BPC-157

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a naturally occurring protein found in human gastric juice. Its amino acid sequence is: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val. This peptide has garnered attention for its potential regenerative and healing properties.

BPC-157 Peptide Research

BPC-157 and Wound Healing

BPC-157 naturally functions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to maintain the mucosal barrier, protecting tissues from damage by gastric acid, bile, and digestive compounds. This is partly achieved by recruiting fibroblasts—key cells in wound healing responsible for producing extracellular matrix proteins like collagen, fibrin, and elastin. BPC-157 promotes fibroblast proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo.

Vascular Growth and Collateralization

BPC-157 is a potent angiogenic factor that accelerates endothelial cell proliferation and growth, enhancing collateral blood vessel formation, especially in ischemic conditions. While primarily observed in the GI tract, similar benefits are reported in cardiovascular, neurological, and muscle tissues. This suggests therapeutic potential for stroke, heart attack, and ischemic injury recovery.

Mechanistically, BPC-157 stimulates the VEGFR2 receptor, a critical component of the nitric oxide signaling pathway essential for endothelial growth and longevity. Research demonstrates BPC-157 induces vascular "running"—the growth of blood vessels toward injury or occluded areas to restore blood flow and preserve cell function. This raises the possibility of an oral treatment for slow-progressing arterial blockages, potentially reducing the need for surgical interventions like stenting or bypass.

BPC-157 and Tendon Healing

Due to its ability to recruit fibroblasts and promote vascular growth, BPC-157 has shown promise in animal models of tendon, ligament, bone, and connective tissue injuries. These tissues often heal slowly due to limited blood supply, which restricts fibroblast and repair cell access.

BPC-157 enhances collateralization and increases fibroblast density in injured tendons, ligaments, and bones, outperforming growth factors such as bFGF, EGF, and VEGF. Studies using FITC-phalloidin staining reveal BPC-157 strongly stimulates F-actin formation in fibroblasts, a protein critical for cell structure and migration. It also increases phosphorylation of paxillin and FAK, proteins involved in cell migration pathways.

Antioxidant Properties

Research in rats shows BPC-157 can neutralize oxidative stress markers such as nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating potent antioxidant activity. It also reduces reactive oxygen species production in the GI tract. Investigations into delivery via genetically modified Lactococcus lactis demonstrate substantial increases in BPC-157 levels in cultured cells, suggesting an innovative delivery route.

BPC-157 and Drug Side Effects

Side effects often limit pharmaceutical use. BPC-157 shows promise in counteracting side effects of NSAIDs (e.g., gastric bleeding), psychiatric medications, and heart drugs.

Notably, BPC-157 protects against QTc prolongation in the heart—a dangerous condition that can cause fatal arrhythmias and is induced by drugs for diabetes and psychiatric disorders. It also prevents severe side effects like catalepsy and sensory disturbances caused by neuroleptics. These protective effects may improve treatment adherence in psychiatric conditions by mitigating intolerable side effects.

BPC-157 and Bees

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) leads to rapid honey bee population declines, partially due to gut fungal infections by Nosema ceranae. Supplementing bee diets with BPC-157 reduced gut damage from the fungus and increased hive survival in natural field conditions. This represents a significant oral treatment advancement for protecting key pollinators essential to global agriculture.

Summary

BPC-157 is under active investigation across multiple models and shows promise beyond wound healing and vascular growth. It is a powerful tool for studying angiogenesis and related biological processes critical to tissue repair, growth, cancer, and embryogenesis.

The peptide exhibits minimal side effects, with moderate oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Dosages in mice do not directly translate to humans. BPC-157 is currently available for educational and scientific research only and should only be purchased by licensed researchers.

Research Applications

BPC-157 is primarily utilized in scientific studies focusing on:

• Tissue Repair: Investigating its role in promoting the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.
• Gastrointestinal Health: Exploring its potential to heal gastric ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Neuroprotection: Assessing its effects on nerve regeneration and protection.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Studying its ability to modulate inflammatory pathways and support recovery.

