This is a working overview of Copper(II), written for readers who want more than a one-paragraph summary but less than a textbook.
Reviewed 2026-07-26. Anything still debated is marked as such rather than presented as settled.
Published work on GHK-Cu concentrates largely on cell culture systems rather than whole organisms. Frequently used endpoints include collagen synthesis, expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and migration of fibroblasts. Some reports describe antioxidant behavior, while others stress delivery of copper into cells. These mechanisms are proposed rather than demonstrated, and the relative weight of each pathway is unclear. Human trials are few and generally small, so laboratory findings should not be read as confirmed clinical results.
GHK-Cu is a coordination complex formed between the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and a copper(II) ion. The peptide backbone consists of glycine, histidine, and lysine joined in that order. Copper is held through the imidazole nitrogen of histidine and the alpha-amino group at the N-terminus, which together produce a square-planar arrangement around the metal center. The solid appears blue to violet, a color that originates from d-d electronic transitions within the copper coordination sphere. The complex is indexed under CAS number 89030-95-5.
The sequence now called GHK was first reported in the early 1970s after isolation from human plasma, where it was noted to influence liver cell behavior in laboratory preparations. Later work described a copper-binding form and its activity in fibroblast and wound-model experiments. Review articles frequently group the substance with other copper peptides. Concentrations in blood appear to fall with age in several small surveys, although the reason for this trend is not settled. Whether such a decline carries functional consequences remains an open question.
The compound entered scientific literature in the 1970s, when plasma factors with copper-binding activity were isolated and characterized. Later work expanded into wound healing, skin biology, and cosmetic formulation, where copper tripeptide-1 became a recognized ingredient name. Most published studies remain preclinical or small-scale, and findings are often reported in specialized dermatology or peptide journals. Regulatory treatment varies: some jurisdictions allow it as a cosmetic ingredient, while research-grade material is sold for laboratory use. Questions about optimal delivery, target tissues, and long-term effects continue to be investigated rather than settled.
GHK-Cu is a coordination complex formed between the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and a copper(II) ion. The peptide sequence is often abbreviated Gly-His-Lys, and the copper is bound through the histidine imidazole nitrogen and adjacent peptide nitrogens. The complex is frequently described as a 1:1 peptide-to-copper species. It occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine at low concentrations. Its endogenous levels have been reported to decline with age, although the precise physiological role of that change remains an open question.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical class | Copper(II) peptide complex | Peptide chain coordinated to a single metal ion |
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 | Indexed for the peptide-copper complex |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 | Approximate formula for a one-to-one complex |
| Appearance | Blue to violet solid | Color from copper d-d transitions |
| Solubility class | Freely soluble in water | Also dispersible in some polar solvents |
The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients lists the substance as copper tripeptide-1, the name that appears on most topical product labels. Related designations include copper peptide and GHK-Cu, and the hyphenated form is common in research literature. In cosmetics the material is regulated as an ingredient rather than as a drug, so products may reach the market without evidence of the effects claimed for them. Whether those effects are clinically meaningful is an open question, since most supportive data come from laboratory work and small trials.
GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a short sequence found naturally in human plasma, saliva and urine. Loren Pickart reported the isolation of the free peptide in 1973 while studying factors that influenced the growth of aged liver cells in culture. The peptide was later shown to bind copper(II) with high affinity, and the metal-bound form became the focus of most subsequent research. Its concentration in circulation declines markedly with age, a pattern that is well documented, though the physiological consequences of that decline remain debated.
The peptide portion consists of three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine. Copper(II) coordinates through the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, the alpha-amino group of glycine and a deprotonated amide nitrogen of the backbone, producing a roughly square-planar geometry. This arrangement gives the complex its characteristic blue-to-violet colour and helps it resist dissociation in water. Reported stability constants are high, although values differ between studies because of differences in ionic strength and measurement method.
The molecular weight and charge of GHK-Cu depend on the pH and the number of coordinated ligands. At neutral pH, the peptide typically binds one copper ion, but ternary complexes with other biomolecules can form. Spectroscopic methods such as electron paramagnetic resonance and circular dichroism are used to study the coordination environment. Reports on the exact geometry vary because the complex is dynamic in solution. Researchers often use synthetic GHK-Cu rather than extracted material to control stoichiometry and purity.
