GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide present in human blood at high concentration in youth (~200 ng/mL at age 20) and declining sharply with age (~80 ng/mL by age 60). It has broad tissue-remodelling, anti-inflammatory, and — uniquely — significant gene-regulation properties that have drawn oncology research interest.

Properties

Amino Acid Sequence

Gly-His-Lys

Origin: Naturally occurring in human plasma, saliva, and urine; declines with age

GHK-Cu modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes. Key anti-cancer mechanisms: (1) Resets gene expression of cancer cells toward a less malignant, more differentiated phenotype. (2) Upregulates DNA repair genes (BRCA1/2, RAD50). (3) Downregulates metastasis genes (MMP-2, MMP-9). (4) Suppresses inflammatory oncogenes (NF-κB, TNF-α). (5) Upregulates tumour suppressors (p53 pathway). (6) Reduces oxidative stress via superoxide dismutase upregulation.

Research by Pickart et al. shows GHK-Cu switches on 'anti-cancer' gene programmes in human cancer cell lines (colorectal, liver, prostate, lung, breast). In animal models GHK inhibits metastasis and reduces tumour volume. Also directly relevant to cancer recovery: accelerates wound healing post-surgery, reduces radiation skin damage (radiodermatitis), and may counteract cancer-associated gene expression drift. Currently preliminary in human oncology — no clinical trials yet.

Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.

• Injectable GHK-Cu is not approved by any regulatory agency; research use only
• Human oncology trials are lacking — most evidence is cell/animal data
• Copper accumulation possible with excessive injectable doses — monitor
• Topical use is generally considered safe with an established cosmetic safety profile
• Do not confuse with pure copper supplementation (different mechanism entirely)