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Study · Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2023

15 results

Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway.

Deng M, Zhang Q, Yan L, Bian Y, Li R, Gao J, Wang Y, Miao J, Li J, Zhou X, Hou G

Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle10 Mar 2023Cited by 26 (Europe PMC)

PMID36905132 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC10235902 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.1002/jcsm.13213 (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-36905132
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Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: CC BY-NC-ND. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study15

11 results from studies that gave the peptide. No result from this study comes from people.

  1. 01AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome

    In cigarette smoke-exposed mice, GHK‑Cu at 0.2 and 2 mg/kg reduced smoke-induced loss of skeletal muscle mass.

    In plain wordsIn mice exposed to cigarette smoke, copper peptide reduced the loss of muscle weight.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    IncreaseSkeletal muscle weight
    Study

    mousen: not reported in source

    Cigarette smoke-exposed C57BL/6 mice
    Outcome group
    Muscle injury and repair · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    0.2 and 2 mg/kgAs given in this study (mouse).

    Measurements

    Skeletal muscle weight
    1.19%
    smoke-exposed control
    Skeletal muscle weight
    1.29%
    GHK-Cu 0.2 mg/kg
    Skeletal muscle weight
    1.4%
    GHK-Cu 2 mg/kg

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GHK-Cu treatment (0.2 and 2 mg/kg) reduces CS-induced muscle mass loss (skeletal muscle weight (1.19 ± 0.09% vs. 1.29 ± 0.06%, 1.40 ± 0.05%; P < 0.05)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The complex GHK with Cu (GHK-Cu) was used in in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo experiments (cigarette smoking [CS]-exposure mouse model) to explore the involvement of GHK in CS-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  2. 02AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome

    In cigarette smoke-exposed mice, GHK‑Cu at 0.2 and 2 mg/kg increased muscle cross-sectional area.

    In plain wordsIn mice exposed to cigarette smoke, copper peptide increased the size of muscle fibres.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    IncreaseMuscle cross-sectional area
    Study

    mousen: not reported in source

    Cigarette smoke-exposed C57BL/6 mice
    Outcome group
    Muscle injury and repair · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    0.2 and 2 mg/kgAs given in this study (mouse).

    Measurements

    Muscle cross-sectional area
    1055 μm<sup>2</sup>
    smoke-exposed control
    Muscle cross-sectional area
    1797 μm<sup>2</sup>
    GHK-Cu 0.2 mg/kg
    Muscle cross-sectional area
    2252 μm<sup>2</sup>
    GHK-Cu 2 mg/kg

    Source sentences

    Summary
    muscle cross-sectional area elevated (1055 ± 552.4 μm2 vs. 1797 ± 620.9 μm2 , 2252 ± 534.0 μm2 ; P < 0.001)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The complex GHK with Cu (GHK-Cu) was used in in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo experiments (cigarette smoking [CS]-exposure mouse model) to explore the involvement of GHK in CS-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  3. 03AnimalAnimal study (in vivo)Efficacy outcome

    In cigarette smoke-exposed mice, GHK‑Cu at 0.2 and 2 mg/kg rescued smoke-induced muscle weakness and improved grip strength.

    In plain wordsIn mice exposed to cigarette smoke, copper peptide improved grip strength.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    IncreaseGrip strength
    Study

    mousen: not reported in source

    Cigarette smoke-exposed C57BL/6 mice
    Outcome group
    Exercise and physical function · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    0.2 and 2 mg/kgAs given in this study (mouse).

    Measurements

    Grip strength
    175.5 g
    smoke-exposed control
    Grip strength
    257.6 g
    GHK-Cu 0.2 mg/kg
    Grip strength
    339.1 g
    GHK-Cu 2 mg/kg

    Source sentences

    Summary
    also rescues CS-induced muscle weakness, indicated by improved grip strength (175.5 ± 36.15 g vs. 257.6 ± 37.98 g, 339.1 ± 72.22 g; P < 0.01).
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The complex GHK with Cu (GHK-Cu) was used in in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo experiments (cigarette smoking [CS]-exposure mouse model) to explore the involvement of GHK in CS-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  4. 04LabIn vitro (cells)Efficacy outcome

    In C2C12 myotubes, GHK‑Cu rescued cigarette smoke extract-induced muscle dysfunction, with increased expression of myosin heavy chain.

