Description

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a sequence found in human gastric juice. Composed of 15 amino acids, BPC-157 has been extensively studied in in vivo and in vitro settings for its potential to modulate wound healing, angiogenesis, inflammation, and neuroprotection. Its regenerative activity appears to involve direct interaction with growth factors, nitric oxide pathways, and extracellular matrix signaling molecules, making it a unique candidate for tissue repair and recovery research.

Preclinical studies have shown that BPC-157 may accelerate healing in tendons, ligaments, muscle, skin, and nervous system tissue, often without the need for co-administered growth factors or stem cells. It is stable in gastric environments and is water-soluble, which has allowed it to be studied via multiple administration routes, including oral, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal in non-human models.

Chemical Makeup

• Sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val

• Molecular Formula: C62H98N16O22

• Molecular Weight: 1419.54 g/mol

• Form: Lyophilized powder

• Solubility: Water-soluble

• Stability: Stable in aqueous solutions and low pH environments

Research & Preclinical Investigations

Musculoskeletal and Tendon Repair

BPC-157 has been shown in rodent models to accelerate tendon outgrowth, improve collagen organization, and restore mechanical function in surgically transected ligaments and tendons. It may activate fibroblast migration, promote the expression of VEGF, and enhance angiogenesis in injured connective tissue.

Gastrointestinal and Mucosal Protection

Due to its origin in gastric tissue, BPC-157 has been widely studied for its cytoprotective effects in the gastrointestinal tract. Animal studies indicate protection against NSAID-induced lesions, inflammatory bowel injury, and esophageal, stomach, and intestinal ulceration via modulation of inflammatory cytokines and epithelial restitution.

Neurological and Vascular Research

In models of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and peripheral nerve crush, BPC-157 has shown potential neuroprotective effects. It may modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and influence neuronal plasticity, as well as reduce oxidative stress and vascular leakage in ischemia models.

Anti-Inflammatory and Angiogenic Activity

BPC-157 appears to reduce systemic inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β) while enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production, promoting blood vessel formation, and improving microcirculation in damaged tissue. This has led to interest in its application to soft tissue recovery, wound closure, and cardiovascular models.

Research Use Only

BPC-157 is provided strictly for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research purposes. It is not intended for human use, medical therapy, or diagnostic procedures. All research must be conducted under applicable institutional safety protocols.

References

1. Sikiric P, et al. BPC 157 and blood vessel healing. Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24(18):2000–2023.

2. Chang CH, et al. BPC-157 accelerates tendon healing in rat models. J Orthop Res. 2011;29(6):976–983.

3. Vukojević J, et al. Gastrointestinal, liver, and brain protection by BPC-157: How it works and what could it mean? Curr Med Chem. 2020;27(5):707–726.

4. Seiwerth S, et al. BPC 157 and its role in cytoprotection and healing mechanisms. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014;65(5):613–621.