BPC-157

BPC-157 Peptide

The BPC-157 peptide, also known as Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 or Body Protection Compound 157, is a synthetic compound that has been suggested in various studies to assist with healing joint, tendon, and muscle tissue, as well as nerve tissue.

BPC-157 is a peptide composed of 15 amino acids with potential protective properties. As the name suggests, Body Protection Compound (BPC) is an amino acid fragment isolated from gastric juice.⁽¹⁾ BPC-157 is also commonly known as pentadecapeptide due to the 15 amino acids it is comprised of.⁽¹⁾

Overview

BPC-157 has been steadily researched for its potential in wound healing. Presentation of BPC-157 may stimulate the growth hormone (GH) receptors, thereby inducing similar GH potential. BPC-157 peptide appears to bind with growth hormone receptors, possibly stimulating cell proliferation. This may lead to the development of new tissue composed of collagen and the development of a network of blood vessels in a process also called ‘angiogenesis.’ Consequently, the wound is ‘rebuilt’ and healed faster than the usual rate.⁽¹⁾

BPC-157 has also been studied in correlation to gastrointestinal function. Serotonin, an enteric neurotransmitter, is localized in the GI tract and GI mucosa. Altered serotonin levels may inhibit gastric acid secretion, affecting gut mucosal function and influencing gastric blood flow.⁽²⁾ BPC-157 appears to have a particular antidepressant activity, which may counteract serotonin-induced action. The peptide may counteract the 5-HT2A receptors, restricting the serotonin binding with these receptors and thereby inhibiting its action.⁽³⁾ The peptide has been researched for its potential action across diverse functions, including tissue repair, pain perception, gastrointestinal regulation, and tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone cell reparations.

Multiple studies have since been conducted to understand the full action of the peptide, especially in the area of healing gastrointestinal ulceration, which is elaborated on below. Studies have suggested the peptide may increase the build-up of the blood vessels and induce anti-inflammation potential via improving functional recovery.⁽⁴⁾

Chemical Makeup

Molecular Formula: C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂
Molecular Weight: 1419.55 g/mol
Other Known Titles: Body Protection Compound-157

Research and Clinical Studies

BPC-157 Peptide and Wound Healing

In a study, three experimental murine models were used – first with skin tissue wounds, second with colon tissue anastomosis, and third with synthetic sponge implantation. A portion of the murine models were presented with a placebo, whereas others were presented with the BPC 157 peptide. After the study, all models were histologically examined. The researchers reported that the BPC-157 murine models appeared to exhibit higher numbers of collagen, reticulin, and blood vessel development than the ones in the control group.⁽⁵⁾

In a particular study, researchers explored the theory that the peptide BPC-157 might potentially hasten wound healing compared to a control group. This hypothesis was rooted in observing possible improvements in several key areas of wound healing. These included the formation of new granulation tissue, which is critical in the healing process, along with reepithelialization. In this process, new epithelial cells form to replace those damaged by the wound. Additionally, there was an observation of potential improvements in dermal remodeling, a phase where the skin regains strength and elasticity, and collagen deposition, crucial for tissue repair.⁽⁶⁾

The study also suggested that BPC-157 might have enhanced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the injured skin tissues. VEGF is a significant protein that promotes blood vessel growth, vital to healing damaged tissues. The researchers further speculated that the peptide could have influenced umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation (HUVECs). These cells line the blood vessels and are considered to be integral to forming new blood vessels during wound healing.⁽⁶⁾

Additionally, there was a conjecture about a noticeable increase in the migration of HUVECs. This observation was based on results from wound healing assays, tests designed to measure various aspects of wound healing. The presence of BPC-157 might have led to an increased expression of VEGF-a, a variant of VEGF, and consequently accelerated the formation of vascular tubes in a laboratory setting. Moreover, the study hinted at the possibility that BPC-157 might influence the activity of specific proteins and enzymes involved in cellular signaling pathways. Specifically, it seemed that BPC-157 could regulate the phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Phosphorylation is a process that activates or deactivates many protein enzymes and is a crucial step in sending signals within cells. The affected enzymes, ERK1/2, along with their downstream targets, including c-Fos, c-Jun, and Egr-1, are believed to play significant roles in cell growth, migration, and angiogenesis, which is the development of new blood vessels.⁽⁶⁾