GHK-Cu (Copper)

This 1980s study suggested the biological potential of the naturally occurring peptide in tissue repair. GHK peptide may host copper(II) ions due to possible copper affinity and may thereby stimulate the synthesis of collagen and increase the accumulation of total proteins and DNA at the injury site. Dermal wounded rats were used for this study. At the time of injury, the release of GHK peptide was induced, with 'emergency response molecules' released from the matrix at the site of injury.

In one study, the main aim was to understand the action of the GHK-Cu peptide complex when applied to open wounds in comparison to zinc oxide. 18 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups — one presented with GHK-Cu, a second with zinc oxide, and a third with placebo. Wounds were induced on each rabbit and the respective compounds were administered for 21 consecutive days. After 21 days, the group delivered with the GHK-Cu peptide complex appeared to exhibit increased healing compared to the groups given zinc oxide or placebo.

In a 1983 study, the actions of a mixture of GHK-Cu complex and ascorbic acid on the growth of sarcoma cells was observed in 180 mice with cancerous growths. Researchers suggested the mixture had the potential to induce a decline in the growth of carcinogenic cells. It was later reported that GHK-Cu peptide complex exhibited some potential in increasing the expression of caspase and associated genes, as well as gene expression associated with DNA repair.

This clinical study was carried out in diabetic subjects with neuropathic ulcers enrolled in a standard wound care protocol. The study used a GHK-Cu peptide complex gel. All subjects were divided into different groups, where one group was presented with the peptide gel, whereas others were given standard care with a placebo application. Researchers suggested that the subjects given the gel exhibited apparently elevated healing at 98%+.

A study investigated the potential of GHK to regulate the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within laboratory cells, focusing on its ability to mitigate oxidative stress through interactions with various ROS types. GHK is proposed to act as an endogenous antioxidant, potentially due to its selective targeting and neutralization of certain radicals, specifically hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals. The antioxidant properties were assessed using flow cytometry and electron spin resonance spin-trapping.