The Anti-Aging Peptide GHK (Glycyl-L-Lysine)
The peptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) is found throughout the body and has multiple biological actions.ghk peptide It stimulates wound healing, tissue regeneration, secretion of many important biological molecules, and antioxidant defense.ghk peptide GHK also has multiple DNA repair effects. The peptide binds copper with high affinity and can act as a cofactor to the superoxide dismutase protein in cells. GHK has a number of other antioxidant actions including quenching reactive carbonyl species, inhibiting the formation of acrolein, protecting keratinocytes from lethal UVB radiation, and preventing hepatic damage by dichloromethane radicals.

A recent study using a genomic-based connectivity map, a software gene profiling tool developed by the Broad Institute, showed that GHK reversed changes in gene expression associated with emphysematous destruction.ghk peptide Specifically, GHK reversed changes in genes involved in inflammation and increased the activity of genes involved in the TGF-beta pathway which is important for tissue remodeling and repair.ghk peptide This finding indicates that GHK is an important therapy for improving emphysema severity.

In vitro studies and animal studies show that GHK is a potent promoter of fibroblast proliferation, skin regeneration, angiogenesis, cellular migration, epithelialization, and tissue remodeling.ghk peptide It increases the secretion of fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), which are both known to be important in tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. GHK-Cu also enhances the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), which are enzymes that are responsible for breaking down damaged proteins and regulating cell migration and tissue remodeling.

GHK has been shown to significantly improve the ability of skin fibroblasts to regenerate skin, and has been used as a cosmetic ingredient in anti-aging products.ghk peptide It has been shown to increase skin elasticity, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, and improve hair regrowth. GHK is also a potent inhibitor of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines which are associated with the progression of atherosclerosis, as well as an anti-oxidant which prevents oxidative damage to lipids and proteins.

GHK’s DNA repair actions are based on its binding to and activating the copper cofactor in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein.ghk peptide The SOD protein has a wide range of biological functions, such as protecting the mitochondrial membrane, reducing oxidative damage to DNA, and increasing DNA replication in irradiated cells. GHK has been shown to increase the synthesis of new DNA and to reduce oxidative damage to existing DNA by up to 223-fold on a molar basis. This is a remarkable effect for a small molecule.