A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK
Campbell JD, McDonough JE, Zeskind JE, et al. Genome Medicine 2012;4:67.
What it found
Gene profiling of lung tissue from 8 smokers with COPD found 127 genes linked to emphysema severity. A computer database search picked out GHK as a compound that reverses this pattern; in lab tests, GHK changed gene activity in fibroblasts towards TGF-beta signalling and restored collagen remodelling by fibroblasts from COPD lungs.
Limitations
GHK was tested only on cells in the lab, not in people or animals. The study tested GHK; the abstract does not say whether copper was added.
Research and education only. Not medical advice. Many peptides on this site are not approved by the FDA for human use. Doses shown are the ones used in published studies and are not a recommendation. Talk to a licensed clinician before using any of them. Read the full disclaimer.