BPC-157 therapy in the cardiovascular system. Cardioprotective effects of the peptide and its use in metabolic diseases.

Abstract: The BPC-157 peptide, with its broad spectrum of activity, is also used in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Peptide therapy helps to alleviate the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases or eliminate them completely. The prophylactic profile of BPC-157 allows it to be defined as a cardioprotective substance. Keywords: cardiovascular system; treatment; BPC-157 therapy; heart; blood vessels; capillaries; artery; vein; cardiovascular diseases; plasma; erythrocytes; leukocytes; blood; oxygen; transport; functions; diabetes; coronary artery disease; hypertension; varicose veins; atherosclerosis; concentration; dose; vasodilation; cardioprotection; List of abbreviations: ACE - angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; ACh - acetylcholine; ARBs – angiotensin receptor blockers; BPC – Body Protection Compound; ChUK – prevention of cardiovascular diseases; PE – polyethylene; Materials and methods: Studies conducted on laboratory animals, rats, males and females. BPC-157 therapy in the cardiovascular system. Cardioprotective effect of the peptide and its application in metabolic diseases.

Cardiovascular system

Structure of the cardiovascular system The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, consists of elements such as the heart, veins, arteries and capillaries. Due to its extensive structure, the circulatory system forms a complex, closed system that performs specific functions. In addition, the cardiovascular system includes blood itself, which contains plasma, erythrocytes and leukocytes. A diagram of the circulatory system will allow us to visually recall its components and facilitate understanding of the effect of the BPC-157 peptide on their individual functions. (Fig. 1) 

Figure 1. Diagram of the cardiovascular system

Functions of the cardiovascular system The exact outline of the circulatory system's functions is well known to everyone, so its presentation will typically be in the form of a reminder. The circulatory system as a whole is responsible for transporting the most important and essential substances in our body, including oxygen and nutrients. Individual elements of the system perform specific functions. The heart, which is the main organ of the entire circulatory system, acts as a pump that continuously circulates blood throughout the body. Arteries allow blood to be transported from the heart to all tissues in our body. Veins, on the other hand, bring blood back to the heart. Capillaries, in turn, allow the exchange of important substances, such as oxygen, with the surrounding tissues. Other functions of the circulatory system include the transport of hormones, protection against microorganisms, thermoregulation of the body and control of the pH level in the body.

Cardiovascular diseases affected by BPC-157 therapy

Cardiovascular diseases are currently among the most common and serious diseases we encounter. The problem is so serious that the symptoms indicate that the disease has already begun in the case of cardiovascular pathology. The public is not fully aware of this, and does not take advantage of the possibility of undergoing cardiovascular disease screening or preventive therapies that would eliminate or minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease or its symptoms. Cardiovascular diseases most often occur not only in people who lead unhealthy lifestyles (poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse) or those who avoid physical activity, but also in those for whom it is related to genetics and heredity, age (older people are more prone to cardiovascular disorders), psychological factors or glucose tolerance disorders. Until now, beneficial health effects have been achieved through lifestyle changes. Currently, BPC-157 peptide therapy is used as an innovative method in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and disorders. The effect of the peptide on this system is supported by research and evidence that systematic and regular use of BPC-157 has a positive effect on this system. The table below presents some of the cardiovascular diseases on which BPC-157 has a therapeutic effect. (Table 1)

Table 1. Presentation of selected cardiovascular diseases

BPC-157 therapeutic treatment for selected cardiovascular diseases in relation to the studies conducted

1. Hypertension Hypertension is one of the most serious diseases of the circulatory system, diagnosed in an increasingly large group of people. This disorder is classified as the leading cause of death worldwide because abnormal blood pressure values lead to other cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension manifests itself in shortness of breath, headaches, insomnia, palpitations, hot flashes and sweating. Preventing the development of hypertension as a primary prevention method by changing one's lifestyle, including diet and physical activity, can significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. For people who have no control over the development of this condition, i.e. those with a family history of hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or those who have reached a certain age, therapy can be used to reduce and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

a. BPC-157 therapy

The discovery that the BPC-157 peptide has vasodilatory effects means that it can be used in the treatment of hypertension. Long-term and regular use of the peptide reduces pain symptoms and improves normal blood flow. (Fig. 2) BPC-157 therapy also supports a protective effect that prevents high blood pressure in a safe manner, without side effects. Even when used in high doses, the peptide does not cause any adverse effects.

