Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:324832. Epub 2012 May 10.

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

Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A.

Skin Biology, Research & Development Department, 4122 Factoria Boulevard SE-Suite No. 200, Bellevue, WA 98006, USA.

Abstract

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.

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Neurobiology. 1975 Aug;5(4):207-13.

Enhancement of Antitumor Activity of Ascorbate against Ehrlich Ascites Tumor Cells by the Copper:Glycylglycylhistidine Complex.

Sensenbrenner M, Jaros GG, Moonen G, Mandel P.

University of Strausbourg, France

Abstract
Dissociated cells from 7-day-old chick embryo cerebral hemispheres were cultivated on collagen in Falcon Petri dishes in the presence of various concentrations of fetal calf serum and of a chemically synthesized tripeptide Gly-His-Lys. Four different culture conditions were employed in the composition of the nutrient medium in which the cells were cultivated: a low serum concentration of 1, 2 or 5% (group A), a low serum concentration with 200 ng/ml tripeptide (group B), a serum concentration of 10 to 20% (group C) and a serum concentration of 10 or 20% with 200 ng/ml tripeptide (group D). Within the first 24 h of cultivation the cells settled on the collagen substrate and outgrowth of neuronal processes started in all four culture conditions. After 48 h in culture, differences between the groups became evident. In group A most isolated nerve cells had disappeared and glial cells proliferated from the remaining clumps. In group B the neurons had differentiated in absence of glial cells, the proliferation of which was greatly suppressed. In group C and D a differentiation of neurons occurred in a similar way to group B, but in addition the glial cells had proliferated. After 7-8 days in culture the cells in group A and B suddenly degenerated. In group C and D the nerve cells maintained for up to 3 weeks. The optimum concentrations of tripeptide in which the neuroblasts grew fibers and maintained in culture during 7-8 days were in the range of 100-400 ng/ml. The role of the tripeptide in the differentiation and maintenance of nerve cells is discussed.

Z Mikrosk Anat Forsch. 1979;93(5):820-8.

Uber die Wirkung eines synthetischen Tripeptids auf  in vitro kultiviertes Nervengewebe [The effect of a synthetic tripeptide nervous tissue cultured in vitro].
[Article in German]

Lindner G, Grosse G, Halle W, Henklein P.

Abstract

Explants from chick embryo PNS (ganglion trigeminale) and from CNS of embryonal rats (hippocampus) and dissociated cells from chick embryo cerebral hemispheres were cultivated in maximow chambers in the presence of various concentrations of placental serum and of a chemically synthesized tripeptide Gly-His-Lys. 1. The presence of tripeptide in the nutrient medium with a low concentration of serum did not compensate the outgrowth of nerve fibers, that take place in the growth medium. 2. In the presence of tripeptide in the nutrient medium with low concentration of serum the index of growth area increased significantly. 3. Within the first days in cell cultures 0,01 microgram tripeptide pro ml medium stimulated the outgrowth of neuronal processes. 4. The experiments indicated, that the tripeptide did not replace the serum. The possible role of tripeptide as a system in controlling neuron-glial ratio in vitro is discussed.