BPC-157 Peptide – Product Description
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide fragment derived from a naturally occurring gastric protein. In preclinical research, this peptide has been investigated for its potential to support mucosal integrity, tissue repair, and vascular remodeling in a variety of experimental models.
Studies in cell culture and animal systems suggest that BPC-157 may interact with multiple biological pathways involved in wound closure, angiogenesis, nitric oxide signaling, and protection against drug-induced tissue injury. Nordsci supplies BPC-157 as a high-purity research peptide, manufactured via chemical synthesis and designated strictly for controlled laboratory use.
What Is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a laboratory-synthesized derivative of a larger body protection compound found in the human digestive tract. Native BPC is thought to contribute to the protection and maintenance of the gastrointestinal lining, helping preserve barrier function in the presence of gastric acid, bile, and other digestive factors.
The isolated BPC-157 fragment contains 15 amino acids yet retains many of the functional properties of the parent protein in preclinical models. Experimental work has associated BPC-157 with effects on:
- Wound healing and tissue regeneration
- Blood vessel growth and collateralization
- Components of the coagulation cascade
- Nitric oxide generation and signaling
- Immune and inflammatory responses
- Gene expression and cell migration
- Hormonal and neurohumoral regulation in the gastrointestinal nervous system
BPC-157 Peptide Structure
BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide with the following structural characteristics:
Sequence: Gly- Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
Molecular Formula: C62H98N16O22
Molecular Weight: 1419.556 g/mol
PubChem CID: 108101
Source:
PubChem
BPC-157 Peptide Research
1. BPC-157 and Wound Healing
The endogenous body protection compound in the GI tract is believed to support the mucosal barrier that shields underlying tissues from gastric acid, bile, and other digestive contents. In vitro and in vivo work indicates that BPC-157 can enhance fibroblast proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent fashion, both in culture and in animal models.[1]
Fibroblasts are central to wound repair because they synthesize extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen, fibrin, and elastin. By accelerating fibroblast recruitment and outgrowth, BPC-157 provides a useful research tool for modeling faster wound closure and mucosal healing under controlled laboratory conditions.
2. Vascular Growth and Collateralization
BPC-157 has been described as a potent pro-angiogenic factor, with data showing increased endothelial cell proliferation and growth in experimental systems.[1]–[3] Rodent models demonstrate that BPC-157 can markedly increase collateral vessel formation in settings of ischemia and venous occlusion, helping restore blood flow to downstream tissues.[4]
Although much of the work has focused on the GI tract, additional studies suggest comparable vascular support in cardiovascular, neurologic, and skeletal muscle tissues, raising interest in BPC-157 as a model compound for studying post-ischemic recovery.[5], [6] Chicken embryo work indicates that these angiogenic effects may be mediated, at least in part, through stimulation of VEGFR2 within nitric oxide–linked signaling pathways.[4], [7], [8]
BPC-157 concentration versus vascular endothelial cell growth
Source: PubMed
Cell culture research has described “vascular running” following BPC-157 exposure – the process by which new blood vessels extend toward injured tissue or around blocked vessels to re-establish perfusion.[9] This line of investigation is being used to explore strategies for managing slow-progressing arterial occlusions in preclinical models.
3. BPC-157 and Tendon Healing
Because BPC-157 appears to support both fibroblast activity and microvascular growth, it has been evaluated extensively in tendon, ligament, bone, and other connective tissue models. These tissues are characteristically slow to heal due to limited baseline blood supply, which restricts the arrival of repair cells and nutrients.
In vitro and in vivo experiments in rat tendons show that BPC-157 can enhance collateralization, increase fibroblast density, and promote tendon outgrowth in injured regions. Comparative research suggests that BPC-157 may outperform standard angiogenic growth factors such as bFGF, EGF, and VEGF in specific connective tissue healing assays.[10]
FITC-phalloidin staining indicates that BPC-157 is a strong stimulator of F-actin formation in fibroblasts, consistent with enhanced cell migration and structural integrity.[11] Western blot analysis further suggests increased phosphorylation of paxillin and FAK, two proteins central to focal adhesion dynamics and directed cell movement.[12]
4. Antioxidant Properties
Rodent studies highlight a potential role for BPC-157 in modulating oxidative stress. The peptide has been reported to neutralize certain nitric oxide–related markers and reduce levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a common indicator of lipid peroxidation.[3]
Further work in GI models shows reduced reactive oxygen species production in the presence of BPC-157. Engineered Lactococcus lactis expressing BPC-157 has been used to markedly elevate peptide levels in GI cell culture, enabling additional study of antioxidant and cytoprotective mechanisms.[13]
5. BPC-157 and Drug Side Effects
Another major research focus is the ability of BPC-157 to counteract specific drug-induced side effects in animal models. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and celecoxib are limited by GI and cardiovascular toxicity, and psychotropic medications can drive serious neurologic and cardiac adverse events.
Celecoxib-induced gastric lesions (black) in rats treated with BPC-157, saline (control), L-NAME, and L-arginine.
Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology
Preclinical work indicates that BPC-157 can mitigate GI, liver, and brain lesions associated with NSAID exposure, while also blunting QTc prolongation caused by a range of antipsychotics and antiemetics.[6], [14]
Additional studies show that BPC-157 can reduce severe neurologic side effects such as catalepsy and somatosensory disturbance induced by neuroleptics, offering a platform for exploring strategies to separate therapeutic effects from limiting toxicities in experimental models.[15]
6. BPC-157 and Bees
Beyond mammalian research, BPC-157 has been tested in honeybee models relevant to colony collapse disorder (CCD). Infection of honeybee GI tracts by the fungus Nosema ceranae has been implicated in rapid colony decline.
