GHK-Cu Copper Peptide (100MG)

This study explored the GHK-Cu copper peptide for its neuroprotective properties against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Researchers investigated whether intranasal delivery of GHK-Cu could enhance cognition and reduce hallmark neuropathological changes in 5xFAD transgenic mice, a well-established model of early-onset AD. Over a 12-week period, male and female mice received intranasal GHK-Cu three times per week. Results demonstrated that GHK-Cu treatment improved memory performance, reduced amyloid plaque burden, and decreased neuroinflammatory activity compared with saline-treated controls. These outcomes position GHK-Cu peptide as a promising candidate for further preclinical evaluation in neurodegenerative research.

The GHK-Cu peptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to copper) is a naturally occurring complex known for its regenerative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory functions. It supports angiogenesis, tissue repair, and the modulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) signaling—a pathway linked to amyloid plaque formation and tau pathology. Prior GHK-Cu studies showed it improves cognitive function in aged animals and counteracts oxidative stress relevant to AD pathogenesis. Because GHK-Cu copper peptide can be delivered intranasally, bypassing the restrictive blood-brain barrier, this route was selected as an efficient and non-invasive way to achieve central nervous system exposure.

The study used both male and female 5xFAD transgenic mice, aged four months at the onset of testing. Mice were divided into GHK-Cu–treated and saline-treated groups, along with wild-type controls. The GHK-Cu peptide was administered intranasally at a dose of 15 mg/kg three times weekly for three months. Cognitive function was measured using the Y-Maze spontaneous alternation test, a reliable indicator of working memory. Neuropathological assessments included Congo red staining for amyloid plaques and MCP-1 immunohistochemistry to evaluate neuroinflammation.

Treatment with intranasal GHK-Cu significantly enhanced performance in the Y-Maze test. Female mice exhibited notable gains in spontaneous alternation scores at weeks 8 and 12, while males showed earlier improvement beginning at week 4. By the end of the study, the GHK-Cu–treated mice performed nearly at the level of wild-type controls, suggesting substantial restoration of working memory and executive function. These behavioral outcomes align with prior GHK-Cu studies demonstrating improved cognition following peptide exposure.