This may be due to copper's ability to enhance the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs).16 MMPs normally regulate the degradation of collagen, and a specific one, MMP-1, may be responsible for the initiation of collagen fragmentation.17 Supporting this, a 2024 study noted that elevated MMP-1 levels appear to contribute to aging skin and that higher MMP-1 levels in mice led to:18 The loss and fragmentation of dermal collagen fibrils Contracted fibroblast morphology Reduced collagen production Increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators Additionally, a 2016 study found that GHK-Cu significantly increased gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 at the lowest concentration, which the studys authors considered to be one of the reasons the peptide was able to increase collagen and elastin production.19 So, what this could ultimately mean is that using too much GHK-Cu (or other copper peptides) may in theory increase the skins MMP-1 concentration above the levels involved in healthy collagen production, taking it into the collagen fragmentation and breakdown territory seen in older skin with naturally higher MMP-1 levels
Dose escalation and patience : The standard titration schedule increases the dose every four weeks (2.5 mg 5 mg 7.5 mg 10 mg 12.5 mg 15 mg)
P38MAPK inhibition The p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580, by decreasing the transcriptional activity of NF-B, has been shown to reduce the levels of mRNA of genes of SASP factors in human senescent cells (81)
Because of the research-use nature of these products, we cannot accept returns of opened vials outside of those circumstances
Jinesh S, zpek B, Aditi P