    In plain wordsIn muscle cells exposed to smoke extract, copper peptide raised the level of myosin heavy chain, a muscle protein.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    IncreaseMyosin heavy chain expression
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    C2C12 myotubes
    Outcome group
    Muscle injury and repair · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GHK-Cu was found to rescue CSE-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction in C2C12 myotubes, as evidenced by increased expression of myosin heavy chain
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The complex GHK with Cu (GHK-Cu) was used in in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo experiments (cigarette smoking [CS]-exposure mouse model) to explore the involvement of GHK in CS-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  5. 05LabIn vitro (cells)Efficacy outcome

    In C2C12 myotubes exposed to cigarette smoke extract, GHK‑Cu reduced the expression of MuRF1 and atrogin-1.

    In plain wordsIn muscle cells exposed to smoke extract, copper peptide lowered two proteins linked to muscle breakdown.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    DecreaseMuRF1 and atrogin-1 expression
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    C2C12 myotubes
    Outcome group
    Muscle injury and repair · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    reduced expression of MuRF1 and atrogin-1
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The complex GHK with Cu (GHK-Cu) was used in in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo experiments (cigarette smoking [CS]-exposure mouse model) to explore the involvement of GHK in CS-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  6. 06LabIn vitro (cells)Efficacy outcome

    In C2C12 myotubes exposed to cigarette smoke extract, GHK‑Cu elevated mitochondrial content.

    In plain wordsIn muscle cells exposed to smoke extract, copper peptide raised the amount of mitochondria.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    IncreaseMitochondrial content
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    C2C12 myotubes
    Outcome group
    Mitochondrial function · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    elevated mitochondrial content, and enhanced resistance to oxidative stress.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The complex GHK with Cu (GHK-Cu) was used in in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo experiments (cigarette smoking [CS]-exposure mouse model) to explore the involvement of GHK in CS-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  7. 07LabIn vitro (cells)Efficacy outcome

    In C2C12 myotubes exposed to cigarette smoke extract, GHK‑Cu enhanced resistance to oxidative stress.

    In plain wordsIn muscle cells exposed to smoke extract, copper peptide made the cells more resistant to oxidative stress.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    IncreaseResistance to oxidative stress
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    C2C12 myotubes
    Outcome group
    Mitochondrial function · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    enhanced resistance to oxidative stress.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The complex GHK with Cu (GHK-Cu) was used in in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo experiments (cigarette smoking [CS]-exposure mouse model) to explore the involvement of GHK in CS-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction.
  8. 08LabOther designMechanism

    GHK‑Cu, through SIRT1 deacetylation, inhibited FoxO3a transcriptional activity to reduce protein degradation.

    In plain wordsIn lab tests, copper peptide lowered the activity of a protein that drives muscle protein breakdown.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    DecreaseFoxO3a transcriptional activity
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Receptor activity and mechanism · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GHK-Cu inhibits FoxO3a transcriptional activity to reduce protein degradation
  9. 09LabOther designMechanism

    GHK‑Cu, through SIRT1 deacetylation, deacetylated Nrf2, which contributes to reducing oxidative stress.

    In plain wordsIn lab tests, copper peptide removed a chemical tag from the protein Nrf2, which helps reduce oxidative stress.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    DecreaseNrf2 acetylation
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Receptor activity and mechanism · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    deacetylates Nrf2 and contribute to its action of reducing oxidative stress by generation of anti-oxidant enzymes
  10. 10LabOther designMechanism

    GHK‑Cu increased PGC-1α expression to promote mitochondrial function.

    In plain wordsIn lab tests, copper peptide raised the level of PGC-1α, a protein that supports mitochondria.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    IncreasePGC-1α expression
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Mitochondrial function · Musculoskeletal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    increases PGC-1α expression to promote mitochondrial function.
  11. 11Computer modelIn silicoMechanism

    GHK‑Cu was reported to bind and activate SIRT1, with a binding energy of -6.1 kcal/mol.

