BPC-157

Research Overview

BPC-157 serves as a valuable research tool for investigating tissue protection and repair mechanisms in laboratory settings. This synthetic pentadecapeptide represents a partial sequence of body protective compound naturally present in human gastric secretions, where it plays a role in gastric mucosal integrity. Research applications have expanded significantly beyond gastrointestinal studies to encompass tissue repair, angiogenesis, and cellular protection investigations across multiple organ systems.

The peptide’s designation as body protective compound reflects its original identification in gastric protective protein fractions. Laboratory studies investigate BPC-157’s effects on tissue repair processes, wound healing pathways, vascular formation, and protective mechanisms against various forms of cellular injury. Research protocols examine these effects in cell culture systems, tissue explants, and preclinical animal models.

BPC-157 research demonstrates the peptide’s remarkable stability compared to many research peptides. This enhanced stability allows for more flexible experimental designs and diverse research applications. Studies have documented BPC-157’s resistance to gastric acid degradation, enzymatic breakdown, and temperature fluctuations that would compromise many other peptides.

Molecular Characteristics

Complete Specifications:

• CAS Registry Number: 137525-51-0
• Molecular Weight: 1,419.55 Da
• Molecular Formula: C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂
• Amino Acid Sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
• PubChem CID: 9941957
• Peptide Classification: Synthetic pentadecapeptide
• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder
• Solubility: Water, bacteriostatic water, phosphate buffered saline

The peptide’s 15-amino acid structure contributes to its unique stability profile. Three proline residues within the sequence (positions 3, 4, 5, and 8) introduce conformational constraints that may contribute to enzymatic resistance. The sequence includes both acidic residues (glutamic acid, aspartic acid) and basic residues (lysine), creating an overall charge distribution that influences solubility and potential receptor interactions.

Pharmacokinetic Profile in Research Models

BPC-157 pharmacokinetic characterization in preclinical research reveals important properties for experimental design:

Absorption and Bioavailability:

• Intramuscular bioavailability: 14-19% (rat models), 45-51% (canine models)
• Multiple administration routes investigated: IV, IM, IP, oral, topical
• Oral bioavailability demonstrated in gastric acid environment (unusual for peptides)

Distribution and Elimination:

• Plasma half-life: <30 minutes following IV administration
• Rapid clearance from circulation with tissue distribution
• Biological effects observed beyond detectable plasma presence
• Suggests tissue binding or sustained biological activity mechanisms

These pharmacokinetic characteristics inform research protocol design, particularly regarding dosing frequency and timing in experimental models. The short plasma half-life contrasts with prolonged biological effects observed in tissue repair studies, an interesting research question regarding mechanism of action.

Research Applications

Tissue Repair and Regeneration Studies

BPC-157 serves as a research tool for investigating fundamental tissue repair mechanisms. Laboratory studies examine the peptide’s effects on:

• Wound Healing Research: Investigation of healing process acceleration in various tissue types and injury models
• Cellular Migration Studies: Analysis of cell movement, chemotaxis, and tissue remodeling during repair
• Angiogenesis Investigation: Examination of blood vessel formation, vascular endothelial growth factor pathways, and revascularization
• Collagen Synthesis Research: Studies on extracellular matrix formation, collagen deposition, and tissue remodeling
• Growth Factor Modulation: Investigation of growth factor expression and signaling pathway activation

Research protocols typically employ in vitro cell culture models (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells) and in vivo wound healing models to characterize BPC-157’s effects on tissue repair mechanisms.

Gastrointestinal Research

Given BPC-157’s origin from gastric protective proteins, substantial research focuses on gastrointestinal applications:

• Gastric Protection Studies: Investigation of protective mechanisms against various gastric injury models
• Intestinal Barrier Function: Research on gut permeability, tight junction integrity, and barrier maintenance
• Mucosal Healing Research: Studies examining mucosal repair processes and epithelial regeneration
• Anti-inflammatory Pathway Investigation: Analysis of inflammatory mediator modulation and protective signaling
• Ulcer Healing Models: Examination of healing mechanisms in experimental ulcer models

Research in this area investigates BPC-157’s stability in acidic gastric environment and its effects on gastrointestinal tissue protection and repair pathways.

Musculoskeletal Research Applications

Laboratory studies investigate BPC-157 in musculoskeletal tissue research:

• Tendon and Ligament Research: Studies on connective tissue healing, collagen organization, and mechanical strength
• Muscle Tissue Studies: Investigation of muscle fiber repair, regeneration, and recovery mechanisms
• Bone Repair Research: Examination of bone formation, mineralization, and healing processes
• Joint and Cartilage Studies: Research on cartilage protection, chondrocyte function, and joint tissue health

Experimental models include tendon injury models, muscle damage protocols, and bone healing studies, with outcomes measured through histological analysis, biomechanical testing, and molecular pathway assessment.

