ex vivo skin models confirmed increased collagen IV deposition

2. GHK-Cu and Wound Infection

A murine study reported significantly lower levels of TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in GHK-Cu–treated ischemic wounds compared to controls.(4)

A clinical study on diabetic neuropathic ulcers showed:

• 7% infection rate in GHK-Cu subjects

• 34% infection rate in control subjects(5)

This suggests potential roles in inflammation reduction and microbial resilience.

3. GHK-Cu and Wound Healing

Multiple animal models suggest accelerated wound closure with GHK-Cu.

Findings include:

• Faster healing time and increased neutrophil and vessel counts in rabbits(6)

• Reduced wound area vs. controls in ischemic murine wounds across multiple time windows(4)

• Three-times-faster ulcer closure in diabetic subjects receiving GHK-Cu + standard care(5)

GHK-Cu–infused collagen dressings may enhance:

• Epithelialization

• Antioxidant levels (glutathione, ascorbic acid)

• Mast cell activation and fibroblast activity

• Granulation tissue formation(7)

One study showed nearly 99.39% wound closure by week 3 using biotinylated GHK dressings.(7)

4. GHK-Cu and Active Radical Reduction

GHK-Cu may help counteract tissue damage from:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS)

• Reactive nitrogen species (RNS)

• Reactive carbonyl species (RCS)

A study showed GHK-Cu may protect against aldehydes such as 4-hydroxynonenal, acrolein, and MDA.(8)

Another study found an 87% reduction in ferritin-mediated iron release with GHK-Cu, potentially decreasing lipid peroxidation and inflammation.(9)

In a lung injury model, GHK-Cu appeared to:

• Lower TNF-α and IL-6

• Suppress NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways

• Reduce inflammatory cell infiltration(10)

A separate study suggested GHK may be a naturally occurring antioxidant capable of neutralizing hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals.(12)

5. GHK-Cu and Skin Wrinkle Models

Clinical and cell-model data suggest potential improvements in:

• Skin laxity

• Clarity

• Wrinkle depth

• Density and thickness

A 12-week study demonstrated visible reductions in wrinkling and improved dermal quality.(13)

Another trial comparing GHK-Cu, vitamin K, and control compounds showed superior wrinkle reduction and increased skin thickness with GHK-Cu.(14)

A separate 12-week study reported improvements in:

• Laxity

• Coarse wrinkles

• Mottled pigmentation

• Keratinocyte proliferation(15)

These results collectively position GHK-Cu as a leading candidate for studying extracellular matrix repair mechanisms.

Research-Use Only Disclaimer

GHK-Cu from OptiBuild Peptides is supplied strictly for laboratory, scientific, and in-vitro research purposes only.
Not intended for human use, medical therapy, diagnostic procedures, or veterinary applications.
All purchasers must adhere to our Terms & Conditions and all applicable regulations.

References

(Exact, full citations you provided, unchanged):

1. Maquart, F. X., Pickart, L., Laurent, M., Gillery, P., Monboisse, J. C., & Borel, J. P. (1988). Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS letters, 238(2), 343–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x

2. Abdulghani, A. A., Sherr, A., Shirin, S., Solodkina, G., Tapia, E. M., Wolf, B., & Gottlieb, A. B. (1998). Effects of creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin-A pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes, 4(1), 136-141.

3. Jiang F, Wu Y, Liu Z, Hong M, Huang Y. (2023). Synergy of GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid on collagen IV upregulation via fibroblast and ex-vivo skin tests. J Cosmet Dermatol. 22(9):2598-2604.

4. Canapp, S. O., et al. (2003). The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds. Veterinary surgery, 32(6), 515–523.

5. Mulder, G. D., et al. (1994). Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper. Wound repair and regeneration, 2(4), 259–269.

6. Gul, N. Y., et al. (2008). The effects of tripeptide copper complex and helium-neon laser on wound healing in rabbits. Veterinary dermatology, 19(1), 7–14.

7. Alven, S., et al. (2022). Polymer-Based Wound Dressing Materials Loaded with Bioactive Agents. Polymers, 14(4), 724.

8. Cebrián, J., et al. (2005). New anti-RNS and -RCS products for cosmetic treatment. Int J Cosmetic Science, 27(5), 271–278.

9. Miller, D. M., et al. (1990). Effects of glycyl-histidyl-lysyl chelated Cu(II) on ferritin dependent lipid peroxidation. Adv Exp Med Biol, 264, 79–84.

10. Park, J. R., et al. (2016). The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. Oncotarget, 7(36), 58405–58417.

11. Zhang, Q., et al. (2022). GHK-Cu attenuates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema and inflammation. Front Mol Biosci, 9, 925700.

12. Sakuma, S., et al. (2018). The peptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine is an endogenous antioxidant. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol, 10(3), 132–138.

13. Leyden J., et al. (2002). Skin care benefits of copper peptide containing facial cream. AAD Meeting Proceedings.

14. Leyden J., et al. (2002). Skin Care Benefits of Copper Peptide Containing Eye Creams. University of Pennsylvania.

15. Finkley M., et al. (2005). Copper peptide and skin. In: Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics. Marcel Dekker; pp. 549–563.