Chemical Structure of GHK‑Cu
The chemical formula of GHK‑Cu is C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄, with a molecular weight of 401.91 g/mol. Structurally, the copper ion coordinates with the nitrogen atoms of glycine and histidine and the oxygen of the lysine residue, forming a stable square‑pyramidal complex. This configuration reduces free copper’s oxidative activity, allowing GHK‑Cu to serve as a safe copper copyright in biochemical studies.
Research Confirmed Effects
1. GHK-Cu and Skin Healing
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring peptide in human plasma, saliva, and urine that declines with age. Known for its powerful protective and regenerative properties, GHK-Cu for sale online accelerates wound healing and skin repair by stimulating the synthesis and breakdown of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and other extracellular matrix components. It modulates the activity of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, promoting the healing of various tissues such as skin, hair follicles, and bones. In cosmetic products, GHK-Cu is effective in tightening loose skin, improving elasticity and firmness, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, and enhancing overall skin appearance. Additionally, it has therapeutic potential for conditions like skin inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metastatic colon cancer, owing to its ability to regulate thousands of human genes, essentially resetting DNA to a healthier state.
Recent studies have highlighted GHK-Cu’s role in modulating key growth factors involved in wound healing and skin regeneration. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and insulin growth factor (IGF) are crucial in these processes, with GHK-Cu shown to decrease IGF-2-dependent TGF-β1 secretion in dermal fibroblasts, potentially preventing hypertrophic scar formation. Furthermore, GHK-Cu encapsulated in liposomes has been demonstrated to accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis, enhancing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factors, and improving the overall healing process. These findings underscore the peptide’s potential as a powerful therapeutic agent in skin regeneration and wound healing applications.
2. GHK-Cu and Bacteria
In vitro studies have highlighted the promising antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates for potential therapeutic use in skin and tissue infections. These studies explored novel compounds, including fatty acid conjugates with modified Gly-His-Lys sequences. The antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds ranged from strong to moderate. Notably, compound 1d exhibited the most potent activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC ranges of 31.3–125.0 μg/mL and against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC ranges of 375.0–500.0 μg/mL. Conjugate 5b showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at MIC ranges of 250.0–500.0 μg/mL and 62.5–125.0 μg/mL, respectively. Both 1d and 5b demonstrated rapid bactericidal effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, compounds 1d, 1e, and 2e showed notable antifungal activity.
A multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex (lamin Gel) in treating diabetic neuropathic ulcers. Patients adhered to a standardized wound care protocol, including sharp debridement, daily drug application, pressure-relieving footwear, and diabetes management education. Treatment with lamin Gel significantly improved ulcer closure rates, achieving a median area closure of 98.5% compared to 60.8% for the control group. The rate of closure was three times faster with lamin Gel, particularly for larger ulcers (greater than 100 mm²), which showed an 89.2% closure compared to -10.3% for the control. Immediate treatment post-debridement was crucial for optimal results. Additionally, the incidence of ulcer infections was significantly lower in the lamin Gel group (7%) compared to the control (34%).
An experimental study on the effects of topical glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine tripeptide-copper complex (TCC) on ischemic open wounds in rats further supported the benefits of GHK-Cu. Rats treated with TCC showed a significant decrease in wound area compared to control and vehicle groups. By day 13, the TCC group exhibited a 64.5% reduction in wound area, outperforming the vehicle (45.6%) and control (28.2%) groups. TCC-treated wounds also had significantly lower concentrations of TNF-alpha and MMP-2 and MMP-9, indicating reduced inflammation and enhanced healing. These findings suggest that TCC could be an effective treatment for chronic wounds in various species, including humans.
Overall, Buy GHK-Cu Online has shown superior results in treating diabetic ulcers and ischemic open wounds compared to standard care alone. Its combination with certain fatty acids creates a potent antimicrobial compound effective against bacteria and fungi, potentially reducing infection rates and accelerating wound healing. These findings warrant further clinical evaluation of GHK-Cu for broader therapeutic applications in wound care.