GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide)
The regenerative peptide that activates more than 4,000 genes associated with youth
Definition
GHK-Cu (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine with copper) is an endogenous tripeptide present in human plasma that decreases by 60% between ages 20 and 60. Its discovery by Loren Pickart in 1973 revealed an extraordinary compound: modern transcriptomic analyses show that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of 4,192 human genes, shifting the transcriptional pattern of aged skin towards a profile close to that of young skin. It is probably the most-studied peptide in cosmetic-regenerative and chronic wound applications.
Detailed explanation
Documented effects of GHK-Cu are extraordinarily broad:
Skin: increased synthesis of collagen types I and III (+70% in vitro), elastin, glycosaminoglycans, decorin, and proteoglycans. Reduces fine wrinkles, improves firmness and elasticity. Wound healing: accelerates healing of chronic wounds (venous ulcers, diabetic foot), stimulates angiogenesis and re-epithelialisation. Hair: stimulates hair dermal papilla, increases shaft thickness, prolongs anagen phase. Anti-inflammatory: reduces IL-6, TNF-α, and complement proteins. DNA: reactivates silenced DNA repair and antioxidant genes.
Administration routes: topical (cosmetic serum at 0.1-2%), subcutaneous or intradermal injection (facial or scalp mesotherapy), bioactive in transdermal patches. Typical injection doses: 1-3 mg per session, 1-2 times weekly, in cycles of 8-12 weeks.
Safety profile: excellent. Copper is selectively released only in tissues where needed (allosteric catalyst mechanism). No significant systemic effects.
Availability in Spain: included in pharmacy cosmeceuticals and aesthetic medicine clinics; injectable preparations are made in compounding pharmacies with prescription.
Scientific sources
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