GHK-Cu is a coordination complex formed from the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and a copper(II) ion. The peptide binds copper through its histidine imidazole nitrogen, the terminal amino group, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen. This arrangement creates a square-planar or distorted geometry around the metal center, depending on pH and the presence of competing ligands. The complex occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine at low concentrations, and its sequence is conserved across many vertebrate species.
Discovery of GHK is generally attributed to work in the 1970s that isolated a plasma factor influencing liver cell behavior. Subsequent studies identified the copper-binding tripeptide and its ability to chelate copper with high affinity. Early reports linked the complex to wound healing and tissue remodeling in animal models. The free peptide and the copper-bound form have different properties, so the two are distinguished in the literature. Whether endogenous GHK-Cu serves a single primary physiological role remains an open question.
=== 2019 Seattle, Washington, United States === Thirteen people were exposed to caesium-137 in May 2019 at the Research and Training building in the Harborview Medical Center complex in Seattle, Washington. A contract crew was transferring the caesium from the lab to a truck when the powder was spilled. Five people were decontaminated and released, but eight who were more directly exposed were taken to the hospital while the research building was evacuated.
Specialty drugs, a recent classification of pharmaceuticals, are high-cost drugs that are often biologics. The European Medicines Agency uses the term advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) for medicines for human use that are "based on genes, cells, or tissue engineering", including gene therapy medicines, somatic-cell therapy medicines, tissue-engineered medicines, and combinations thereof. Within EMA contexts, the term advanced therapies refers specifically to ATMPs, although that term is rather nonspecific outside those contexts. Gene-based and cellular biologics, for example, often are at the forefront of biomedicine and biomedical research, and may be used to treat a variety of medical conditions for which no other treatments are available. Building on the market approvals and sales of recombinant virus-based biopharmaceuticals for veterinary and human medicine, the use of engineered plant viruses has been proposed to enhance crop performance and promote sustainable production. In some jurisdictions, biologics are regulated via different pathways from other small molecule drugs and medical devices.
Biological devolution or de-evolution is a misnomer, not only because it implies that organisms can only evolve backward or forward, but also because it implies that evolution may cause organisms to evolve in the "wrong" direction. The phrase "survival of the fittest" refers to biological fitness, not physical fitness. Biological fitness is the quantitative measure of individual reproductive success, e.g. the tendency of lineages containing individuals that produce more offspring in a particular environment to persist and thrive in that environment. Further, while the related concepts of "survival of the fittest" and "natural selection" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same: natural selection is not the only form of selection that determines biological fitness (see sexual selection, fecundity selection, viability selection, and artificial selection). Evolution does not "plan" to improve an organism's fitness to survive. This misconception is encouraged as it is common shorthand for biologists to speak of a purpose as a concise form of expression (sometimes called the "metaphor of purpose"); it is less cumbersome to say "Dinosaurs may have evolved feathers for courtship" than "Feathers may have been selected for when they arose as they gave dinosaurs a selective advantage during courtship over their non-feathered rivals". However, this can result in many students explaining evolution as an intentional and purposeful process. Mutations are not all equally likely, nor do they occur at the same frequency everywhere in the genome.
