Description
Copper peptide GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. The tripeptide has strong affinity for copper(II) and was first isolated from human plasma. It can be found also in saliva and urine.
Uses
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine is a liver cell growth factor and an asynthetic hepatotrophic agent that stimulates hepatic erythropoietic factor production.
Uses
Copper Peptide(GHK-Cu) can be used as skin antiaging agents.
Definition
ChEBI: Gly-His-Lys is a tripeptide composed of glycine, L-histidine and L-lysine residues joined in sequence. It has a role as a metabolite, a chelator, a vulnerary and a hepatoprotective agent.
Biological Functions
When applied topically, copper peptide works as an antioxidant, promote collagen and elastin production, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK) is a tripeptide known for its high binding affinity to Cu
2+ and its complex
role in wound healing. The GHK–Cu(II) complex was isolated from human plasma in the 1970s and it was
shown to be an activator for wound healing. GHK–Cu(II) has two main functions: as an anti-inflammatory
agent to protect the tissue from oxidative damage after the injury, and as an activator for wound healing itself
as it activates the tissue remodelling.
The structure of GHK is very similar to that of common drugs used to treat ulcers.
After the initial stages of wound healing are activated, such as blood coagulation and neutrophil invasion, a
second stage of wound healing begins, which includes the population of GHK at the wound, which has a high
affinity to Cu
2+. Mast cells, which are located in the skin, secrete GHK, which accumulates Cu
2+ and forms
the copper complex GHK–Cu(II) and therefore increases the metal–tripeptide concentration at the wound.
First, GHK–Cu(II) has an anti-inflammatory effect by protecting the tissue from oxidative damage and by
suppressing local inflammatory signals (i.e. cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1)). Second, GHK–Cu(II) is released
into the blood stream and encourages the production of wound macrophages that support the wound repair
by removing the damaged tissue and secreting a family of several growth factor proteins. GHK–Cu(II) also
hinders fibroblast production of TGF-β-1 and therefore suppresses the scar development. The GHK–Cu(II)
complex also stimulates the growth of blood vessels, neurons and elastin, and, in general, supports most
processes of wound healing.
Side effects
While Copper Peptide Serum is generally safe to use, you should be aware of potential side effects that may occur. Although rare, some individuals may experience skin irritation or redness after applying the serum. This can be due to sensitivity to the ingredients or an allergic reaction.
Another potential side effect of Copper Peptide Serum is increased sensitivity to sunlight. The serum can make your skin more prone to sunburn.
References
[1] MINHUA HONG . Palmitoyl copper peptide and acetyl tyrosine complex enhances melanin production in both A375 and B16 cell lines[J]. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 2025, 742: Article 151060. DOI:
10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.151060.
[2] PICKART L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.[J]. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2008, 19 8: 969-988. DOI:
10.1163/156856208784909435.
[3] HYE-RYUNG CHOI. Stem cell recovering effect of copper-free GHK in skin.[J]. Journal of Peptide Science, 2012, 18 11: 685-690. DOI:
10.1002/psc.2455.
[4] XIAO-MING ZHOU. GHK Peptide Inhibits Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Suppressing TGFβ1/Smad-Mediated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition.[J]. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017: 904. DOI:
10.3389/fphar.2017.00904.
