In 1986, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Montalcini for their discoveries of nerve growth factor (NGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), respectively. Over time, many articles appeared in the medical literature on the use of cell cultures and growth factors for the healing of burns and various types of wounds. Charlene de Haven talks about the possibilities of copper-1 tripeptide (GHK-Cu) for skin repair and its application in aesthetic medicine.
What is copper-1 tripeptide?
Dr. Lauren Pickart isolated copper-1 tripeptide from human plasma albumin in 1975. This compound was later identified as a growth factor that acts similarly to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) – a molecule that is a very long chain of large molecular weight and size. Accordingly, a more correct name for copper-1 tripeptide – growth factor analogue (because it consists of only three amino acids), belonging to the group of cytokines. Also copper-1 tripeptide is sometimes called matrikin because it is an important signaling molecule with various functions.
Molecular structure of copper-1 tripeptide – a chain consisting of three peptides – glycine, histidine and lysine (GHK) combined with copper.
Molecular structure of copper-1 tripeptide – a chain consisting of three peptides – glycine, histidine and lysine (GHK) combined with copper.
We'll look at:
- functions of copper-1 tripeptide in the human body;
- penetration of copper-1 tripeptide into the skin;
- Copper-1 tripeptide action and application.
What functions does copper-1 tripeptide perform in the human body?
Copper-1 tripeptide is present in human tissues and is therefore bioidentical. It performs various restorative functions. In recovery processes, copper-1 tripeptide is a signaling agent for the synthesis of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans.
The regenerative effect of copper-1 tripeptide on hepatocytes was discovered by the first – this substance provides physiological rejuvenation of cells, as well as their protection and recovery after damage by toxins.
Copper-1 tripeptide is present in saliva, urine and all collagenized tissues of the human body and is involved in their restoration.
Copper-1 tripeptide exists in two forms – in combination with copper and separately from copper. This tripeptide has a high affinity for copper ions – metal associated with many enzymes of the human body, which are involved in the processes of tissue repair, inflammation, metabolism and the synthesis of vital molecular structures.
The main benefits of copper-1 tripeptide are associated with its ability to efficiently bind and transport copper ions, which is also important for reducing oxidative stress.
Penetration of copper-1 tripeptide into the skin
The skin is an effective physical and chemical barrier. Long chain peptides are difficult to penetrate into the skin. As a rule, compounds with a molecular weight of more than 500 daltons are not able to penetrate the skin barrier. However, most biological processes are modulated by specific amino acid sequences. The cosmetics industry is focusing on short chain peptides that easily cross the skin barrier without any additional penetration enhancers or delivery systems.
Copper-1 tripeptide, provided that it is compatible with other active substances, easily penetrates the stratum corneum of the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for cosmeceutical products.
Copper-1 tripeptide, provided that it is compatible with other active substances, easily penetrates the stratum corneum of the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for cosmeceutical products.
Acts and benefits of using copper-1 tripeptide in aesthetic medicine
Copper-1 tripeptide is released in the body when its tissues are damaged and accelerates wound healing in humans and animals, including:
- after surgery;
- due to laser exposure;
- after Moch microsurgical operations;
- ischemic injury;
- burns;
- large skin grafts;
- hair grafts;
- trophic ulcers;
- diabetic ulcers, etc.
The role of copper-1 tripeptide in tissue remodeling and renewal
Copper-1 tripeptide is active not only in terms of wound healing, but also in the process of tissue remodeling, since this substance:
- increases the proliferation of keratinocytes;
- stimulates collagen synthesis;
- increases skin thickness;
- increases skin elasticity and firmness;
- smoothes wrinkles;
- promotes skin repair after photodamage;
- promotes skin regeneration as a result of glycation;
- evens out skin tone;
- activates skin barrier proteins.
Copper-1 tripeptide also reduces hair loss after chemotherapy and improves the survival rate of hair grafts. Moreover, thanks to the action of decorin, new collagen synthesized under the influence of copper-1 tripeptide is characterized by the correct anatomical configuration. And the amount of type I collagen, type III collagen and glycosaminoglycans increases as the normal tissue structure is restored in the presence of this growth factor.
The properties of this compound determine the effectiveness of its inclusion in the composition of cosmeceutical preparations both to achieve an anti-age effect and to optimize the results after traumatic skin procedures.
The properties of this compound determine the effectiveness of its inclusion in the composition of cosmeceutical preparations both to achieve an anti-age effect and to optimize the results after traumatic skin procedures.
Copper-1 tripeptide also has a powerful antitumor effect in primary tumors and metastases through various mechanisms, including stimulation of decorin synthesis, apoptosis, and biological chelation of potentially pro-oxidant metals – iron and copper. Copper-1 tripeptide protects DNA from the damaging effects of radiation during anticancer therapy, as well as from photoaging. After exposure to copper-1 tripeptide, the normal functioning of irradiated fibroblasts is restored. In the presence of this substance, the growth of or various tumor cell lines is inhibited.
Based on research results, copper-1 tripeptide can be used in topical products to stimulate normal tissue repair without the danger of neoplastic transformation.
Tripeptide-1 increases the survival of stem cells in the basal layer of the epidermis and other epithelial cells, which may indicate a rejuvenating effect of this compound, which has been demonstrated on various types of tissues, including skin (stimulates the proliferation of keratinocytes).
Copper-1 tripeptide also stimulates the body's internal antioxidant systems, including superoxide dismutase (an antioxidant enzyme).
Extensive studies conducted since the 1980s on the effects of copper-1 tripeptide have not identified any side effects or adverse events associated with the use of this substance.
Copper-1 tripeptide – a substance that has great potential for application in the field of aesthetic medicine due to a number of properties: stimulation of tissue regeneration, wound healing and collagen synthesis, DNA repair, suppression of excessive inflammatory processes and antioxidant effects. The enormous potential of this substance in improving postoperative results and slowing down aging is obvious. In the course of extensive studies aimed at studying the action of copper-1 tripeptide, which have been conducted since the 1980s, no side effects or adverse events associated with the use of this substance have been identified. Copper-1 tripeptide acts as a growth factor and also has an antitumor effect, which determines the safety profile of this substance for elderly patients.
According to Prime magazine.
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