BPC-157 Peptide: An Overview of Animal Studies and Potential Benefits

Introduction

BPC-157 peptide is a synthetic peptide derived from a naturally occurring protein in the body. It has been shown to have a wide range of potential therapeutic applications in animal models, including wound healing, tissue repair, and reduction of inflammation. While BPC-157 peptide is not approved for human use, it is commonly used in research settings to explore its potential therapeutic benefits.

What is BPC-157 peptide?

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound – 157, also known as PL 14736) is a pentadecapeptide. It is a synthetic peptide, derived from a protective protein found in the stomach. Considered a stable gastric pentadecapeptide, it also goes by the names Bepecin, PL-10, and PL 14736.

The arrangement of the amino acids is important. Just as different combinations of letters make different words, different combinations of amino acids make different substances.

It has the amino acid sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val. This peptide is a sequence of 98 hydrogen, 62 carbon, 22 oxygen, and 16 nitrogen atoms (molecular formula is C62-H98-N16-O22).

BPC-157 works by triggering the formation of new blood vessels, a process that is called angiogenesis. Such activity promotes healing and induces faster regeneration of cells. It also works by blocking or preventing the growth-inhibiting effects of a molecule named 4-hydroxynonenal.

BPC-157 Chemical Structure

BPC-157 peptide is a small peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It has a molecular weight of 1419.53552 g/mol.

BPC-157 Chemical Structure

Mechanism of Action

BPC-157 works by modulating the activity of a number of growth factors, including VEGF, PDGF, and FGF-2. These growth factors play a crucial role in the healing process, and by modulating their activity, BPC-157 may be able to promote tissue regeneration and repair. Additionally, BPC-157 has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may further contribute to its ability to promote healing.

Potential Benefits

Based on the animal studies conducted to date, BPC-157 may have a range of potential therapeutic benefits. These include promoting tissue regeneration and repair, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and modulating the activity of growth factors involved in the healing process. Additionally, BPC-157 may have potential applications in the treatment of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and muscle and tendon injuries.

BPC-157 Animal Studies

Effect of BPC-157 on liver healing in rats

Numerous animal studies have investigated the potential therapeutic benefits of BPC-157. One study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research investigated the effect of BPC-157 on Achilles tendon healing in rats. The study found that rats treated with BPC-157 had significantly increased tendon-to-bone healing compared to controls. Additionally, the rats treated with BPC-157 had increased angiogenesis and collagen deposition, suggesting that BPC-157 may promote tissue regeneration and repair.

Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Pharmacology investigated the effect of BPC-157 on liver healing in rats. The study found that rats treated with BPC-157 had significantly reduced liver damage compared to controls. Additionally, the rats treated with BPC-157 had reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting that BPC-157 may have anti-inflammatory effects in the liver.

A study published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology investigated the effect of BPC-157 on muscle healing in rats. The study found that rats treated with BPC-157 had significantly increased muscle regeneration and collagen deposition compared to controls. Additionally, the rats treated with BPC-157 had increased angiogenesis and reduced inflammation, suggesting that BPC-157 may promote tissue regeneration and repair in muscle tissue.

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Enhances the Growth Hormone Receptor Expression in Tendon Fibroblasts

The present study aimed to explore the effect of BPC 157 on tendon fibroblasts isolated from Achilles tendon of male Sprague-Dawley rat. From the result of cDNA microarray analysis, growth hormone receptor was revealed as one of the most abundantly up-regulated genes in tendon fibroblasts by BPC 157.

BPC 157 dose- and time-dependently increased the expression of growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts at both the mRNA and protein levels as measured by RT/real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The addition of growth hormone to BPC 157-treated tendon fibroblasts dose- and time-dependently increased the cell proliferation as determined by MTT assay and PCNA expression by RT/real-time PCR. Janus kinase 2, the downstream signal pathway of growth hormone receptor, was activated time-dependently by stimulating the BPC 157-treated tendon fibroblasts with growth hormone.