Baeckeoffe, a potato stew from Alsace Beef bourguignon, a French dish of beef stewed in red burgundy wine Bigos, a traditional stew in Polish cuisine Birria, a traditional stew from Mexico Bo kho (Vietnamese: bò kho), a beef stew in rich seasonings, served with bread, noodle or plain rice from Vietnam Bollito misto, consisting of beef, veal, and pork simmered in an aromatic vegetable broth from Italy Booyah, an American meat stew Bosnian pot, a stew with beef or lamb which is a national dish in Bosnia and Herzegovina Bouillabaisse, a fish stew from Provence Brongkos, a spicy Javanese meat with beans stew from Indonesia, made of Pangium edule, coconut milk, and various spices Brunswick stew, from Virginia and the Carolinas Burgoo, a Kentuckian stew Brudet, fish stew from Dalmatia regions, known in Greece as bourdeto Caldeirada, a fish stew from Portugal Carbonade flamande (stoofvlees), a traditional Belgian beef and onion stew made with Belgian beer Cawl, a Welsh stew Chakapuli, a Georgian stew made with lamb chops, coriander and tarragon leaves, and white wine Chanakhi, a Georgian lamb stew with tomatoes, aubergines, potatoes, greens, and garlic Charquicán, a Chilean dish Chicken mull, whole chicken and seasonings Chicken paprikash, chicken stew with paprika Chili con carne, a meat and chili pepper stew originating in Texas Chilorio, a pork stew from Sinaloa, Mexico Cincinnati chili, developed by Macedonian immigrants from Greece immigrants in the Cincinnati area Cholent, a slow-cooked Jewish dish Chorba (also spelt "shorba"), a stew like soup dish found in various North African, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, South Asian, and European cuisines Cochinita pibil, an orange color pork stew from Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico Cocido, a traditional Spanish and Portuguese strew with many variants (madrileño, montañés, à portuguesa, etc.) Cotriade, a fish stew from Brittany Cream stew, a yōshoku Japanese white stew Crow stew, a sour cream-based stew made with crow meat, popular in the United States during the Great Depression Daal, the Indian legume stew that has many varieties, a staple food throughout Asia Dalma, a traditional dish of Odisha, India; contains pulses with vegetables Daube, a French stew made with cubed beef braised in wine, vegetables, garlic, and herbs Dinuguan, pork blood stew from the Philippines Eintopf, ('one pot') the German word for a stew: many different regional specialty recipes for Eintopf are known in Germany. For example, the Kassel area has a type called Lumben un Fleeh in the local dialect (Standard German: Lumpen und Flöhe – 'rags and fleas'), which is quite similar to Irish stew. There are thicker German stews such as Hasenpfeffer or Labskaus; these would not usually be considered an Eintopf, though the technical difference is minor (longer cooking times and fewer vegetables) Estofadong baboy, pork stew from the Philippines Ewedu, vegetable stew from Nigeria Fabada asturiana, an Asturian bean and meat stew Feijoada, Brazilian or Portuguese bean stew Fårikål, traditional Norwegian stew with lamb or mutton and white cabbage Főzelék, a thick Hungarian vegetable dish Gaisburger Marsch, a German dish of stewed beef served with Spätzle and potatoes Gheimeh, an Iranian stew with cubed lamb and yellow split peas Ghormeh sabzi, an Iranian stew with green herbs, dried limes, beans, and sheep meat Goulash, a Hungarian meat stew with paprika Gumbo, a Louisiana creole dish Hachee, a Dutch type of stew with wine or vinegar Haleem, an Indian-Pakistani lentil and beef stew Hasenpfeffer, a sour, marinated rabbit stew from Germany Hayashi rice, a Japanese dish of beef, onions and mushrooms in red wine and demi-glace sauce, served with rice Irish stew, made with lamb or mutton, potato, onion, and parsley Ishtu, a curry in Kerala, India made from chicken or mutton, potato, and coconut milk Istrian stew or yota, or jota, a dish popular in Croatian and Slovenian Istra and NE Italy I-tal stew, a Rastafarian vegan dish of mostly Caribbean root vegetables and spices Jjigae, a diverse range of Korean stews Kaldereta, a goat meat stew from the Philippines Kalops, a traditional Swedish beef stew, with onions and carrots, served with potatoes and pickled beets Kare-kare, stewed beef or oxtail and vegetables in peanut sauce from the Philippines Karelian hot pot, from the region of Karelia in eastern Finland Kharcho is a traditional Georgian soup containing beef, rice, cherry plum purée, and chopped walnuts Khash, a traditional Armenian/Azerbaijani dish of pig's or cow's feet Khoresht, a variety of Persian stews, often prepared with saffron Kokkinisto, Greek stew with red meat, in a tomato passata with shallots, cinnamon, and other spices Kuurdak, a type of stew from Central Asia Kuzhambu, (also called Pulusu or Saaru, depending on region) a range of stews from southern India based on tamarind broth and vegetables, meat or fish Lobscouse, a Norwegian stew with beef, potato, onion, and carrot Lancashire hotpot, an English stew Lecsó, a summertime favourite in