Research Summary
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, but its levels decline with age. It is proposed that GHK functions as a complex with copper 2+, which accelerates wound healing and skin repair. GHK plays a dual role, stimulating both the synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. It also modulates the activity of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. This molecule is involved in stimulating the production of collagen, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and the small proteoglycan decorin, which are essential for skin structure and repair.
In addition to its effects on collagen, GHK restores replicative vitality to fibroblasts after radiation therapy, which is crucial for tissue regeneration. It attracts immune and endothelial cells to the site of injury, accelerating wound healing in various tissues, including skin, hair follicles, the gastrointestinal tract, bone tissue, and even the foot pads of dogs. Systemic wound healing effects have also been observed in rats, mice, and pigs, highlighting its broad therapeutic potential.
In cosmetic products, GHK has been found to tighten loose skin, improve elasticity, increase skin density and firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and decrease photodamage and hyperpigmentation. It also promotes keratinocyte proliferation, aiding in skin regeneration. Beyond cosmetic applications, GHK has been proposed as a therapeutic agent for conditions such as skin inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and metastatic colon cancer. It has the remarkable ability to regulate over 4,000 human genes, effectively resetting DNA to a healthier state.
This review revisits GHK's role in skin regeneration, shedding light on its therapeutic potential in light of recent scientific discoveries.
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