BPC-157

Full Name	Body Protection Compound-157
Type	Synthetic Peptide
Amino Acids	15
Sequence	Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
Molecular Weight	1419.53 g/mol
CAS Number	137525-51-0
Status	Research compound
Origin	Derived from human gastric juice protein

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It is derived from a protective protein found naturally in human gastric juice. BPC-157 has been the subject of numerous preclinical studies investigating its potential effects on tissue healing and protection.

Discovery and Development

BPC-157 was first isolated and characterized by researchers studying the protective properties of gastric juice. The peptide is a partial sequence of a larger protein called BPC (Body Protection Compound) that is naturally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

Research on BPC-157 began in the early 1990s, primarily conducted by scientists at the University of Zagreb in Croatia. The compound was developed as a stable form of the naturally occurring peptide for research purposes.

Chemical Structure

BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide, meaning it consists of 15 amino acid residues. Its molecular formula is C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂. The peptide is typically synthesized as a salt form, most commonly as BPC-157 acetate or BPC-157 arginate.

Amino Acid Sequence

The amino acid sequence of BPC-157 is:

                    Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
                

Or in single-letter amino acid code: GEPPPGKPADDAGLV

Stability

Unlike many peptides, BPC-157 demonstrates notable stability in gastric juice and does not require carrier molecules for activity. This stability is attributed to its origin from gastric-protective proteins. The compound remains stable across a wide pH range, which is unusual for peptides of this size.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanisms of BPC-157 are still being investigated. Research has identified several potential pathways:

Growth Factor Modulation

Upregulation of growth hormone receptors
Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
Modulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling

Nitric Oxide System

Studies suggest BPC-157 interacts with the nitric oxide (NO) system, potentially influencing:

Blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)
Blood flow regulation
Inflammatory responses

Dopamine System

Research indicates potential interactions with the dopaminergic system, which may explain some of the observed effects in neurological studies.

Research Studies

BPC-157 has been studied in various preclinical models. It is important to note that most research has been conducted in animal models, with limited human clinical data available.

Gastrointestinal Research

Studies have investigated BPC-157's effects on:

Inflammatory bowel disease models
Gastric ulcer healing
Intestinal anastomosis recovery
Esophageal damage repair

Musculoskeletal Research

Preclinical studies have examined effects on:

Tendon healing (Achilles, rotator cuff models)
Muscle injury recovery
Bone fracture healing
Ligament repair

Neurological Research

Some studies have explored potential neuroprotective effects, examining:

Peripheral nerve damage
Traumatic brain injury models
Dopamine system interactions

Research Status: BPC-157 is a research compound and is not approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies for human therapeutic use. The studies referenced are primarily preclinical (animal) research.

Administration in Research

In research settings, BPC-157 has been administered through various routes:

Oral: Due to its gastric stability
Subcutaneous injection: Common in animal studies
Intramuscular injection: Used in some protocols
Topical: Applied in wound healing studies

Safety Profile

In animal studies, BPC-157 has generally demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no observed toxic effects even at high doses. However, comprehensive human safety data is limited. No major adverse effects have been reported in the available literature, but long-term safety in humans has not been established.

TB-500 – Another peptide studied for tissue healing
Growth Hormone Peptides – Related research compounds
Peptides Overview – General information on peptides

References

Sikiric P, et al. "Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and its effects on a NSAID toxicity model." European Journal of Pharmacology. 1999.
Seiwerth S, et al. "BPC 157's effect on healing." Journal of Physiology-Paris. 2014.
Gwyer D, et al. "Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing." Cell Tissue Res. 2019.
Krivic A, et al. "Achilles detachment in rat and stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157." J Orthop Res. 2006.

Categories: Research Peptides Healing Peptides Synthetic Peptides