BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)

BPC-157 has been constantly researched for its potential in wound healing. The presentation of BPC-157 may stimulate growth hormone (GH) receptors, thereby inducing a similar GH potential. The BPC-157 peptide appears to bind to growth hormone receptors, possibly stimulating cell proliferation. This can 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 “rebuilds” and heals faster than usual.(1)

BPC-157 has also been studied in correlation with gastrointestinal function. Serotonin, an enteric neurotransmitter, is localized in the GI tract and GI mucosa. Altered serotonin levels can inhibit gastric acid secretion, affecting intestinal mucosa 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 5-HT2A receptors, restricting serotonin binding with these receptors and thus inhibiting its action.(3)

The peptide has been investigated for its potential action across various functions, including tissue repair, pain perception, gastrointestinal regulation, and cellular repairs of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.

Since then, multiple studies have been conducted to understand the full action of the peptide, especially in the area of healing gastrointestinal ulceration, which is detailed below. Studies have suggested that the peptide may increase blood vessel accumulation and induce anti-inflammatory potential improving functional recovery.(4)

Chemical Composition

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

In one 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, while others were presented with the peptide BPC 157. After the study, all models were examined histologically. The researchers reported that the murine models with BPC-157 appeared to exhibit a higher number of collagen, reticulin, and blood vessel development than those in the control group.(5)

In a particular study, researchers explored the theory that the BPC-157 peptide could potentially accelerate wound healing compared to a control group. This hypothesis was based on the observation of potential 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 re-epithelialization. In this process, new epithelial cells are formed 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 injured skin tissues. VEGF is a significant protein promoting blood vessel growth, vital for healing damaged tissues. Researchers further speculated that the peptide might have influenced the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These cells line blood vessels and are considered integral to forming new blood vessels during wound healing.(6)

Furthermore, there was conjecture about a notable increase in HUVEC migration. 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 greater expression of VEGF-a, a variant of VEGF, and consequently accelerated vascular tube formation in a laboratory setting. Moreover, the study hinted at the possibility that BPC-157 could influence the activity of specific proteins and enzymes involved in cell signaling pathways. Specifically, it appeared that BPC-157 might regulate the phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Phosphorylation is a process that turns many protein enzymes on or off 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)

An experiment was conducted on cultured tendon fibroblasts derived from the tendons of murine models. The cultures were divided into two groups; one was the control, while the other was presented with the peptide. After the study, the following was reported:(1)

• The peptide appeared to promote tendon fibroblast growth and tissue healing;
• Even under H2O2 stress, BPC-157 appeared to stimulate apparent cell survival under stress;
• The peptide appeared to promote the migration of tendon fibroblasts;
• BPC-157 allegedly induced increased phosphorylation levels of both PAK and paxillin, while the total protein level remained unchanged.

Upon analysis, it was suggested that the peptide may impact tendon healing, tendon growth, and cell survival through F-actin formation and the activation of FAK and paxillin pathways.(1) F-actin formation is considered a key component in the cell's cytoskeleton, providing structure and aiding in cell movement. If BPC-157 improves F-actin formation, this could indicate an improvement in cytoskeletal organization and cell motility of tendon fibroblasts, which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration.

Later in the study, researchers used Western blotting, a laboratory method to detect specific proteins in a sample. Through this analysis, they suggested that BPC-157 might activate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, two proteins that play a significant role in cellular processes. The tentative finding was that the phosphorylation levels of FAK and paxillin appeared to rise in the presence of BPC-157. Interestingly, the total amounts of these proteins seemed to have remained unchanged, leading to speculation that BPC-157's role might be more about activating existing molecules rather than increasing their production. This led to a further hypothesis that BPC-157 could activate the FAK-paxillin pathway. This pathway is considered to promote cell migration and adhesion, especially in tendon fibroblasts. Activation of this pathway could imply that BPC-157 plays a role in enhancing the movement and adherence of these cells, which are key processes in tendon healing and regeneration.