Hungary, vegetable stew with bell pepper and tomato as main ingredients Linseneintopf ("lentil stew") Lobby, a stew from Staffordshire, England Locro, a stew (mainly in the Andes region) Machanka, a Belarus and Ukraine pork stew Matelote, a French fish stew made with freshwater fish, fish stock, and wine Mechado, a Philippine beef stew Moppelkotze Moqueca, a Brazilian stew with fish (or shrimp, crab, or other seafood) as its main ingredient Mućkalica, a Serbian stew Nihari, an Indian meat stew, usually made with goat, chicken, lamb and less commonly beef. It is made overnight and served for breakfast. Nikujaga, a Japanese beef and potato stew Oil down, national dish of Grenada, made of breadfruit, salted meat, chicken, dumplings, callaloo, coconut milk, and spices Olla podrida, a Spanish red bean stew Pašticada, a Croatian stew from the region of Dalmatia Peperonata, an Italian stew made with peppers Pepposo, a Tuscan beef stew Pescado blanco, a white fish stew from Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico Pichelsteiner a traditional German stew Pörkölt, a Hungarian meat stew resembling goulash, flavoured with paprika Potjiekos, a South African stew Pot-au-feu, a simple French beef stew Pozole, a Mexican stew or soup Puchero, a stew from Andalusia, Spain, also common in South America and the Philippines Ratatouille, a French vegetable stew Rendang, an Indonesian spicy beef stew Ragoût, a French stew Sāmbār, a lentil-based spiced vegetable stew, cooked with pigeon pea and tamarind broth in South Indian cuisine Sancocho, a stew from the Caribbean Scouse, a stew commonly eaten by sailors throughout Northern Europe, popular in seaports such as Liverpool Semur, a typical Indonesian stew with beef or chicken, potatoes, carrots, various spices, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) Stufato, an Italian stew Steckrübeneintopf (based on rutabaga) Slumgullion, a watery stew of meat and vegetables Tagine, a Moroccan stew, named after the conical pot in which it is traditionally cooked or served Tocană, a Romanian stew prepared with tomato, garlic, and sweet paprika Tharid, a traditional Arab stew of bread in broth Wat, an Ethiopian and Eritrean stew Waterzooi, a Belgian stew Yahni, a Greek (γιαχνί), Turkish, and Persian stew
== Dialysis modality == Hemodialysis (HD): Used by ~88% of patients; 5-year survival ~40%. Higher early mortality from urgent starts. Peritoneal dialysis (PD): Better early survival due to home-based flexibility; outcomes equalize after 2–3 years. May improve quality of life short-term. Exceptional cases survive 20–30+ years with optimal care.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
However, though the Huks fought the Japanese, they also "tried to thwart United States Army Forces in the Far East guerrillas", "therefore, they were considered disloyal and were not accorded U.S. recognition or benefits at the end of the war."
Selenoprotein I (SELENOI/EPT1), a CDP-ethanolamine:diacylglycerol ethanolamine-phosphotransferase. Selenoprotein K and Selenoprotein S are small transmembrane proteins found on the ER menbrane. Selenoprotein M and Selenoprotein F, thioredoxin-like proteins found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Selenoprotein N, a large transmembran proteins found on the ER menbrane. Selenoprotein O, protein found in the mitochondrial, probably with a redox function. Selenoprotein P is an extracellular glycoprotein, unusually with more than one Sec residue (usually several), found in eukaryotes including humans. The precise number of residues vary and appears linked to the selenium needs of the organism. Selenoprotein R (MSRB1) is a peptide-methionine (R)-S-oxide reductase. It has two non-selenoprotein relatives in humans, also of the same catalytic activity. Families only existing as non-seleno-proteins in mammals:
In addition to psychedelics being defined as controlled substances at the federal level, individual U.S. states, such as Alabama, may also make psychedelics controlled substances within their jurisdictions. Conversely, state-level and lower jurisdictions may alternatively legalize or decriminalize psychedelics, for instance Colorado and Oregon and individual cities like San Francisco. This can result in legal conflict and ambiguity at different levels of government, for example a given drug being illegal at the federal level but legal at the state level.
=== CDK dependent functions === The cyclin D1-CDK4 complex promotes passage through the G1 phase by inhibiting the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Cyclin D1-CDK4 inhibits pRb through phosphorylation, allowing E2F transcription factors to transcribe genes required for entry into the S phase. Inactive pRb allows cell cycle progression through the G1/S transition and allows for DNA synthesis. Cyclin D1-CDK4 also enables the activation of cyclin E-CDK2 complex by sequestering Cip/Kip family CDK inhibitory proteins p21 and p27, allowing entry into the S phase. Cyclin D1-CDK4 also associates with several transcription factors and transcriptional co-regulators.
