The effect of BPC-157 on injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Peptide therapy assistance for wounds, burns and cuts.

Abstract: The primary function of the BPC-157 peptide is considered to be its regenerative function. It allows for effective peptide therapy in cases of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as fractures, dislocations or sprains, as well as in the regeneration of injuries to the muscular system, including muscle tears. Keywords: BPC-157; skeletal system; bones; skeleton; muscular system; muscles; tendons; joints; fracture; injury; therapy; collagen; cartilage; study; control group; peptide; Achilles tendon; experiment; swelling; pain; injury; regeneration; reconstruction; surgery; treatment; burns; cuts List of abbreviations: BPC-157-Body Protection Compound Material and methods: The study was conducted on laboratory animals, in this case male and female albinos and rabbits.

Skeletal system

Structure of the skeletal system For illustrative purposes, let us recall the structure of the skeletal system, which consists mainly of bone tissue and cartilage tissue. This system comprises approximately 206 bones, including long, short, flat and irregularly shaped bones. The human skeleton can be divided into the axial skeleton and the skeleton of the limbs and girdles. (Fig. 1) The presented structure of the skeletal system will allow us to better understand and illustrate the effect of BPC-157 on its functioning.

Figure 1. Schematic representation of the structure of the musculoskeletal system

Functions of the skeletal system The basic function of the skeletal system, known to everyone, is to form a kind of scaffolding for our body, ensuring an upright posture and protecting all internal organs. In addition, the system provides support for the muscles, with which it works together to form the musculoskeletal system.

Muscular system

 Muscular system structure The types of cells that make up the muscular system are striated muscle cells, i.e. skeletal muscles, striated heart cells and smooth muscle cells without striations. In addition, skeletal muscles are composed of myocytes or fibres consisting of myofibrils. Considering the morphological structure of the muscular system, the following parts can be distinguished: the belly, which is made up of muscle fibres, the origin and insertion tendons, and the origin and insertion attachments. A visual representation of the structure of the muscular system allows us to better understand BPC-157 peptide therapy for this system. (Fig. 2)  

Figure 2. Schematic representation of the structure of the muscular system

Functions of the muscular system The functions of the muscular system include the ability to move while performing precise movements. Its proper functioning makes it possible to maintain correct body posture and keep internal organs in a specific, fixed place. Injuries and dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, muscles and tendons affected by BPC-157 therapy Injuries to the musculoskeletal system Any physical activity, especially in the world of sport and excessive physical exertion, can result in bone or joint injury. Osteoarticular injuries include fractures, dislocations and sprains. Each injury is accompanied by increasing pain, swelling, bruising or limited mobility, which is why fast and effective therapy is so important to restore freedom of movement and comfort of life. One of the therapies helpful in this type of injury is BPC-157 peptide therapy.

Muscle and joint injuries

The primary function of the BPC-157 peptide is regeneration, which is why it is used to treat muscle and tendon injuries. As with bone and joint injuries, these injuries occur mostly in athletes, with muscle strains being the most common condition. Injuries are accompanied by pain and the inability to return to training or competition. Proper diagnosis and therapy can optimise the injury and speed up recovery. These therapies also include BPC-157 peptide therapy.

BPC-157 therapeutic treatment for selected injuries of the musculoskeletal system, muscles and tendons in relation to research

• Bone fracture

 Most often, bone fractures occur as a result of trauma, but also during the weakening of bone tissue structure during a disease process, including infections or hereditary diseases. Almost any bone can fracture, and the most dangerous fracture is a compression fracture of the vertebrae. A bone fracture is accompanied by symptoms such as pain, inability to move, swelling or oedema. a. BPC-157 therapy The BPC-157 peptide allows for twice as fast healing of a broken bone. (Fig. 3) Fibroblasts formed at the fracture site, which create a scaffolding structure made of calcium, cartilage and collagen, develop faster in the presence of the peptide. During bone fracture healing, new tissue is characterised by high fragility and delicacy, and BPC-157, by supporting this process, leads to greater strength and hardness and, consequently, faster regeneration and bone healing.  