Field trials in which honeybee feed was supplemented with BPC-157 demonstrated reduced intestinal damage and improved hive survival metrics under apiary conditions.[16] This work underscores the breadth of experimental systems in which BPC-157 can be deployed as a research tool.
Future BPC-157 Research
BPC-157 continues to be evaluated across a wide range of cell culture and animal models. Current investigations focus not only on its potential to support wound healing and vascular growth, but also on its value as a probe for understanding the regulation of angiogenesis, ischemia–reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, and drug–tissue interactions.
The peptide has shown favorable experimental tolerability profiles in rodent studies, with both oral and subcutaneous routes explored. However, per-kilogram dosing in animals does not scale to humans and is not intended to inform clinical use. BPC-157 offered by Nordsci is limited to educational and scientific research purposes and is not approved for human or veterinary administration.
THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR LABORATORY RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE OR CONDITION.
Article Author
The above literature summary has been adapted from peer-reviewed scientific sources and organized to support qualified researchers evaluating BPC-157 in preclinical settings. Nordsci encourages all investigators to review the original journal articles referenced below for full experimental detail.
Scientific Journal Author
Predrag Sikiric, lead author of “Novel Cytoprotective Mediator, Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Vascular Recruitment and Gastrointestinal Tract Healing,” and co-author of “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee (Apis mellifera) therapy, to control Nosema ceranae invasions in apiary conditions,” is a Professor in the Medical Department at the University of Zagreb. Predrag Sikiric is listed in [9] and [16] under the referenced citations.
Predrag Sikiric is referenced here as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of BPC-157. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Nordsci Peptides and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide.
Referenced Citations
- T. Huang et al., “Body protective compound-157 enhances alkali-burn wound healing in vivo and promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in vitro,” Drug Des. Devel. Ther., vol. 9, pp. 2485–2499, 2015.
- D. Drmic et al., “Counteraction of perforated cecum lesions in rats: Effects of pentadecapeptide BPC 157, L-NAME and L-arginine,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 24, no. 48, pp. 5462–5476, Dec. 2018.
- F. Amic et al., “Bypassing major venous occlusion and duodenal lesions in rats, and therapy with the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, L-NAME and L-arginine,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 24, no. 47, pp. 5366–5378, Dec. 2018.
- A. Duzel et al., “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in the treatment of colitis and ischemia and reperfusion in rats: New insights,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 23, no. 48, pp. 8465–8488, Dec. 2017.
- J. Vukojević et al., “Rat inferior caval vein (ICV) ligature and particular new insights with the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157,” Vascul. Pharmacol., vol. 106, pp. 54–66, 2018.
- D. Drmic et al., “Celecoxib-induced gastrointestinal, liver and brain lesions in rats, counteraction by BPC 157 or L-arginine, aggravation by L-NAME,” World J. Gastroenterol., vol. 23, no. 29, pp. 5304–5312, Aug. 2017.
- M.-J. Hsieh et al., “Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation,” J. Mol. Med. Berl. Ger., vol. 95, no. 3, pp. 323–333, 2017.
- Z. Grabarevic et al., “The influence of BPC 157 on nitric oxide agonist and antagonist induced lesions in broiler chicks,” J. Physiol. Paris, vol. 91, no. 3–5, pp. 139–149, Oct. 1997.
- P. Sikiric et al., “Novel Cytoprotective Mediator, Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Vascular Recruitment and Gastrointestinal Tract Healing,” Curr. Pharm. Des., vol. 24, no. 18, pp. 1990–2001, 2018.
- S. Seiwerth et al., “BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Gastrointestinal Tract Healing, Lessons from Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Bone Healing,” Curr. Pharm. Des., vol. 24, no. 18, pp. 1972–1989, 2018.
- C.-H. Chang, W.-C. Tsai, M.-S. Lin, Y.-H. Hsu, and J.-H. S. Pang, “The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration,” J. Appl. Physiol., vol. 110, no. 3, pp. 774–780, Oct. 2010.
- Y.-L. Hu et al., “FAK and paxillin dynamics at focal adhesions in the protrusions of migrating cells,” Sci. Rep., vol. 4, p. 6024, Aug. 2014.
- K. Škrlec et al., “Engineering recombinant Lactococcus lactis as a delivery vehicle for BPC-157 peptide with antioxidant activities,” Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., vol. 102, no. 23, pp. 10103–10117, Dec. 2018.
- D. Strinic et al., “BPC 157 counteracts QTc prolongation induced by haloperidol, fluphenazine, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, sulpiride, and metoclopramide in rats,” Life Sci., vol. 186, pp. 66–79, Oct. 2017.
- N. Jelovac et al., “Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 attenuates disturbances induced by neuroleptics: the effect on catalepsy and gastric ulcers in mice and rats,” Eur. J. Pharmacol., vol. 379, no. 1, pp. 19–31, Aug. 1999.
- I. Tlak Gajger, J. Ribarić, M. Smodiš Škerl, J. Vlainić, and P. Sikirić, “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee (Apis mellifera) therapy, to control Nosema ceranae invasions in apiary conditions,” J. Vet. Pharmacol. Ther., vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 614–621, Aug. 2018.
ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.
Related Research Articles