BPC-157 Peptide and Wound Healing

In this study, three experimental models of rats were used – first with skin wounds, second with colon anastomosis and third with synthetic sponge implantation. Some of the rats were treated with placebo, whereas others were treated with the BPC 157 peptide. After the treatment, all models were histologically examined. It was discovered that the BPC-157 treated rats appeared to exhibit higher numbers of collagen, reticulin and blood vessel development as compared to the ones treated with the control. This suggested that the peptide may promote healing at a faster rate than usual, via formation of granulation tissue and angiogenesis. Not only was the peptide’s potential exhibited in different wounds, but it was reported to exhibit the same levels of efficacy despite differing route administrations – including intragastric and local administration – thereby suggesting that BPC-157 peptide may be a potential therapeutic agent. (6)

BPC-157 Peptide and Tendon Healing

This experiment was conducted ex-vivo in the cultured tendon fibroblasts derived from the tendons of rats. The cultures were divided into two groups, one was treated with control whereas the other was treated with BPC-157. Post treatment, the following was reported: (1)

• BPC-157 peptide appeared to promote the outgrowth of tendon and tendon healing
• Even under H2O2 stress, BPC-157 exhibited apparent cell survival under stress
• With increased dosing, the peptide appeared to promote migration of the tendon fibroblasts
• High doses of BPC-157 induced apparent increased levels of phosphorylation of both PAK and paxillin, while the total protein level remained unchanged

Upon analysis, it was suggested that the peptide may promote tendon healing, tendon outgrowth and cell survival via the F-actin formation and activation of the FAK and paxillin pathway. (1)

BPC-157 Peptide and Gastrointestinal Healing

This study was conducted to scrutinize the effects of BPC-157 peptide against similar angiogenic growth factors such as EGF, FGF and VEGF. The primary assumptions were that BPC-157 is highly stable and biocompatible, and that BPC-157 may be administered by itself. While the study reported improved healing, only BPC-157 was reported to exhibit consistent results in all wound types (i.e. both chronic and acute) on the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and lower GI tract. These effects were apparent to the researchers regardless of the route of administration. Thus, this study suggested the extent of the angiogenic effects of the peptide – which was not only on local wounds and ligaments, but also on GI wounds and bone healing. (7)

BPC-157 Peptide and Other Pharmacological Effects

This study was conducted to understand the extent of the angiogenic effects of the peptide, beyond local wounds, ligaments, and GI tract wounds; and to study its effect on multiple gastrointestinal lesions on the pancreas, liver injuries, heart damage, endothelium damage and blood pressure. Following the results, scientists suggested that the BPC-157 peptide may induce a network of activities via peptidergic defense systems.

There are several important neurotransmitters and functions in our body such as dopamine, nitrous oxide, prostaglandin, and other neuron systems. Any over activity or inhibition of these systems may lead to several lesions in different organs of the body. BPC-157, through its defense system, appears to counteract with these systems and reverse their over activation and inhibition. While further investigation in detail was yet pending, these initial studies suggest that BPC-157 is a ‘universal’ peptide that can be used due to the physiologic defense system it creates. (8)

BPC-157 Peptide and Muscle Healing

This study was conducted on rats with injured gastrocnemius muscle complex. These rats were then treated with methylprednisolone (corticosteroid). These corticosteroid rats were then divided into two groups: one group was treated with BPC-157, whereas the other was treated with placebo. Both medications were administered once in 24 hours and examined at days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14. Upon examination, it was noticed that the corticosteroid appeared to significantly worsen the muscle damage in the rats. However, those treated with BPC-157 appeared to show signs of healing and complete restoration of the damaged gastrocnemius muscle along with its full functioning ability. This result indicated that the peptide may be able to reverse the effects of systemic corticosteroid treatment and may be able to promote faster muscle healing. (9)

BPC-157 Peptide and Amphetamine-Induced Hypersensitivity

Laboratory experiments had widely suggested that the BPC-157 peptide may have the ability to heal multiple different lesions – in GI tract, liver, pancreas, and others. This trend in lab findings indicated that the peptide had some interaction with the dopamine system. To investigate further, this study administered the BPC-157 peptide in amphetamine (dopamine agonist) treated rats. BPC-157 was either given in prophylactic doses or in therapeutic doses. It was observed that BPC-157 appeared to be able to completely reverse the amphetamine induced excitability in the rats. Furthermore, rats were treated with another dopamine agonist, haloperidol, and then treated with amphetamine on days 1, 2, 4 and 10. These rats were then administered with BPC-157 to illustrate its effects. Upon examination, it was noted that the peptide appeared to cause an almost complete reversal of the haloperidol effect. Thus, these studies provided strong support to indicate the interaction of BPC-157 with the dopamine system. (10)

BPC-157 Peptide Clinical Trials

BPC 157 has been tested in humans under study PL 14736 in early 2000s. In order to comply with the regulatory requirements, a seven-day trial run was first carried out in rats where BPC-157 was administered. Once it was evident that the peptide did not appear to induce any colonic damage, the clinical trial was approved. In the first clinical trial in men, 32 healthy male volunteers were treated with BPC-157 enemas (rectal route of administration). Upon completion of the trial, physical examination, lab test results and clinical monitoring suggested that the peptide is highly tolerable, and no side effects were shown. Based on this, it was determined that the following double blind, randomized study would be conducted on patients with ulcerative colitis, using BPC-157 enemas. Unfortunately, the details on the following study and consecutive results are sparse and not overly informative. (11)(12) Later, in 2015, a randomized clinical trial was planned to be conducted on 42 healthy volunteers where BPC-157 would be administered. The result of this study remains pending.

BPC 157 is a penta-decapeptide composed of 15 amino acids. It is a partial sequence of the body protection compound (BPC) that was discovered in and isolated from human gastric juice. Animal studies have shown it to accelerate the healing of many different wounds, including muscle, tendon and damaged ligaments. Additionally, BPC 157 has shown to protect organs and aids in the prevention of gastric ulcers. BPC-157 acts systemically in the digestive tract to combat leaky gut, IBS, gastro-intestinal cramps, and Crohn’s disease. This peptide has been known to exhibit analgesic characteristics. Research has shown its ability to help skin burns heal at a faster rate by increasing blood flow to damaged tissues. BPC-157 significantly accelerates reticulin and collagen formation as well as angiogenesis together with stimulation of macrophages and fibroblasts infiltration representing a potential therapeutic tool in wound healing management.