GHK-Cu,is it a potential peptide for genocosmetics?

Background and Aim: As Genocosmetic science is the study of impact of genetics on cosmetics and cosmetics on genetics, it is believed that those ingredients which modulate the gene expression in favor of a cosmetic event can be a potential nominate for genocosmetic formulations. The amino acid sequence glycyl-histidyl-lysine presented in the alpha ۲(I) chain of type I collagen is a tripeptide known as GHK. It naturally exists in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Since the discovery of this tripeptide in ۱۹۷۳, GHK-Cu achieved its permanent acceptance for having strong protection and regeneration effect especially in wound healing and skin rejuvenation. GHK content is the highest in young and healthy individuals in ۲۰ years of age although by ageing the level of GHK declines and the ability of skin to withstand damage and regenerate decreases too. Methods: An eye cream with GHK-Cu were applied around the eye of ۴۱ women presenting with mild to advanced photo-damaged skin and after ۱۲ weeks the result was better than creams vitamin K and placebo. The impact was reduction in lines and wrinkles, overall improvement in appearance and a rise in skin density and thickness.A voluntary double-blind clinical trial with GHK-Cu encapsulated in nano-carriers with ۸ weeks twice daily application and in results, GHK-Cu contained formulation reduced depth and volume of wrinkles significantly compared to the control serum.Results: Thanks to the Connectivity Map created by The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard (Cambridge, MA, USA), it is possible to assess genome-wide studies about GHK-Cu and it has been shown that this substance has the ability to noticeably increase the expression of genes related to DNA repair with ۴۷ gene stimulations and ۵ gene suppressions (greater than or equivalently ۵۰% increase or decrease).Researches showed that cosmetic application of GHK-Cu can significantly reduce signs of intense photo-damage and increase skin density and thickness.Conclusion: As a conclusion, based on biological effects and genome-wide researches of GHK-Cu, this tripepetide can be a potential ingredient for genocoemtic formulations to act in a genetic level of skin for anti-aging.

Keywords:

GHK , copper peptide , genocosmetics , anti-aging , DNA repair , gene expression