What is the Difference Between GHK and GHK-CU

Maintaining the physical, mental, and cognitive health is important for healthy aging in people. GHK and GHK-CU are two naturally occurring substances in the plasma, which have been extensively studied over the years for their abilities such as promoting skin remodeling, wound healing and regeneration, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, these qualities help enhance healthy aging.

The key difference between GHK and GHK-CU is their composition. GHK is a naturally occurring peptide in the plasma that is made up of tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine while GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring chelate in the plasma that is made up of copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is GHK  
3. What is GHK-CU
4. Similarities – GHK and GHK-CU
5. GHK vs GHK-CU in Tabular Form
6. Summary – GHK vs GHK-CU
7. FAQ: GHK and GHK-CU

What is GHK?

GHK is also known as glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It is a naturally occurring peptide found in human serum. The level of this peptide is averaging 200 ng/ml at the age of 20 but this level declines to an average of 80 ng/ml by the age of 60. A recent research study suggests that GHK has the potential to partially reverse cognitive decline in aging mice by targeting pathways related to inflammation and epigenetics.

Figure 01: GHK

Moreover, GHK can be a quencher of cytotoxic end products of lipid peroxidation, like α,β−4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal, and acrolein. These cytotoxic end products are associated with severe diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disease. A previous study has also proven that GHK can also reduce the tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced reactive oxygen species level by 50% in Caco-2 epithelial cells isolated from colon tissue.

What is GHK-CU?

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine in the plasma.  Tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine has a strong affinity for copper (II) and forms a chelate with Cu (II). It was first isolated from human plasma but can also be present in saliva and urine. GHK-Cu can promote wound healing, skin remodeling, and regeneration, and it also has major antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Figure 02: GHK-CU

Additionally, a recent study indicates that GHK-Cu at a concentration of 1 nM increases the expression of bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in irradiated human dermal fibroblasts.

These growth factors aid blood vessel formation and blood flow into damaged tissues. Furthermore, GHK-Cu can promote bone healing and enhance osteoblastic cell attachment, probably through the increase in collagen synthesis.

Similarities Between GHK and GHK-CU

1. GHK and GHK-CU are two naturally occurring substances in plasma.
2. GHK-CU is the Cu (II) chelate of GHK.
3. Both these substances were found by Loren Pickart.
4. The concentration levels of both these substances in the plasma are averaging 200 ng/ml at the age of 20 but declining to an average of 80 ng/ml by the age of 60.
5. Both these substances have anti-inflammatory and tissue-remodeling properties.

Difference Between GHK and GHK-CU

Definition

1. GHK is a peptide made up of tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine.
2. GHK-CU is the Cu (II) chelate of GHK.

Found in

1. GHK was discovered in 1977.
2. GHK-CU was discovered in 1973.

Present

1. GHK is present in plasma.
2. GHK-CU is present in plasma, saliva, and urine.

Function

1. GHK is involved in reversing cognitive impairment, a quencher of cytotoxic end products of lipid peroxidation such as α,β−4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal and acrolein and reducing reactive oxygen species in cells.
2. GHK-CU is involved in promoting wound healing, attraction of immune cells, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, promote bone healing and enhances osteoblastic cell attachment through collagen synthesis,  simulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in skin fibroblasts and promotion of blood vessels growth.

The following table summarizes the difference between GHK and GHK-CU.

Summary – GHK vs GHK-CU

GHK and GHK-CU are two naturally occurring substances in plasma. Both these substances have anti-inflammatory and tissue-remodeling properties. GHK is a peptide made up of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, while GHK-Cu is a chelate made up of a copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. Furthermore, GHK mainly reverses cognitive impairment, reducing reactive oxygen species and a quencher of cytotoxic end products of lipid peroxidation, whereas GHK-CU mainly promotes skin remodeling, wound healing, and regeneration, has prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, blood vessel formation, bone healing, and enhancing osteoblastic cell attachment. This is the summary of the difference between GHK and GHK-CU.

FAQ: GHK and GHK-CU

1. What does GHK peptide do?

• GHK peptide promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue regeneration by influencing growth factors and cellular repair processes.

2. How long does it take for GHK to work?

• The time taken for GHK to work varies from person to person. Some people may see results within a few weeks, while in others, it may take several months for GHK to work.

3. What does GHK-Cu peptide do?

• Recent studies found that GHK-Cu can promote skin remodeling, wound healing and regeneration, has prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, blood vessel formation, bone healing and enhancing osteoblastic cell attachment.

4. Does copper peptide help hair growth?

• Copper peptide encourages new hair growth and may also thicken existing strands. This effect is believed to be due to the enlargement of hair follicles, though further research in humans is needed to confirm these outcomes.

5. Is copper peptide better than retinol?

• Both peptide and retinol are ingredients that provide similar benefits for the skin. These ingredients are often found together in skin care products. Many people prefer to use copper peptides and retinol together in their routine.

Reference:

1.  Pickart, Loren, et al. “GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration.” BioMed Research International, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pickart, Loren, and Anna Margolina. “The Effect of the Human Plasma Molecule GHK-Cu on Stem Cell Actions and Expression of Relevant Genes.” LIDSEN Publishing Inc, LIDSEN Publishing Inc.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Amino acid structural formula + tripeptide formation” By PJsg1011 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Figure 10. Copper-catalyzed cyclization of Azides” By Bull13dog – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

Related posts:

Difference Between Primary and Secondary Active Transport Difference Between Red and Green Lentils Difference Between Pulse and Pulse Pressure Difference Between Enterocoelom and Schizocoelom What is the Difference Between Vermicompost and Compost