In conclusion, the BPC 157-induced increase of growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts may potentiate the proliferation-promoting effect of growth hormone and contribute to the healing of tendon.

BPC-157 research, BPC-157 research

Figure 1

BPC 157 increased the expression of growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts of Sprague-Dawley rats. Tendon fibroblasts at 50%–60% confluency were treated with BPC 157 at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 μg/mL for 24 h (A and C) or 0.5 μg/mL for one to three days (B and D). The mRNA (A and B) and protein (C and D) expressions of growth hormone receptor were measured by RT/real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Experiments were done in triplicate.

BPC157 research, BPC-157 research

Figure 2

Growth hormone increased the cell number of BPC 157-treated tendon fibroblasts of Sprague-Dawley rats. Tendon fibroblasts at 50%–60% confluency were pretreated with BPC 157 at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 μg/mL for 24 h (A) or 0.5 μg/mL for one to three days (B). After BPC 157 pretreatment, 0.1 μg/mL growth hormone was added for another 24 h and then MTT assay was performed. Experiments were done in triplicate. The “★” would be applied if there is statistically significant.

BPC-157 research, BPC-157 research

Figure 3

Growth hormone increased the PCNA gene expression in BPC 157-treated tendon fibroblasts of Sprague-Dawley rats. Tendon fibroblasts at 50%–60% confluency were pretreated with BPC 157 at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 μg/mL for 24 h (A) or 0.5 μg/mL for one to three days (B). After BPC 157 pretreatment, 0.1 μg/mL growth hormone was added for another 24 h and then the PCNA gene expression was analyzed by RT/real-time PCR. Experiments were done in triplicate. The “★” would be applied if there is statistically significant.

BPC157 research, BPC-157 research

Figure 4

Growth hormone activated more JAK2 proteins in BPC 157-treated tendon fibroblasts of Sprague-Dawley rats. Tendon fibroblasts at 50%–60% confluency were pretreated with BPC 157 at concentration of 0.5 μg/mL for one to three days. After BPC 157 pretreatment, 0.1 μg/mL growth hormone was added for another 24 h and then total JAK2 (which was not shown) and activation of JAK2 which was determined by the level of phosphorylated JAK2 were detected by Western blot analysis (A). Experiments were done in triplicate. The levels of phosphorylated JAK2 were calculated by direct densitomeric analysis of the blot (B). The “★” would be applied if there is statistically significant.

Conclusion

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide that has been the subject of numerous animal studies investigating its potential therapeutic benefits. These studies suggest that BPC-157 may be able to promote tissue regeneration and repair, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and modulate the activity of growth factors involved in the healing process. While further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of BPC-157, the results of animal studies to date are promising and suggest that BPC-157 may have a range of potential therapeutic applications.

Note: The information presented in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. The use of BPC-157 for therapeutic purposes has not been approved by regulatory authorities and should only be conducted under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

Bibliography

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  • Gwyer, D., Wragg, N. M., Wilson, S. L., & Sutherland, T. E. (2016). N-terminally modified PEG-ylated BPC-157 analogues with improved pharmacokinetic profiles and therapeutic potential in a murine model of colitis. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 92, 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejps.2016.06.007

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  • Sikiric, P., Seiwerth, S., Brcic, L., et al. (2013). BPC-157 promotes healing of experimental colitis by stabilizing endothelial barrier function. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 64(5), 597–604. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24369944/

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  • Zhang, R., Liu, Y., Yan, C., Teng, Y., & Chen, C. (2021). The neuroprotective effects of BPC-157 against traumatic brain injury in rats involve the Akt/Nrf2 pathway. Life Sciences, 276, 119404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119404

  • Zhou, X., Chen, Y., Li, J., Yu, G., Wang, X., Li, S., Li, Y., Li, L., & Li, D. (2019). BPC-157 enhances the proliferation and migration abilities of Schwann cells in vitro. Neurochemical Research, 44(5), 1238–1246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-019-02750-4

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