# GHK-Cu Research References | Clinic GHK-Cu

> Complete bibliography of 21 peer-reviewed sources cited across this site. Includes PMIDs, DOIs, and direct links to PubMed, PMC, and journal pages.

**URL:** https://clinicghkcu.com/references  
**Canonical HTML:** https://clinicghkcu.com/references

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## Complete Reference List

1. Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Letters. 1988;238(2):343-346.  
   DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x | PMID: 3169264  
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3169264/

2. Simeon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX. The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures. Life Sciences. 2000;67(18):2257-2265.  
   DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00803-1 | PMID: 11045606  
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11045606/

3. Leyden JJ, et al. Effects of GHK-Cu on MMP and TIMP Expression, Collagen and Elastin Production, and Facial Wrinkle Parameters. Journal of Aging Science. 2015.  
   https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/effects-of-ghkcu-on-mmp-and-timp-expression-collagen-and-elastin-production-and-facial-wrinkle-parameters-2329-8847-1000166.pdf

4. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987.  
   DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987 | PMID: 29987235  
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/

5. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:648108.  
   DOI: 10.1155/2015/648108 | PMID: 26236730  
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4508379/

6. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987. [COPD lung fibroblast findings]  
   DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987 | PMID: 29987235  
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/

7. Lee WJ, Sim HB, Jang YH, Lee SJ, Kim DW, Yim SH. Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth. Annals of Dermatology. 2016;28(4):438-443.  
   DOI: 10.5021/ad.2016.28.4.438 | PMID: 27489430  
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27489430/

8. Liu T, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhang L, Wang W, Bai D, Liao Y, Wang Z, Wang M, Zhang J. Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application. Bioactive Materials. 2023.  
   DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.002 | PMID: 38026438  
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10643103/

9. Pickart L, Margolina A. [Dermal papilla / TGF-beta1 / DHT mechanism]. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987.  
   DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987 | PMID: 29987235  
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/

10. Dou Y, Lee A, Zhu L, Morton J, Ladiges W. The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics. 2020;2(1):58-61.  
    DOI: 10.31491/apt.2020.03.014 | PMID: 35083444  
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8789089/

11. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. Brain Sciences. 2017;7(2):20.  
    DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7020020 | PMID: 28212278  
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5332963/

12. Zhang Q, Yan L, Lu J, Zhou X. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ attenuates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema and inflammation by reducing oxidative stress pathway. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences. 2022;9:925700.  
    DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.925700 | PMID: 35936787  
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9354777/

13. Lee S, Lee SM, Lee SH, Choi WK, Park SJ, Kim DY, et al. In situ photo-crosslinkable hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel embedded with GHK peptide nanofibers for bioactive wound healing. Acta Biomaterialia. 2023.  
    DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.011 | PMID: 37832839  
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37832839/

14. Vignesh NR, Balakumaran C, Kumar NA, Sukanya G, Megalai AS, Sowbaghya PT. A study comparing the effect of dermaroller versus dermaroller with copper peptide in the management of acne scars. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2026.  
    DOI: 10.25259/JCAS_56_2025  
    https://jcasonline.com/a-study-comparing-the-effect-of-dermaroller-versus-dermaroller-with-copper-peptide-in-the-management-of-acne-scars/

15. Leyden JJ, et al. Effects of Copper Tripeptide on the Growth and Expression of Growth Factors by Normal and Irradiated Fibroblasts. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2005;7(1):27-34.  
    DOI: 10.1001/archfaci.7.1.27  
    https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1001/archfaci.7.1.27

16. Chen H, Yang P, Xue P, Li S, Dan X, Li Y, Lei L, Fan X. Food-Derived Tripeptide-Copper Self-Healing Hydrogel for Infected Wound Healing. Biomaterials Research. 2025.  
    DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0139 | PMID: 39902373  
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11788471/

17. Adnan SB, Maarof M, Fauzi MB, Fadilah NIM. Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Medical Sciences. 2025;22(16):4175-4200.  
    DOI: 10.7150/ijms.118118  
    https://www.medsci.org/v22p4175.htm

18. Mortazavi SM, Mohammadi Vadoud SA, Moghimi HR. Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective. BioImpacts. 2024.  
    DOI: 10.34172/bi.30071 | PMID: 39963574  
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11830136/

19. Mortazavi SM, Mohammadi Vadoud SA, Moghimi HR. [Cell-penetrating peptide penetration data]. BioImpacts. 2024.  
    DOI: 10.34172/bi.30071 | PMID: 39963574  
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11830136/

20. Wang J, et al. GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Wound Repair and Regeneration. 2017;25(2):270-278.  
    DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12520  
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/wrr.12520

21. Ogorek K, Nowak K, Wadych E, Ruzik L, Timerbaev AR, Matczuk M. Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes? Molecules. 2025;30(1):136.  
    DOI: 10.3390/molecules30010136 | PMID: 39795193  
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11721469/

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A peer-reviewed reading room for the GHK-Cu literature — editorial summaries, not clinical guidance.

© 2026 Clinic GHK-Cu. All content is editorial commentary on publicly available peer-reviewed research.
