This article will focus on the BPC-157 peptide and the multiple recovery studies conducted in conjunction with this peptide.
BPC-157 Peptide and Wounds
Research suggests BPC’s primary role in the gastrointestinal system may be to protect the mucosal barrier separating the digestive and absorption tracts from the underlying tissues, thereby possibly preventing any damaging effects of gastric acid, bile, and other substances. Fibroblasts are considered to be involved in mediating at least some of this function. Researchers speculate that in-vitro BPC-157 may accelerate the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts at increasing concentrations [i]. Since fibroblasts appear to deposit extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, fibrin, elastin, and others, they may play a crucial role in healing.
BPC-157 Peptide and Blood Vessels
Studies suggest BPC-157 may be an angiogenic factor that may stimulate the proliferation and growth of endothelial cells that line blood vessels [i], [ii]. Scientists hypothesize collateral blood vessel development after ischemia may be sped up significantly by the peptide [iv].
Studies suggest that although this action has been primarily speculated in the gastrointestinal tract, some study data support similar cardiovascular, neurological, and muscle tissue properties, suggesting that BPC-157 may promote healing after ischemic injury [v], [vi]. Researchers have speculated that VEGFR2, a cell surface receptor involved in the nitric oxide signaling cascade, may be stimulated by BPC-157 in developing chicken embryos [iv], [vii]. Growth, proliferation, and survival of endothelial cells are all assumed to be influenced by VEGF-R2, or VEGF receptor 2.
BPC-157 has also been suggested to induce vascular “running” in cell culture studies. Restoring blood flow to distant tissue and protecting cell function after damage or vascular obstruction is called “vascular running” [viii]. Studies on this potential action are still being conducted.
BPC-157 Peptide and Tendons
In animal models of tendon, ligament, bone, and other connective tissue injuries, BPC-157 presentation has been suggested by research teams to exhibit positive outcomes, which is unsurprising given its possible function in fibroblast recruitment and blood vessel formation. Slower delivery of fibroblasts and other wound-healing cells may limit the total repair, possibly due to an injury. Research in rat tendons suggests that BPC-157 may increase fibroblast density and facilitates collateralization in the context of tendon, ligament, and bone damage. Based on these findings, BPC-157 may be considered superior to bFGF, EFG, and VGF hormones in encouraging tissue repair [ix].
Studies suggest a strong activator of F-actin production in fibroblasts has been discovered using FITC-phalloidin labeling, and this compound is BPC-157 [x]. F-actin is considered to be essential for the proper functioning of cells and plays a major role in cell migration. Important proteins in the cell migration pathway, such as paxillin and FAK, are reported to be phosphorylated at higher levels after exposure to BPC-157, as suggested by western blotting analysis [xi].
BPC-157 Peptide and Oxidation
Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) are two oxidative stress indicators suggested to be reduced by BPC-157 in rat studies [iii]. This may make BPC-157 a potent antioxidant, and studies have speculated that it may also decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species in the digestive system, lending more credence to this peptide’s potential antioxidant properties. Studies looking into whether or not modified lactococcus lactis bacteria can transfer BPC-157 to the GI tract suggested the bacteria may significantly upregulate the peptide in cell culture.
BPC-157 Peptide and Bees
The sudden and total collapse of honey bee colonies characterizes colony collapse disorder (CCD). The condition’s origins are unclear, although it is likely that the fungus Nosema ceranae, which infects honey bee digestive systems, is at least partially to blame. Researchers have suggested that honey bee colony survival rates may be increased by supplementing the bees’ diet with BPC-157, which may reduce the harm the fungus produces in the bees’ gastrointestinal tracts [xii]. These tests, conducted in real-world settings, may provide a substantial agent for mitigating the spread of CCD on the most critical pollinator for most food crops.
More investigation is required to explore its potential in scientific research, and these studies must continue. Only academic and scientific institutions can buy BPC-157 peptides. If you are a licensed academic interested in buyingpeptides for your clinical studies, visit the Biotech Peptides website. Please be aware that none of the compounds mentioned are approved for human or animal consumption. Laboratory research compounds are only for in-vitro and in-lab use. Any kind of physical introduction is illegal. Only authorized professionals and working scientists may make purchases. The content of this piece is intended only for instructional purposes.
References
[i] T. Huang et al., “Body protective compound-157 enhances alkali-burn wound healing in vivo and promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in vitro,” Drug Des. Devel. Ther., vol. 9, pp. 2485–2499, 2015. [PubMed]
[ii] D. Drmic et al., “Counteraction of perforated cecum lesions in rats: Effects of pentadecapeptide BPC 157, L-NAME and L-arginine,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 24, no. 48, pp. 5462–5476, Dec. 2018. [PubMed]
[iii] F. Amic et al., “Bypassing major venous occlusion and duodenal lesions in rats, and therapy with the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, L-NAME and L-arginine,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 24, no. 47, pp. 5366–5378, Dec. 2018. [PubMed]
[iv] A. Duzel et al., “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in the treatment of colitis and ischemia and reperfusion in rats: New insights,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 23, no. 48, pp. 8465–8488, Dec. 2017. [PubMed]
[v] J. Vukojević et al., “Rat inferior caval vein (ICV) ligature and particular new insights with the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157,” Vascul. Pharmacol., vol. 106, pp. 54–66, 2018. [PubMed]
[vi] D. Drmic et al., “Celecoxib-induced gastrointestinal, liver and brain lesions in rats, counteraction by BPC 157 or L-arginine, aggravation by L-NAME,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 23, no. 29, pp. 5304–5312, Aug. 2017. [PubMed]
[vii] M.-J. Hsieh et al., “Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation,” J. Mol. Med. Berl. Ger., vol. 95, no. 3, pp. 323–333, 2017. [PubMed]
[viii] P. Sikiric et al., “Novel Cytoprotective Mediator, Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Vascular Recruitment and Gastrointestinal Tract Healing,” Curr. Pharm. Des., vol. 24, no. 18, pp. 1990–2001, 2018. [PubMed]
[ix] S. Seiwerth et al., “BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Gastrointestinal Tract Healing, Lessons from Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Bone Healing,” Curr. Pharm. Des., vol. 24, no. 18, pp. 1972–1989, 2018. [PubMed]
[x] C.-H. Chang, W.-C. Tsai, M.-S. Lin, Y.-H. Hsu, and J.-H. S. Pang, “The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration,” J. Appl. Physiol., vol. 110, no. 3, pp. 774–780, Oct. 2010. [PubMed]
[xi] Y.-L. Hu et al., “FAK and paxillin dynamics at focal adhesions in the protrusions of migrating cells,” Sci. Rep., vol. 4, p. 6024, Aug. 2014. [Nature.com]
[xii] I. Tlak Gajger, J. Ribarić, M. Smodiš Škerl, J. Vlainić, and P. Sikirić, “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee (Apis mellifera) therapy, to control Nosema ceranae invasions in apiary conditions,” J. Vet. Pharmacol. Ther., vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 614–621, Aug. 2018. [PubMed]