Copper tripeptide (GHK-Cu), a naturally occurring tripeptide, is first isolated from human plasma, but can be found in saliva and urine. During wound healing, Copper tripeptide may be freed from existing extracellular proteins via proteolysis and serves as a chemoattractant for inflammatory and endothelial cells. Copper tripeptide has been shown to increase messenger RNA production for collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans in fibroblasts. Copper tripeptide is a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration[1].
[1]. Pollard JD, et al. Effects of copper tripeptide on the growth and expression of growth factors by normal and irradiated fibroblasts. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2005 Jan-Feb;7(1):27-31.