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GHK

Healing
·340 Da·3 amino acids·C14H24N6O4
Peptide Database
4Mechanisms
5Benefits
19Studies

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. It is found in plasma, saliva, and urine, with plasma levels of approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20, declining to 80 ng/mL by age 60.

SequenceGHK
Research Dosage Notes

GHK-Basic (without copper) is less commonly used in research protocols compared to GHK-Cu. When studied, it is typically used at nanomolar concentrations in cell culture. Subcutaneous injection protocols are not well-established for the copper-free form. GHK-Basic is the foundational tripeptide that forms GHK-Cu when complexed with copper(II) ions.

Mechanisms of Action

4

Gene expression modulation

Moderate

Modulates the expression of a large number of human genes involved in tissue remodeling, antioxidant defense, anti-inflammation, and nervous system support. Gene expression analyses show influence on transcriptional networks for cellular migration, ECM turnover, and redox balance.

Multiple gene regulatory networks

Integrin signaling

Moderate

Modulates integrin signaling pathways involved in cell adhesion, migration, and extracellular matrix interactions.

Integrin signaling

TGF-beta regulation

Moderate

Regulates transforming growth factor-beta signaling, influencing tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and inflammatory responses.

TGF-beta pathway

Anti-inflammatory cytokine suppression

Moderate

Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and activates antioxidant response elements, reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level.

NF-kB / antioxidant response elements

Benefits

5
75

Wound healing acceleration

Recovery

Demonstrated ability to improve tissue repair in skin, lung connective tissue, bone, liver, and stomach lining.

Moderate
70

Collagen and ECM synthesis

Recovery

Stimulates synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans in skin fibroblasts at picomolar to nanomolar concentrations.

Moderate
65

Anti-inflammatory effects

Immune

Reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes resolution of inflammation.

Moderate
60

Antioxidant defense

Longevity

Acts as an endogenous antioxidant, potentially diminishing hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals in living organisms.

Moderate
70

Skin regeneration

Recovery

Natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration, supporting dermal repair and anti-aging effects.

Moderate

Research Studies

19
2025

Peptides are promising and attractive anti-wrinkle active ingredients, amongst which glycyl-histidyl...

BioImpacts : BI · Seyedeh Maryam Mortazavi, Seyyed Ali Mohammadi Vadoud, Hamid...

2025

Two endogenous peptides, β-alanyl-L-histidine, named carnosine (Car), and glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine...

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · Irina Naletova, Enrico Rizzarelli

2024

The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu

Redox biology · Yiding Bian, Mingming Deng, Jia Liu, Jiaye Li, Qin Zhang

2024

Common features of neurodegenerative diseases are oxidative and inflammatory imbalances as well as t...

Metallomics : integrated biometal science · Jin-Hong Min, Heela Sarlus, Robert A Harris

2024

Fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, are characterized by the accumulation of ...

Aging pathobiology and therapeutics · Qianpei He, Jordan Mazzola, Warren Ladiges

This database is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

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