The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures

Siméon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX · Life Sciences

Raised MMP-2 protein in conditioned medium alongside MMP-2 mRNA, and increased secretion of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. The effect was reproduced by copper ions alone and was not produced by the copper-free tripeptide.

Population

Cultured dermal fibroblasts

Intervention

GHK-Cu in conditioned-medium culture

Comparator

Untreated cultures, copper ions alone, and copper-free GHK alone

Limitations

Dermal fibroblasts. The paper's own controls show the copper, not the peptide, carried this particular effect — relevant to any claim that the tripeptide is doing the work.