Product Specifications

• Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for reconstitution.
• Dosage: Typically available in vials containing 5mg or 10mg of BPC-157.
• Purity: ≥99%, ensuring high-quality material for research purposes.
• Packaging: Sealed vials to maintain product integrity.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After reconstitution, store at 4°C and use within 2-7 days.

Safety and Handling

BPC-157 is intended strictly for laboratory research and is not approved for human consumption. Handle with care, following appropriate safety protocols. Ensure proper storage conditions to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the compound.

Selected References

• Huang et al., “Body protective compound-157 enhances alkali-burn wound healing in vivo and promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in vitro,” Drug Des. Devel. Ther., vol. 9, pp. 2485-2499, 2015. 
• Drmic et al., “Counteraction of perforated cecum lesions in rats: Effects of pentadecapeptide BPC 157, L-NAME and L-arginine,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 24, no. 48, pp. 5462-5476, Dec. 2018. 
• Amic et al., “Bypassing major venous occlusion and duodenal lesions in rats, and therapy with the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, L-NAME and L-arginine,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 24, no. 47, pp. 5366-5378, Dec. 2018. 
• Duzel et al., “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in the treatment of colitis and ischemia and reperfusion in rats: New insights,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 23, no. 48, pp. 8465-8488, Dec. 2017. 
• Vukojevic et al., “Rat inferior caval vein (ICV) ligature and particular new insights with the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157,” Vascul. Pharmacol., vol. 106, pp. 54-66, 2018.
• Drmic et al., “Celecoxib-induced gastrointestinal, liver and brain lesions in rats, counteraction by BPC 157 or L-arginine, aggravation by L-NAME,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 23, no. 29, pp. 5304-5312, Aug. 2017. 
• Hsieh et al., “Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation,” J. Mol. Med., vol. 95, no. 3, pp. 323-333, 2017. 
• Grabarevic et al., “The influence of BPC 157 on nitric oxide agonist and antagonist induced lesions in broiler chicks,” J. Physiol. Paris, vol. 91, no. 3-5, pp. 139-149, Oct. 1997. 
• Sikiric et al., “Novel Cytoprotective Mediator, Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Vascular Recruitment and Gastrointestinal Tract Healing,” Curr. Pharm. Des., vol. 24, no. 18, pp. 1990-2001, 2018. 
• Seiwerth et al., “BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Gastrointestinal Tract Healing, Lessons from Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Bone Healing,” Curr. Pharm. Des., vol. 24, no. 18, pp. 1972-1989, 2018. 
• Chang et al., “The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration,” J. Appl. Physiol., vol. 110, no. 3, pp. 774-780, Oct. 2010. 
• Hu et al., “FAK and paxillin dynamics at focal adhesions in the protrusions of migrating cells,” Sci. Rep., vol. 4, p. 6024, Aug. 2014. 
• Skrlec et al., “Engineering recombinant Lactococcus lactis as a delivery vehicle for BPC-157 peptide with antioxidant activities,” Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., vol. 102, no. 23, pp. 10103-10117, Dec. 2018. 
• Strinic et al., “BPC 157 counteracts QTc prolongation induced by haloperidol, fluphenazine, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, sulpiride, and metoclopramide in rats,” Life Sci., vol. 186, pp. 66-79, Oct. 2017. 
• Jelovac et al., “Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 attenuates disturbances induced by neuroleptics: the effect on catalepsy and gastric ulcers in mice and rats,” Eur. J. Pharmacol., vol. 379, no. 1, pp. 19-31, Aug. 1999. 
• Tiak Gajger et al., “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee (Apis mellifera) therapy, to control Nosema ceranae invasions in apiary conditions,” J. Vet. Pharmacol. Ther., vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 614-621, Aug. 2018.