Tissue Repair

GHK

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

Quick Answer

What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu in tissue repair research?

GHK is the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine found in human plasma. GHK-Cu is the copper-bound complex form of GHK and is the version used in most therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Both have been studied for tissue repair, but GHK-Cu shows stronger activity in wound healing and skin remodeling models due to its copper transport role.

PMID26527685↗DOI10.3390/molecules201219854↗⟳ Reconstitution Calculator
Scientific AbstractPMID 26527685 · 2015

GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) present in human plasma, saliva, and urine, with concentrations declining significantly with age. Research demonstrates that GHK possesses broad biological activities including tissue regeneration, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of gene expression. In vitro studies show GHK regulates expression of over 4,000 human genes, primarily affecting pathways involved in tissue remodeling, DNA repair, antioxidant response, and stem cell activity. GHK serves as the parent peptide for GHK-Cu (the copper-bound complex), which is the form used in most therapeutic and cosmetic applications.

Source:10.3390/molecules201219854
Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is GHK?

GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) found in human plasma at concentrations that decline from approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults to 80 ng/mL by age 60. It is the parent peptide of GHK-Cu, the copper-bound form used in most cosmetic and research applications.

Mechanism of Action

GHK exerts its biological effects through multiple pathways: copper binding (forming GHK-Cu), gene expression modulation affecting >4,000 human genes, stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and modulation of growth factor pathways including TGF-β1.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Gene expression modulation of >4,000 human genes in cultured fibroblasts
  • Tissue regeneration markers including collagen, elastin, and proteoglycan synthesis
  • Anti-inflammatory profile with downregulation of inflammatory cytokines
  • Stem cell activity modulation in keratinocyte and fibroblast populations
Clinical Research ParametersHuman Study Registry

No registered clinical trials or indexed human study data currently available for GHK via ClinicalTrials.gov or PubMed. This compound may be at preclinical or early research stages.

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Research Compliance Notice

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. GHK is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 26527685) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.

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