Cardiovascular and Vascular Research

Research applications extend to cardiovascular system investigation:

• Endothelial Function Studies: Examination of vascular endothelial cell function, nitric oxide pathways, and vascular reactivity
• Blood Flow Research: Investigation of microcirculation, vascular remodeling, and tissue perfusion
• Vascular Repair Studies: Research on blood vessel healing, neovascularization, and vascular protection
• Cardioprotection Research: Studies examining cardiac tissue protection mechanisms in experimental models

Laboratory protocols investigate BPC-157’s effects on endothelial cell signaling, vascular growth factors, and protective mechanisms against vascular injury.

Neurological Research

Emerging research areas include neurological applications:

• Neuroprotection Studies: Investigation of neuronal protection mechanisms against various injury models
• Brain Injury Research: Examination of neural recovery processes and neuroprotective pathways
• Spinal Cord Research: Studies on spinal cord injury models and recovery mechanisms
• Blood-Brain Barrier Research: Investigation of BBB permeability and central nervous system effects

Research in this area examines BPC-157’s potential central nervous system penetration and effects on neural tissue protection and repair.

Laboratory Handling and Storage Protocols

Lyophilized Powder Storage:

• Store at -20°C to -80°C in original sealed vial
• Protect from light exposure and moisture
• Desiccated storage environment recommended
• Stability data available for 12+ months at -20°C

Reconstitution Guidelines:

• Reconstitute with sterile water, bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), or appropriate buffer
• Add solvent slowly down vial side to minimize foaming
• Gentle swirling motion recommended (avoid vigorous shaking)
• Allow complete dissolution before use (typically 1-2 minutes)
• Final pH should be 7.0-8.0 for optimal stability

Reconstituted Solution Storage:

• Short-term storage: 4°C for up to 7 days
• Long-term storage: -20°C in aliquots to avoid freeze-thaw cycles
• Single-use aliquots recommended to maintain peptide integrity
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (maximum 2-3 cycles)

Enhanced Stability Profile:
BPC-157 demonstrates superior stability compared to many research peptides. Studies document stability at room temperature for extended periods, resistance to gastric acid degradation (pH 1.5), and maintained biological activity across diverse pH ranges. This unusual stability profile allows for more flexible experimental protocols.

Quality Assurance and Analytical Testing

Each BPC-157 batch undergoes comprehensive analytical characterization:

Purity Analysis:

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): ≥98% purity
• Analytical method: Reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection at 220nm
• Multiple peak integration to ensure accurate purity determination

Structural Verification:

• Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS): Confirms molecular weight 1,419.55 Da
• Amino acid analysis: Verifies sequence composition
• Peptide content determination: Quantifies actual peptide content by weight

Contaminant Testing:

• Bacterial endotoxin: <5 EU/mg (LAL method)
• Heavy metals: Below detection limits per USP standards
• Residual solvents: TFA and acetonitrile within acceptable limits
• Water content: Karl Fischer titration (<8%)

Documentation:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with each batch
• Third-party analytical verification available upon request
• Stability data documented for recommended storage conditions
• Batch-specific QC results traceable by lot number

Research Considerations

Experimental Design Factors:

Researchers should consider several factors when designing BPC-157 experiments:

1. Concentration Selection: Determine appropriate concentrations based on research objectives and experimental model. Published research reports broad concentration ranges depending on application.

2. Temporal Considerations: BPC-157’s short plasma half-life vs. prolonged biological effects requires careful timing of measurements and sample collection.

3. Route Considerations: Multiple administration routes show efficacy in research models. Route selection should align with research questions and experimental feasibility.

4. Model Selection: Choose appropriate cell culture systems, tissue explants, or animal models based on specific research questions.

5. Control Groups: Include appropriate vehicle controls, positive controls (where applicable), and comparative compounds.

Mechanism Investigation:

BPC-157’s mechanisms of action remain active research areas. Multiple pathways have been investigated including:

• Growth factor modulation (VEGF, bFGF, etc.)
• Nitric oxide pathway interactions
• FAK-paxillin signaling pathway
• Gene expression alterations
• Anti-inflammatory mediator effects

The peptide’s multiple potential mechanisms require careful experimental design to isolate specific effects and pathways.

Compliance and Safety Information

Regulatory Status:
BPC-157 is provided as a research chemical for in-vitro laboratory studies and preclinical research only. This product has not been approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use, dietary supplementation, or medical applications.

Intended Use:

• In-vitro cell culture studies
• In-vivo preclinical research in approved animal models
• Laboratory investigation of biological mechanisms
• Academic and institutional research applications

NOT Intended For:

• Human consumption or administration
• Therapeutic treatment or diagnosis
• Dietary supplementation
• Veterinary therapeutic applications without appropriate oversight

Safety Protocols:
Researchers should follow standard laboratory safety practices when handling BPC-157:

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses)
• Handle in well-ventilated areas or fume hood
• Follow institutional biosafety guidelines
• Dispose of waste according to local regulations for biological/chemical waste
• Consult material safety data sheet (MSDS) for additional safety information

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