Research
BPC-157 Peptide Information
BPC-157, also known as Body Protective Compound 157, is a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It is a sequence that does not naturally occur in the body but is derived from a protein found in the stomach. BPC-157 has been the subject of research due to its potential regenerative effects and is being investigated for its ability to accelerate the healing of various tissues, including tendons, muscles, the nervous system, and ligaments.
BPC 157 and Tissue Repair and Regeneration
BPC-157 is primarily studied in animal models, where it has demonstrated diverse healing properties through multiple mechanisms. These include enhancing fibroblast activity, which is crucial for tissue repair, and influencing vital growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor. BPC 157 also interacts with the nitric oxide system, which plays a role in muscle repair, vasodilation, and immune system modulation.Â
In the context of tendon healing, BPC 157 promotes the outgrowth of tendon fibroblasts, cell survival under stress, and the in vitro migration of tendon fibroblasts. This is likely mediated by the activation of the FAK-paxillin pathway. It also shows potential in wound healing, counteracting bleeding disorders, and possibly preventing arterial and venous thrombosis.
BPC 157 has demonstrated neuroprotective effects as well, resolving neuronal damage and preventing memory, locomotor, and coordination deficits. It exerts these effects by altering gene expression in the hippocampus and has shown therapeutic activity in rats subjected to spinal cord injury.
BPC 157 and Angiogenesis and Inflammation
Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation. BPC-157 has been shown to promote angiogenesis in several studies. In a chick embryo assay, BPC-157 increased the process of angiogenesis by 129%. Another study found that BPC-157 accelerated the recovery of blood flow and increased the number of vessels in rats with hind limb ischemia, suggesting a promotion of angiogenesis. This effect was associated with the up-regulation of VEGFR2 expression, a key receptor involved in angiogenesis. BPC-157 has also been shown to promote cell migration of vascular endothelial cells, a crucial step in angiogenesis.
BPC-157 has also been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects. It is often used to treat stomach and intestinal conditions such as inflamed intestinal epithelium and inflammatory bowel disease. The peptide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in various tissues and organs, contributing to wound healing. BPC-157 has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that promote inflammation.
BPC 157 and Gut Health
BPC-157 has demonstrated the ability to accelerate the healing of various wounds and injuries in the GI tract. It has been shown to be effective in the therapy of GI tract lesions, periodontitis, liver and pancreas lesions, and in the healing of various tissues and wounds. It also promotes the healing of intestinal anastomosis and fistulas and improves the adaptation of the intestinal wall layers after massive resection.
BPC-157 acts as a cytoprotective agent, helping to maintain the integrity of the GI mucosa and counteracting damage caused by alcohol and NSAIDs. It has been shown to protect stomach cells and maintain gastric integrity against various noxious agents.
The peptide has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve blood flow to the intestines, which speeds up the healing process and reduces swelling in the gut. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut, Crohn’s disease, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
BPC-157 has been tested in clinical phase II trials for treating IBD and has shown promise in counteracting the damage caused by NSAIDs to the gut lining. Â It has also been effective in the healing of colocutaneous fistulas in rats, suggesting its potential for clinical applications in humans.