Learn About Copper Peptide
Introduction
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of Glycine, Histidine, and
Lysine, which is bound to a copper ion with high affinity. It plays a significant
role in various biological processes, including tissue repair, anti-inflammatory
responses, and modulation of gene expression [26]. Recent studies have high-
lighted its potential in promoting hair growth and combating hair loss.
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu addresses multiple hair loss mechanisms, ’2 - Oxidation’, ’3 - Inflam-
mation’, ’5 - Nutrient Deficiencies’, ’6 - Blood flow’, ’8 - Scalp Dryness’ and ’9
- Reduced Cellular Stimulation’.
• 2 - Oxidation: The GHK-Cu can provide the metal ion Cu2+ which can
be used as an endogenous antioxidant by activating the copper version
of superoxide dismutase (SOD). This increased SOD activity reduces the
production of ROS. ([36],[27], [28],[11],[6]).
• 3 - Inflammation: GHK-Cu has different anti-inflammatory mecha-
nisms, in damaged tissues it’s proposed to reduce feritins release of iron
ions, but it also suppresses inflammatory cytokines; Interleukin-6 (IL-6),
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), and Transforming Growth factor beta 1 ( TGF-β-1) (via increased Decorin, an anti-inflammatory protein
that binds to and inhibits TGF-β-1 ) ([25],[19])
• 5 - Nutrient Deficiencies: While GHK-Cu does deliver Glycine, Histi-
dine, and Lysine, which are essential for collagen, and extra cellular matrix
synthesis, the quantities delivered topically are small, and other than in
cases of extreme deficiencies are unlikely to form a significant amino acid
source, compared to a quality balanced dietary intake. The Nutritional
benefits from GHK-Cu, are primarily in their signalling capacity and de-
livery of copper. In particular [26] discusses the following:
– Iron homeostasis: GHK-Cu has been shown to modulate the ex-
pression of genes involved in iron metabolism, thereby aiding in main-
taining proper iron levels essential for hair follicle health.
– Cytochrome c Oxidase and Lysyl Oxidase Activation: Copper
ion delivery servings as a co-factor for these enzymes which are es-
sential for metabolism and connective tissue development (catalysing
the cross-linking of collagen and elastin).
– Protein Synthesis: synthesis of various proteins by up-regulating
gene expression related to cellular repair and growth, which is vital
for hair shaft formation.
• 6 - Blood flow: There is some evidence of the angiogenesis and vascu-
larisation effects of GHK-Cu, such as the potential stimulation of Vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ([25], [40], [42]).
• 8 - Scalp Dryness: While GHK-Cu has not been directly researched for
it’s affects on skin hydration it’s possible the increased vascularisation, and
anti-oxidant properties will indirectly improve scalp hydration, and studies
have found improved skin complexion in clinical and research settings as
a result of GHK-Cu application ([1], [14], and others mentioned in [29]).
• 9 - Reduced Cellular Stimulation: GHK-Cu has been shown to ac-
tivate the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway (one of the primary HF-
SCs growth stimulating pathways) and stimulate the expression of other
follicle-related growth factors, promoting hair growth in mammal models
[18].
Supporting Research
[36] - ”The influence of medium components on Cu2+-dependent oxidation of
low-density lipoproteins and its sensitivity to superoxide dismutase” (1992)
[1] - ”Effects of topical 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” (1998)
[25] - ”The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling” (2008)
[27] - ”The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and
degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health” (2012)
[28] - ”GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health” (2014)
[29] - ”GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in
skin regeneration” (2015)
[40] - ”GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting
cell proliferation and angiogenesis” (2017)
[26] - ”Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light
of the new gene data” (2018)
[11] - ”The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide” (2020)
[19] - ”Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways” (2020)
[42] - ”Enhanced angiogenic effects of RGD, GHK peptides and copper (II) com-
positions in synthetic cryogel ECM model” (2021)
[14] - ”Synergy of GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid on collagen IV upregulation via
fibroblast and ex-vivo skin tests” (2023)
[6] - ”The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ tripeptide complex attenuates lung in-
flammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6” (2024)
[18] - ”Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways
for topical delivery and peptide application” (2024)