Synergy of GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid on collagen IV upregulation via fibroblast and ex-vivo skin tests.

Jiang F, Wu Y, Liu Z, Hong M, Huang Y

Journal of cosmetic dermatology16 Apr 2023Cited by 7 (Europe PMC)

PMID37062921DOI10.1111/jocd.15763PepBankPUB-37062921

Summary

IntroductionGHK-Cu and HA are two commonly used skin care ingredients, both of which were reported to enhance collagen synthesis. This work aims to investigate their co-effect on collagen regulation.Materials and methodsIn cell experiments, human dermal fibroblasts were treated by a series of GHK-Cu and HA combinations, and the expressions of collagen I, IV, and VII were measured by qRT-PCR. The best formula screened out from cell experiments were further studied by ex-vivo skin model, and the content of collagen IV was quantified by immunofluorescence method.ResultsThe combination GHK-Cu and HA was found to promote the generation of collagen I, IV, and VII. Especially, they form a synergy on collagen IV. At the ratio of 1:9, GHK-Cu and LMW HA deliver the strongest effect to elevate collagen IV synthesis by 25.4 times in cell test and 2.03 times in ex-vivo skin test.ConclusionThe co-effect of GHK-Cu and HA was revealed. Their synergy brings an insight to anti-aging technology: choosing proper molecular weight of HA and managing its ratio with GHK-Cu could enhance DEJ health via stimulating collagen IV synthesis.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study4

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone4

In this study, GHK-Cu was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking GHK-Cu.

01LabNot a test of GHK-Cu aloneEx vivo tissueEfficacy outcome
In an ex-vivo skin model, GHK‑Cu with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid at 1:9 raised collagen IV synthesis 2.03 times.
In plain wordsIn lab skin samples, copper peptide with a small form of hyaluronic acid raised collagen IV 2.03 times.
Peptide
GHK-Cu
Outcome
IncreaseCollagen IV content in ex-vivo skin
Study
n: not reported in source
ex-vivo skin model
Outcome group
Skin and hair · Skin and wound
Measurements
Collagen IV synthesis
2.03 times
GHK-Cu:LMW HA 1:9, ex-vivo skin test
Source sentences
Summary
At the ratio of 1:9, GHK-Cu and LMW HA deliver the strongest effect to elevate collagen IV synthesis by 25.4 times in cell test and 2.03 times in ex-vivo skin test.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The best formula screened out from cell experiments were further studied by ex-vivo skin model, and the content of collagen IV was quantified by immunofluorescence method.
In this study, GHK-Cu was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHK-Cu.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3706292104
02LabNot a test of GHK-Cu aloneIn vitro (cells)Efficacy outcome
In human dermal fibroblasts, the combination of GHK‑Cu and hyaluronic acid promoted collagen I generation.
In plain wordsIn human skin cells, copper peptide combined with hyaluronic acid raised production of collagen I.
Peptide
GHK-Cu
Outcome
IncreaseCollagen I synthesis
Study
humann: not reported in source
human dermal fibroblasts
Outcome group
Skin and hair · Skin and wound
Source sentences
Summary
The combination GHK-Cu and HA was found to promote the generation of collagen I, IV, and VII.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In cell experiments, human dermal fibroblasts were treated by a series of GHK-Cu and HA combinations, and the expressions of collagen I, IV, and VII were measured by qRT-PCR.
In this study, GHK-Cu was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHK-Cu.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3706292101
03LabNot a test of GHK-Cu aloneIn vitro (cells)Efficacy outcome
In human dermal fibroblasts, the combination of GHK‑Cu and hyaluronic acid promoted collagen VII generation.
In plain wordsIn human skin cells, copper peptide combined with hyaluronic acid raised production of collagen VII.
Peptide
GHK-Cu
Outcome
IncreaseCollagen VII synthesis
Study
humann: not reported in source
human dermal fibroblasts
Outcome group
Skin and hair · Skin and wound
Source sentences
Summary
The combination GHK-Cu and HA was found to promote the generation of collagen I, IV, and VII.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
In cell experiments, human dermal fibroblasts were treated by a series of GHK-Cu and HA combinations, and the expressions of collagen I, IV, and VII were measured by qRT-PCR.
In this study, GHK-Cu was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHK-Cu.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3706292102
04LabNot a test of GHK-Cu aloneIn vitro (cells)Efficacy outcome
In human dermal fibroblasts, GHK‑Cu with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid at 1:9 raised collagen IV synthesis 25.4 times, a synergy.
In plain wordsIn human skin cells, copper peptide with a small form of hyaluronic acid raised collagen IV production 25.4 times.
Peptide
GHK-Cu
Outcome
IncreaseCollagen IV synthesis in fibroblasts
Study
humann: not reported in source
human dermal fibroblasts
Outcome group
Skin and hair · Skin and wound
Measurements
Collagen IV synthesis
25.4 times
GHK-Cu:LMW HA 1:9, cell test
Source sentences
Summary
At the ratio of 1:9, GHK-Cu and LMW HA deliver the strongest effect to elevate collagen IV synthesis by 25.4 times in cell test and 2.03 times in ex-vivo skin test.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Especially, they form a synergy on collagen IV.
Summary · context
In cell experiments, human dermal fibroblasts were treated by a series of GHK-Cu and HA combinations, and the expressions of collagen I, IV, and VII were measured by qRT-PCR.
In this study, GHK-Cu was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHK-Cu.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3706292103

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.

Version 3Current
9 Oct 2026, 18:17 UTC
Study results updated
Version 2
9 Oct 2026, 03:03 UTC
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 02:56 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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