GHK-Cu Skin Repair refers to the biological processes of dermal matrix regeneration and wound healing stimulated by the copper peptide Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK-Cu). This tripeptide, naturally occurring in human plasma, is a critical signaling molecule that enhances tissue remodeling, demonstrating significant clinical potential in anti-aging and dermatological health by promoting collagen and elastin synthesis. Its efficacy is rooted in its ability to bind copper, a cofactor essential for numerous enzymatic reactions in the skin.
Origin
The term derives from the chemical structure and biological function of the molecule itself. GHK is the abbreviation for the three constituent amino acids: Glycine, Histidine, and Lysine. The suffix -Cu indicates its active, copper-bound form. Discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart, its function in promoting tissue repair and skin remodeling led to its clinical application, giving rise to the descriptive term “GHK-Cu Skin Repair.”
Mechanism
The mechanism is multi-faceted, involving GHK-Cu’s role as a potent signaling peptide and a copper-delivery vehicle. Once delivered to the skin, the GHK-Cu complex stimulates the expression of genes involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration, including those for collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans. It also possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to clear damaged proteins and protect cellular components from oxidative stress. The peptide also promotes the activity of key enzymes like lysyl oxidase, which is necessary for cross-linking collagen and elastin fibers, thereby strengthening the dermal architecture.
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