At a molecular level, peptides are small chains of amino acids that form proteins. They are essential molecules that help make up the structure of our biological systems. Serving as signals between our cells, peptides play a hugely important roll in bodily function. They work by binding to receptors in the surface of target cells, thereby triggering changes within those cells in a process known as signal transduction. When we get hurt, peptides such as BPC-157 are responsible for initiating our body’s healing response. Some other examples of peptides include insulin and human growth hormone (HGH).
Peptides can be isolated and supplemented to achieve specific health goals, making them a very powerful tool. Depending on the type, peptide supplementation will amplify your body’s natural signals to build muscle, produce collagen (anti-aging), burn fat, or initiate the healing process.
Pentadecapeptide BPC 157
The name, Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, sounds more intimidating than it actually is. “Penta-deca-peptide” is referring to a chain of 15 amino acids and “BPC” means Body Protection Compound. In other words, BPC 157 is a fifteen amino acid chain that plays a role in protecting the body. However, the word “protecting” is perhaps an understatement of this peptide’s potential. Numerous animal studies have shown it has regenerative effects in different tissues of the body including the intestinal mucosa, skin, tendons, cornea, and nerves (Sikiric et al. 2016; Chang et al. 2010). For this reason, the regenerative effects of BPC 157 are being studied and used to help repair soft tissue injuries among others.
BPC 157 Background
BPC 157 was originally found and isolated from gastric juice (Sikiric et al. 2016), where it was found to have protective effects on the intestinal mucosa. Since then, the peptide has been studied as a potential treatment for a variety of soft tissue ailments. Research by Chang et al. (2010), for example, showed that BPC 157 promoted outgrowth of tendon fibroblasts ex vivo, accelerated their migration, and increased their survival under oxidative stress. This is relevant to healing because fibroblasts produce different types of collagen that are a major component of tendon’s extracellular matrix.
Studies have also been carried out to determine the regenerative effects of BPC 157 on the Achilles tendon, the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the quadriceps muscle in rats (Gwyer et al. 2019). This peptide can be administered orally, transcutaneously (through topicals), and via injections and still yield results. As more research becomes available it is possible that peptide molecules like BPC 157 will contribute significantly to the treatment of soft tissue injuries and other forms of musculoskeletal pain in the near future.
BPC 157 at CORE
CORE carries several peptide supplements, including BPC-157. We can prescribe peptides to help promote tissue growth and wound healing in conjunction with our other regenerative medicine services. Peptides will boost the success and effectiveness of your treatment with us, optimizing your time, money, and recovery. We opened our doors in 2009, in hopes of bringing a one-stop wellness shop to the Santa Cruz area. Peptides are just one of the many elements of CORE’s truly integrative support system. Each modality offered by CORE benefits the success of the others, creating an exponential healing cascade.
When you choose CORE, you choose to work with an extensive network of doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, trainers, acupuncturists, and nutritionists all coming together to create our community of wellness. Our network of support offers a convenient and cost-effective treatment system that will target the reason behind your pain, not just the symptoms.
References
- Chang CH;Tsai WC;Lin MS;Hsu YH;Pang JH;. (2010, October 28). The promoting effect of
- pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival,
- and cell migration. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21030672/
- Sikiric, P., Seiwerth, et al. (2016, April 21). Brain-gut Axis and Pentadecapeptide BPC 157:
- Theoretical … Retrieved from
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301834819_Brain-gut_Axis_and_Pentadecapeptide_BPC_157_Theoretical_and_Practical_Implications\
- Gwyer, D., Wragg, N. M., & Wilson, S. L. (2019, August). Gastric pentadecapeptide body
- protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue
- healing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30915550