Tri-peptide GHK reverses gene expression associated with lung emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as lung emphysema, leads to the obstruction of airways, inflammation, destruction of lung tissue and significant reduction of lung capacity. Recently an impressive collaborative research by scientists from Boston University, University of Groningen (Netherlands), University of British Columbia and University of Pennsylvania identified 127 genes whose expression is significantly associated with emphysema severity. Among those genes whose expression was elevated were genes involved in inflammation, while expression of genes involved in repair was markedly decreased. A search for compounds that could reverse adverse changes in gene expression yielded the tri-peptide GHK (Gly-His-Lys) as the most likely candidate.

Using the Connectivity Map, which allows researchers to conduct a sweeping search for gene modifying compounds, they established that the tri-peptide GHK reduced expression of genes involved in lung destruction and inflammation, while activating those genes involved in tissue repair. Furthermore, when lung fibroblasts from emphysema lungs were incubated with the GHK peptide, they showed great improvement in their function. If before the GHK peptide treatment lung fibroblasts from emphysema lung were not able to successfully remodel collagen and assemble it into fibrils, after addition of only 10 nanomolar GHK, their function was fully restored.

The GHK peptide discovered by Dr. Pickart is well known for its ability to remodel aging skin, reduce inflammation and scarring, improve skin tone and elasticity, as well as reduce mottled pigmentation and skin laxity. This new research sheds light on some mechanisms of its beneficial action. By activating genes associated with tissue repair and remodeling and inhibiting genes involved in inflammation and tissue destruction, the tri-peptide GHK may indeed reverse changes associated with skin aging, restoring beautiful and radiant skin appearance.