The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and mechanistic discussion of gene expression databases without primary clinical trial data.
PubMed 28212278 · doi:10.3390/brainsci7020020
What was done
The authors reviewed the biological actions of the human copper-binding peptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine), focusing on its effects on gene expression profiles relevant to nervous system health, cognitive decline, and neurodegeneration, drawing in part on Broad Institute Connectivity Map data.
What was found
The abstract provides no numerical data, effect sizes, or specific gene expression statistics. It qualitatively reports that GHK modulates gene expression patterns, supports nerve outgrowth, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and has been associated with regenerative effects across multiple tissues.
Why it matters
Identifying endogenous molecules that influence broad gene expression networks may suggest novel mechanistic targets for age-related neurodegenerative conditions.
Limits
The abstract reports no clinical trial data, sample sizes, or quantitative outcome measures. All described neurological effects are based on mechanistic reasoning, in vitro findings, or bioinformatic database matching rather than direct human clinical evidence.
Cited by
- supports Serum levels of GHK-Cu drop from approximately 200 ng/mL in youth down to around 60 ng/mL by age 65.