Figure 2. BPC-157 therapy for hypertension

 b. Experimental studies conducted Study 1 Material The study was conducted on adult female rats weighing between 250 g and 300 g. Study procedure Female rats were euthanised by injection of sodium pentobarbital. The abdominal aorta of the rats was then isolated, cut into 4–5 mm wide rings and stored at 37°C in a solution containing NaCl, KCl, MgSO4, NaHCO3, KH2PO4, CaCl2 and dextrose. PE and ACh from plasma were used to induce vasoconstriction and vasodilation, respectively. Each ring was then rinsed and the solution concentration was readjusted. Once the appropriate concentration was achieved, BPC-157 was administered in specific doses ranging from 0.1 to 100μg/mL. The degree of vasodilation under the influence of the peptide was observed. Results Depending on the concentration used, BPC-157 caused vasodilation in aortic rings with intact endothelium. Vasodilation at a concentration of BPC-157 of 0.1 or 1 μg/mL ranged from 16.5±5.5% to 19.5±3.0%, at a concentration of 10 μg/mL it was 28.3±3.5%, and at a dose of BPC-157 of 100 μg/mL it was 48.3±3.2%. In addition, vasodilation due to the action of BPC-157 was persistent, sustained and rapidly achieved. Conclusions At appropriate concentrations, the BPC-157 peptide allows vasodilation to be achieved, which involves the contraction of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels. This process results in the widening of the lumen of the vessels and a drop in blood pressure. It can therefore be safely concluded that BPC-157 is a substance that supports the treatment of high blood pressure.

2. Thrombosis Thrombosis is a disease of the circulatory system, manifested by the formation of a blood clot in the deep vein system under the deep fascia. This term may include thrombosis in the iliac and saphenous veins. Factors such as damage to the vessel wall or slowing of blood flow are responsible for the formation of thrombosis. In the case of thrombosis, rapid diagnosis and prompt implementation of anticoagulant therapy are essential. The symptoms associated with this condition include local pain, swelling of the lower leg or the entire limb, redness of the skin, and Homans' sign, where pain in the calf occurs when the foot is dorsiflexed. The treatment of thrombosis consists in stopping the clot as quickly as possible, which can lead to further, more dangerous complications, by administering anticoagulants. The latest research results show the beneficial effects of BPC-157 in the treatment and prevention of thrombosis.

a. BPC-157 therapy

In a healthy circulatory system, blood flows freely through the veins to the heart. If any part of the mechanism transporting blood to the heart fails, it causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to inflammation and damage to the epithelial layer lining the vessel, resulting in the formation of a clot that prevents blood from being transported to the heart. The symptoms of the disease can be alleviated by therapy with the BPC-157 peptide, which is known to eliminate inflammation and reduce blood pressure. Acting preventively, BPC-157 prevents congestion and venous insufficiency and will be a new precursor in the treatment of thrombosis. (Fig. 3)

Figure 3. BPC-157 therapy for thrombotic disease

b. Experimental studies conducted Study 2 Material The study was conducted on young male albino rats weighing between 200 g. Test procedure The rats were deeply anaesthetised intraperitoneally with thiopental and diazepam. The end of the superior mesenteric vein was completely closed by ligation. This led to a permanent change in blood flow. After the procedure, the peptide BPC-157 was administered at a dose of 10 µg/kg and 10 ng/kg. The control group did not receive the peptide dose, receiving saline instead. The assessment of changes was based on the dilation and congestion of blood vessels in the heart muscle and arteries. A score of 1 indicates their presence, while 0 indicates their absence. Results Administration of BPC-157 at both doses resulted in the maintenance of normal parameters within the blood vessels compared to the control group, where congestion and venous insufficiency were observed. In the control group of rats, obstruction of the superior mesenteric vein was also observed, where peripheral and central thrombosis quickly developed. The largest clot appeared in the portal vein, followed by the inferior vena cava. No such symptoms were observed in the groups administered the BPC-157 peptide. (Fig. 1) 

Figure 1. Comparison of the effects of BPC-157 with the control group

Conclusions The beneficial effect of BPC-157 therapy quickly alleviates and eliminates the consequences of thrombosis as well as thrombosis itself. Long-term and systematic use of the peptide leads to the elimination of thrombosis and its components.

3. Hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia is a medical condition characterized by excessively high plasma potassium levels exceeding 5.5 mmol/L. There are three types of hyperkalemia, depending on the concentration of potassium in the blood. Most often, this disease develops when other factors are present, such as diabetes, kidney failure, or treatment with certain medications. Mild hyperkalemia is often asymptomatic and detected accidentally. Symptoms related to heart function include bradycardia and heart spasms. Treatment of hyperkalemia consists of intravenous administration of calcium or glucose with insulin, b-agonist drugs, hemodialysis, administration of loop diuretics, or forced diuresis. BPC-157 peptide therapy is used as a modern treatment. 

a.BPC-157 therapy

When treating hyperkalemia, the aim should be to remove the cause of the increased potassium concentration in the blood and to remove excess potassium from the body. Both of these causes can be eliminated or alleviated by therapy with the BPC-157 peptide. (Fig. 4)

Figure 4. BPC-157 therapy in the medical condition of hyperkalemia

 b. Experimental studies conducted Study 3 Material Male albino rats weighing between 200g and 250g were used in the study. Study procedure The rats were deeply anesthetized with thiopental and diazepam. To induce severe hyperkalemia, all rats received a high dose of potassium chloride solution intraperitoneally. BPC-157 was administered at a dose of 10 ng/kg ip or 10 μg/kg ip, 30 minutes before the KCl solution. The control group received saline instead of the peptide. Results The action of BPC-157 at both doses, administered both before and after potassium administration, stopped the process of hyperkalemia. Rats that did not receive the peptide died due to excessively high potassium levels in the blood. The effect of BPC-157 was sustained and persistent, without causing spikes in potassium levels. 

Figure 2. Comparison of the efficacy of BPC-157 therapy with other substances and a control group in cases of hyperkalemia

Conclusions The study demonstrated the full ability of the BPC-157 peptide to combat excessively high potassium concentrations in plasma. The peptide has the same effect when administered both intragastrically and intraperitoneally, thus demonstrating a wide range of action. In addition, the BPC-157 peptide is applicable in cases of fatal, acute hyperkalemia.

Cardioprotective effects of BPC-157 in relation to the studies conducted

The concept of cardioprotection Cardioprotection refers to measures aimed at preventing, limiting, or eliminating the harmful effects of various factors on the heart and its functions. Until now, the drugs used for cardioprotection were ACE inhibitors, ARBs, statins, antiplatelet drugs, and beta-blockers. An innovative method, primarily for prevention, but without diminishing the elimination of heart disorders, is BPC-157 peptide therapy.

a. BPC-157 therapy

One of the disorders affecting the proper functioning of our heart is bradycardia, which is defined as a condition in which the heart contracts more slowly than it should, causing its beating to slow down. According to relatively recent studies, epilepsy may be associated with cardiac disorders. Ventricular arrhythmias or conduction disorders have the same symptoms as epilepsy, but this disorder itself initiates rhythmic epilepsy, during which bradycardia occurs. The epileptic effects induced in the study therefore highlight the beneficial effects of the BPC-157 peptide on conditions such as bradycardia. Bradycardia is often found in competitive athletes, but also in hypothyroidism or as a side effect of medication. BPC-157 peptide therapy not only creates a protective and prophylactic “barrier” that protects the heart and improves its function, but also reduces undesirable processes associated with cardiac dysfunction. b. Experimental studies conducted Study 4 Material The study was conducted on male albino rats weighing between 200g and 300g. Course of the study Epileptic seizures accompanied by bradycardia were induced by administering lidocaine at a dose of 80 mg/kg.  BPC-157 at a dose of 10 μg/kg or 10 μg/kg was administered immediately after lidocaine administration, together with lidocaine, and saline was administered to the control group. The assessment included the time (in minutes) from the onset of convulsions to their end. The study was conducted under temperature conditions ranging from 20 to 24°C and humidity of 40-70%. Results Bradycardia accompanied by convulsions allowed for the evaluation of the effect of the peptide in this disorder. Administration of BPC-157 at a dose of 10 μg/kg or 10 μg/kg after administration of lidocaine reduced the effect of bradycardia within a few minutes. Administration of the BPC-157 peptide together with lidocaine counteracted the development of bradycardia. Conclusions BPC-157 has a protective effect, shielding and protecting the heart from potential disorders and during their occurrence. It reduces and alleviates the symptoms of bradycardia and other diseases that can have an adverse effect on the heart, which is essential for the proper functioning of the entire cardiovascular system and the body.

Summary

Proper functioning of the circulatory system is essential for the proper functioning of the body and for life itself. The spectrum of action of the BPC-157 peptide, which relates to protection, prevention, and alleviation of symptoms, allows it to be defined as a precursor in the treatment of diseases of this system. Systematic use of the peptide will allow for the maintenance of proper functioning of the circulatory system and, consequently, the maintenance and improvement of quality of life. The above studies also indicate that BPC-157 in both intraperitoneal and oral forms has the same profile of action. The peptide's action is rapid and sustained. The BPC-157 peptide in stable salt form can therefore be safely and effectively used in all cardiovascular disorders.

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