Effect of Gly-Gly-His, Gly-His-Lys and their copper complexes on TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts.
Gruchlik. Arkadiusz A; Jurzak. Magdalena M; Chodurek. Ewa E; Dzierzewicz. Zofia Z
Key Findings
- GHK, GGH, copper chloride, and their copper‑peptide complexes all reduced TNF‑alpha‑induced IL‑6 secretion in human dermal fibroblasts.
- Lower IL‑6 levels are linked to reduced skin inflammation, faster wound repair, and less UV‑induced redness.
- The authors propose that copper‑peptide creams could replace topical steroids or NSAIDs for skin inflammation.
Practical Outcomes
- For DIY skin‑care protocols, adding a copper‑GHK or copper‑GGH serum may provide mild anti‑inflammatory benefits, especially after sun exposure or minor injuries. However, the evidence is limited to cell‑culture work, so real‑world effectiveness and optimal dosing are still unknown. Start with low‑concentration, well‑formulated products and monitor skin response.
Summary
A lab study found that two small skin peptides (GHK and GGH) and their copper‑bound forms can lower the amount of the inflammatory molecule IL‑6 that skin cells release when they’re stimulated by a pro‑inflammatory signal. This suggests these copper‑peptide complexes have anti‑inflammatory effects on skin cells and might help with wound healing or redness.
Abstract
Cosmeceuticals represent a marriage between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. There are numerous cosmeceutically active products which can be broadly classified into the following categories: antioxidants, oligopeptides, growth factors and pigment lightning agents. Much attention has been focused on the tripeptides such as Gly-His-Lys (GHK) and Gly-Gly-His (GGH) and their copper complexes, which have a high activity and good skin tolerance. Recent data suggested their physiological role in process of wound healing, tissue repair and skin inflammation. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory properties of these peptides is not clear. The aim of the study was evaluation of influence of two peptides GGH. GHK and their copper complexes and saccharomyces/copper ferment (Oligolides Copper) on secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 in normal human dermal fibroblasts NHDF cell line. IL-6 was evaluated using the ELISA kit. GGH, GHK, CuCl2 and their copper complexes decreased TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in fibroblasts. IL-6 is crucial for normal wound healing, skin inflammation and UVB-induced erythema. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties, the copper-peptides could be used on the skin surface instead of corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have more side effects. Our observations provide some new information about the role of these tripeptides in skin inflammation.
Study Information
pubmed
2012