    In plain wordsIn predictions, copper peptide bound the protein SIRT1 and activated it.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    Not applicableBinding energy of GHK-Cu to SIRT1
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Receptor activity and mechanism · Pharmacology
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    Binding energy
    −6.1 kcal/mol
    GHK-Cu and SIRT1

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Mechanistically, GHK-Cu directly binds and activates SIRT1(the binding energy was -6.1 kcal/mol).

Natural levels measured4

These results measure the body's own peptide. Nobody was given the peptide. They are not evidence about taking it. They are left out of key results, evidence counts and charts.

  1. 12HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther

    Plasma levels of the body's own GHK were lower in patients with COPD than in healthy controls.

    In plain wordsPeople with COPD had lower levels of the body's own GHK in their blood than healthy people.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    DecreasePlasma GHK level in COPD
    Study

    n = 20

    Comparator
    Healthy controls
    Outcome group
    Aging markers · Respiratory

    Measurements

    Plasma GHK
    70.27 ng/mL
    COPD patients
    Plasma GHK
    133 ng/mL
    healthy controls

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Compared with healthy control, plasma GHK levels were decreased in patients with COPD (70.27 ± 38.87 ng/mL vs. 133.0 ± 54.54 ng/mL, P = 0.009).
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The plasma GHK level in patients with COPD (n = 9) and age-paired healthy subjects (n = 11) were detected using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

    This result measures the body's own GHK-Cu. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.

  2. 13HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther

    In patients with COPD, plasma levels of the body's own GHK were associated with pectoralis muscle area (R = 0.684).

    In plain wordsIn people with COPD, higher natural GHK levels in blood were linked to larger chest muscle area.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    Not applicablePlasma GHK and pectoralis muscle area
    Study

    n = 9

    Outcome group
    Muscle injury and repair · Musculoskeletal

    Measurements

    Correlation coefficient R
    0.684 R
    COPD patients, pectoralis muscle area

    Source sentences

    Summary
    pectoralis muscle area (R = 0.684, P = 0.042)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The plasma GHK level in patients with COPD (n = 9) and age-paired healthy subjects (n = 11) were detected using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

    This result measures the body's own GHK-Cu. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.

  3. 14HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther

    In patients with COPD, plasma levels of the body's own GHK were inversely associated with TNF-α (R = -0.696).

    In plain wordsIn people with COPD, higher natural GHK levels in blood were linked to lower TNF-α, an inflammation marker.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    Not applicablePlasma GHK and TNF-α
    Study

    n = 9

    Outcome group
    Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation

    Measurements

    Correlation coefficient R
    −0.696 R
    COPD patients, TNF-α

    Source sentences

    Summary
    inflammatory factor TNF-α (R = -0.696, P = 0.037)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The plasma GHK level in patients with COPD (n = 9) and age-paired healthy subjects (n = 11) were detected using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

    This result measures the body's own GHK-Cu. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.

  4. 15HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther

    In patients with COPD, plasma levels of the body's own GHK were associated with the antioxidative stress factor SOD2 (R = 0.721).

    In plain wordsIn people with COPD, higher natural GHK levels in blood were linked to higher levels of the antioxidant factor SOD2.

    Peptide
    GHK-Cu
    Outcome
    Not applicablePlasma GHK and SOD2
    Study

    n = 9

    Outcome group
    Inflammation markers · Immune and inflammation

    Measurements

    Correlation coefficient R
    0.721 R
    COPD patients, SOD2

    Source sentences

    Summary
    antioxidative stress factor SOD2 (R = 0.721, P = 0.029)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    The plasma GHK level in patients with COPD (n = 9) and age-paired healthy subjects (n = 11) were detected using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

    This result measures the body's own GHK-Cu. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 3Current

    9 Oct 2026, 18:17 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 2

    9 Oct 2026, 03:03 UTC

    Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC

  3. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 02:56 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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