A study was conducted to scrutinize the action of the peptide BPC-157 against similar angiogenic growth factors like EGF, FGF, and VEGF. The main assumptions were that BPC-157 is highly stable, biocompatible, and sufficient to exert action when presented on its own. While the study reported better healing, only BPC-157 appeared to have exhibited consistent results across all wound types (i.e., chronic and acute) in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and lower GI tract. This study suggested that the scope of the peptide's angiogenic potential is apparently very high, as it seemed to extend not only in local wounds and ligaments but also in GI wounds and bone healing.(7)

A study was performed to understand the extent of the peptide's angiogenic potential beyond local wounds, ligaments, and GI tract wounds and to study its action on multiple gastrointestinal lesions in the pancreas, liver lesions, heart damage, endothelial damage, and blood pressure. Following the results, scientists suggested that the peptide BPC-157 may induce a network of activities through peptidergic defense systems. There is also the possibility that BPC-157 could play a role in treating both acute and chronic inflammation, aiding in wound healing, and assisting in fracture healing, including cases of pseudoarthrosis. This broad spectrum of potential suggests that BPC-157 could be part of the organism's unique peptidergic defense system.(8)

There are several neurotransmitters and functions considered by scientists as important, such as dopamine, nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and other neuronal systems. Any overactivity or inhibition of these systems can lead to lesions in different organs. BPC-157, through its defense system, appears to counteract these systems and possibly reverse their overactivation and inhibition. Researchers commented that these could include important systems, "namely dopamine-, NO-, prostaglandin-, somatosensory neuronal system," and more.(8)

A study was conducted in murine models with injured gastrocnemius muscle complex. These murine models were presented with methylprednisolone (corticosteroids). These corticosteroid murine models were then divided into two groups: one was presented with BPC-157 and the other was presented with a placebo. Both compounds were presented once every 24 hours and examined on days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14. Upon examination, it was reported that the corticosteroid appeared to significantly worsen muscle damage in the murine models. However, BPC-157 appeared to exhibit apparent signs of healing and restoration of the damaged gastrocnemius muscle and restoration of functioning capability.(9)

Laboratory experiments have suggested that the peptide BPC-157 may have the capability to heal multiple different injuries – in the GI tract, liver, pancreas, and others. This trend in laboratory findings indicated that the peptide had some interaction with the dopamine system. To further investigate, this study presented the peptide BPC-157 in murine models with amphetamine (dopamine agonist). It was observed that BPC-157 appeared to be capable of reversing amphetamine-induced excitability in the murine models. Furthermore, the murine models were presented with another dopamine agonist, haloperidol, and then presented with amphetamine on days 1, 2, 4, and 10. These murine models were then presented with BPC-157 to illustrate its action. Upon examination, researchers suggested that the peptide appeared to cause a near-complete reversal of haloperidol action.(10)

In a particular study using a murine model, researchers explored the potential of BPC-157 in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI). BPC-157 could have played a role in significantly reducing the damage caused by TBI in experimental models, as indicated by better early results in the experiments performed. During the critical 24-hour period post-injury, observations hinted at a minimal mortality rate in the BPC-157 group. Additionally, the severity of traumatic injuries typically associated with TBI, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissues covering it), intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain's ventricular system), brain laceration, and hemorrhagic laceration, appeared to be less pronounced in the murine models of the BPC-157 group. This suggested a protective potential of the peptide against such injuries.(11)

Another interesting observation was the considerable improvement in cerebral edema, swelling in brain tissue often caused by traumatic injuries. The hypothesis extended to the possibility that if BPC-157 were introduced before the occurrence of TBI, it might show an improved ratio of conscious/unconscious/death states in test subjects. In other words, the peptide could potentially prevent or reduce the severity of unconsciousness and reduce mortality rates associated with TBI in experimental models. Furthermore, there was a suggestion that immediate exposure to BPC-157 immediately prior to injury may have mitigated damage in murine models subjected to a force impulse, typically used to simulate TBI in research. This hinted at the possibility of the peptide having a preventive or protective potential against the immediate consequences of traumatic brain injury in experimental models.(11)