The Human Tripeptide GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Degenerative Conditions of Aging : Implications for Cognitive Health

Oxidative stress, disrupted copper homeostasis, and neuroinflammation due to overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines are considered leading causative factors in development of age-associated neurodegenerative conditions. Recently, a new mechanism of aging—detrimental epigenetic modifications—has...

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Published in:Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2012-01, Vol.2012 (2012), p.1-8
Main Authors: Pickart, Loren, Vasquez-Soltero, Jessica Michelle, Margolina, Anna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging - drug effects
Aging - pathology
Cognition - drug effects
Health
Humans
Nerve Degeneration - drug therapy
Nerve Degeneration - prevention & control
Oligopeptides - administration & dosage
Oligopeptides - chemistry
Oligopeptides - pharmacology
Oligopeptides - therapeutic use
Oxidative Stress - drug effects
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Summary:Oxidative stress, disrupted copper homeostasis, and neuroinflammation due to overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines are considered leading causative factors in development of age-associated neurodegenerative conditions. Recently, a new mechanism of aging—detrimental epigenetic modifications—has emerged. Thus, compounds that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity as well as compounds capable of restoring copper balance and proper gene functioning may be able to prevent age-associated cognitive decline and ward off many common neurodegenerative conditions. The aim of this paper is to bring attention to a compound with a long history of safe use in wound healing and antiaging skin care. The human tripeptide GHK was discovered in 1973 as an activity in human albumin that caused old human liver tissue to synthesize proteins like younger tissue. It has high affinity for copper ions and easily forms a copper complex or GHK-Cu. In addition, GHK possesses a plethora of other regenerative and protective actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. Recent studies revealed its ability to up- and downregulate a large number of human genes including those that are critical for neuronal development and maintenance. We propose GHK tripeptide as a possible therapeutic agent against age-associated neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
ISSN:1942-0900
1942-0994
DOI:10.1155/2012/324832