== Research == Along with the clinical trials in obesity that generated the data submitted to regulatory authorities, rimonabant was also studied in clinical trials for diabetes, atherosclerosis, and smoking cessation.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
The dosage of succinylcholine is patient-specific and determined based on total body weight and physical condition, thus extensive patient assessment and evaluation are required for accurate calculation. The current recommended dose of succinylcholine indicated for tracheal intubation by the FDA for adults is 1.0-1.5 mg/kg. Whereas, studies have shown that low-dose succinylcholine (0.45 mg/kg) is suitable for optimal intubation conditions in ASA 3 and 4 emergency non-prepared-patients (A patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life). This dosage can generate profound blockage within 60 seconds (short onset), quicker than other neuromuscular drugs currently available. Where neuromuscular blockage begins to recover within 3 minutes and is completely recovered within 15 minutes. Estimating the dose higher for intubation is preferred over underdosing, as reasonably higher dose produces similar paralysis with little to no known dose associated risks. Whereas under-dosing has shown inadequate paralysis, creating difficulties whilst performing intubation or other operative procedures.
==== Metabolism ==== Suvorexant is metabolized primarily by hydroxylation via CYP3A enzymes. CYP2C19 also contributes to suvorexant metabolism to a minor extent. The major circulating forms are suvorexant and its metabolite hydroxysuvorexant. The hydroxysuvorexant (M9) metabolite is not expected to be pharmacologically active. It showed 10-fold lower affinity for the orexin receptors than suvorexant in vitro, was a substrate for P-glycoprotein making it unlikely to cross the blood–brain barrier, and did not show sedative effects in animal studies. Suvorexant also has several other minor metabolites.
White Castle also markets its sandwiches in 20 or 30-hamburger boxes, called a Crave Clutch or Crave Case, respectively. The figure of 30 burgers represents the number that can be produced on one of its standard griddles at the same time. A "Crave Crate" is also offered, with the contents being 100 burgers. To celebrate its 100th year in operation, White Castle re-introduced their original burger, called the 1921 Slider. It features an addition of lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onions. Typically normal sliders have 5 holes in the patty while cooking on a griddle of onions and water to steam the sliders to completion. The 1921 is grilled directly on the griddle instead. A variety of White Castle products (mostly frozen) are also sold in grocery stores. Some locations had been cobranded with Church's Chicken until that co-branding arrangement ended around 2010. Around 2012, White Castle experimented with the Laughing Noodle brand that was to share space with White Castle restaurants. The Laughing Noodle concept was discarded a few years later. The Laughing Noodle brand was developed to offer supplemental variety to a White Castle Restaurant. At least one such location was constructed and operated in Sharonville, Ohio. Although White Castle originated in Wichita, Kansas, the city has not had a restaurant since 1938, nor is there a White Castle restaurant in the entire state of Kansas. White Castle is one of the few restaurant chains that does not have a location in its original city.
The histological and ultrastructural features of Ledderhose and Dupuytren's disease are the same, which supports the hypothesis that they have a common cause and pathogenesis. As with Dupuytren's disease, the root cause(s) of Ledderhose's disease are not yet understood. It has been noted that it is an inherited disease and of variable occurrence within families, i.e. the genes necessary for it may remain dormant for a generation or more and then surface in an individual, or be present in multiple individuals in the same generation with varying degree. There are certain identified risk factors. The disease is more commonly associated with:
== Production == Argon is extracted industrially by the fractional distillation of liquid air in a cryogenic air separation unit; a process that separates liquid nitrogen, which boils at 77.3 K, from argon, which boils at 87.3 K, and liquid oxygen, which boils at 90.2 K. About 700,000 tonnes of argon are produced worldwide every year.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
It is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-lysine. The metal ion is held by the histidine imidazole group and the peptide N-terminus. Most research on it concerns skin and wound models.
The tripeptide was first isolated from human plasma and has also been reported in saliva and urine. Plasma levels appear to decline with age in some small studies. Those observations rest on limited sample sizes.
It is not authorized as a systemic medicine in most countries. Cosmetic preparations list it as an ingredient rather than an active pharmaceutical substance. Legal status therefore differs by jurisdiction.
GHK-Cu is a complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with copper(II). The peptide binds copper through its histidine residue and neighboring amide nitrogens, forming a stable coordination compound. It is studied as a research chemical and used in some cosmetic formulations.