What is BPC-157?
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BPC-157 is a partial form of the protein known as body protection compound (BPC). BPC is a natural component within the body and has been found, in experiments on animals, to promote healing. BPC is not just active in intestinal repair and healing, but appears to produce similar effects in a number of tissues. Scientific studies based on animal test subjects has shown that its healing actions are at least partially linked to growth hormone (GH).
BPC-157 and Healing
BPC-157 is a part of a naturally occurring protein known as body protection compound (BPC). BPC was first isolated from gastric (stomach) juice, but has also been found in other locations, such as the skin and liver. Previous research in animal test subjects has indicated that BPC 157 and BPC both promote healing. New animal research is starting to shed some light on just how they do that.
Cell Survival and BPC 157
In vitro experiments indicate that fibroblasts survive for longer in the presence of BPC 157. Fibroblasts survive about 1.5 times longer when BPC 157 is present [2]. What is more, those cells tend to be healthier and more active and thus more capable of carrying out their repair roles.
Fibroblast Outgrowth and Migration
Fibroblasts are motile (move about) cells found in most connective tissue (bones, tendons, muscle, gastric mucosa, skin, etc.). When damage to tissue occurs, fibroblasts migrate to the site of injury in order to begin the process of repair. They also divide and reproduce (outgrowth) to increase the number of fibroblasts available for tissue repair.
In in vitro studies reveal that migration of fibroblasts is directly affected by BPC 157 concentrations. Where BPC 157 levels are the highest, more fibroblasts can be found.
Evidence shows that BPC 157 is not just an attractant, but that it causes fibroblasts to migrate nearly 2.5 times faster than normal. Not only do the cells migrate in response to BPC 157 levels, they reproduce in response to them as well. Fibroblast outgrowth is approximately three times higher in the presence of BPC 157 [1].
Fibroblasts and Genetic Modification
Previous animal test studies have showed that BPC-157 controls the functions of collagen fragments by promoting the work of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen deposition and maintenance. More recent work on animal test subjects has revealed that BPC 157 influences fibroblasts by upregulating expression of the GH receptor gene. In other words BPC 157 alters the function of DNA.
Fibroblasts aren't just found in the intestine, but are active throughout the body. They are especially active in connective tissue. Administration of BPC-157 to injured connective tissue boosts the GH response by increasing GH receptor density. The result is that even with normal physiologic levels of GH, more is recruited to the site of injury and thus healing proceeds at a faster rate. Ongoing testing and research is revealing even more beneficial effects of BPC-157.
BPC-157 Research
It has been reported, in several different animal studies, that BPC 157 promotes healing in injuries ranging from inflammatory bowel disease to tendon and muscle transection [1]. A 2014 study in rats demonstrated that at least a part of the healing response results from increased GH receptor expression in the injured tissues subjected to BPC 157[2].
There are several growth factors involved in normal tissue healing. Examples include insulin-like growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and growth hormone. The roles that each factor plays vary based on the extent of the injury and the specific tissue that has sustained damage. GH, for example, is very active in repair of connective tissues like skeletal muscle, bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It has been found to increase the secretion of collagen, a protein that serves as the scaffolding for many connective tissues. By increasing the recruitment of GH to damaged tissue, BPC157 can increase the effects and speed recovery.
The Net Effect
By encouraging fibroblast migration, enhancing fibroblast survival, and increasing the speed at which fibroblasts are able to reach a site of injury, BPC 157 increases rates of tissue repair by several orders of magnitude. All of this is achieved by simply stimulating natural healing processes. BPC 157 can best be thought of as boosting the function of the body's natural repair mechanisms.
Resources
[1] T. Cerovecki, I. Bojanic, L. Brcic, B. Radic, I. Vukoja, S. Seiwerth, and P. Sikiric, "Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (PL 14736) improves ligament healing in the rat," J. Orthop. Res. Off. Publ. Orthop. Res. Soc., vol. 28, no. 9, pp. 1155-1161, Sep. 2010.
[2] C.-H. Chang, W.-C. Tsai, Y.-H. Hsu, and J.-H. S. Pang, "Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts," Mol. Basel Switz., vol. 19, no. 11, pp. 19066-19077, 2014.
[3] C.-H. Chang, W.-C. Tsai, M.-S. Lin, Y.-H. Hsu, and J.-H. S. Pang, "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, Mar. 2011.
[4] B. Bódis, O. Karádi, P. Németh, C. Dohoczky, M. Kolega, and G. Mózsik, "Evidence for direct cellular protective effect of PL-10 substances (synthesized parts of body protection compound, BPC) and their specificity to gastric mucosal cells," Life Sci., vol. 61, no. 16, p. PL 243-248, 1997.