Figure 3. Fractured bone healing with BPC-157 therapy compared to therapy without the use of the peptide.

 b. Experimental studies conducted Study 1 Material Male rabbits subjected to appropriate pre-operative feeding. Course of the study Under deep anaesthesia, an incision was made on the surface of the radial bone shaft on the left front paws of the rabbits. The wound was rinsed with saline and closed. To obtain and compare the results, an X-ray of the injured paw was taken immediately after the procedure. The paw was then immobilised with a plaster cast. The rabbits were given antibiotics. Some of the rabbits were assigned to the control group, while the other group was given intramuscular injections of BPC-157 peptide at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. The results were presented on the basis of X-rays taken after the injury had healed. Uncalcified, isolated bone preparations are observed under a microscope to analyse the damage. Results The surface area of the resulting callus, which is produced during bone healing, is twice as large in the group treated with BPC-157 as in the control group during the same recovery period. (Fig. 1) 

Figure 1. Twice as fast bone fusion therapy with BPC-157

Conclusions In the case of bone fractures, BPC-157 peptide therapy is a very effective method. The peptide accelerates the healing of fractures and various bone defects and cavities. It should be noted that this therapy allows for the fusion of bones, which become stronger and less susceptible to future injuries. Tendon damage/rupture Muscle damage or rupture is one of the most serious and common soft tissue injuries. This condition is encountered in both competitive athletes and people who only practise sport recreationally or sporadically. The term tendon rupture is described as a complete break in the continuity of the tendon fibres connecting the muscle to the bone. The most commonly torn and damaged tendons are the Achilles tendon and the knee tendon. The direct cause of a tendon rupture is considered to be excessive force acting on a given muscle at a given moment. It most often occurs as a result of indirect injury, when there is a sudden contraction of the tendon, e.g. during a sudden jump or exertion without prior preparation. Previous inflammation of the tendon is also considered to be a cause of tendon rupture. A muscle tear is accompanied by symptoms such as sudden and severe pain, swelling, immobilisation and subcutaneous haemorrhages. a. BPC-157 therapy A damaged tendon requires regeneration and reconstruction for the proper functioning of the muscular system and the body. The regeneration process without any therapy is long and tedious. For better regenerative effects in a shorter period of time, BPC-157 peptide therapy is used. The peptide helps the damaged tendon to rebuild itself more quickly. Thanks to the action of BPC-157, the recovery period after tendon injury is significantly shorter.

Figure 4. Effect of BPC-157 on Achilles tendon regeneration

b. Experimental studies conducted Study 2 Material Male albino rats weighing between 280 and 320 g. Study procedure Male rats were lightly anaesthetised. The Achilles tendon was cut transversely to create a defect on its surface. BPC-157 at a dose of 10 µg, 10 ng or 10 pg, together with saline, was administered 30 minutes after the procedure. The results were analysed using computer imaging, by observing the spread of the rats' toes, where their total spread indicated significant tendon damage. During the histological examination, samples of the damaged tendon were taken, cut into smaller pieces and the changes were observed under a microscope in the presence and absence of the BPC-157 peptide. Results In untreated rats, a large tendon defect appeared between the cut ends of the Achilles tendon. The administration of BPC-157 peptide after injury yielded positive results, initiating faster, more intense and advanced regeneration of the Achilles tendon. Collagen fibres treated with the peptide are denser and more evenly distributed. The defect disappears several days faster compared to the untreated group and other possible supportive therapies. (Fig. 2) 

Figure 2. Comparison of the speed of BPC-157 therapy, control and other therapies in tendon regeneration.

Conclusions During BPC-157 therapy, improved healing and tissue strength were observed during Achilles tendon regeneration, demonstrating the ability to regenerate all tendons faster and more effectively. Muscle injury Muscle injury can be defined in various ways. The most important of these concerns acute injuries caused by excessive and sudden pressure on the muscles, most often during physical exertion. Muscle fibres are torn and the accompanying symptoms such as pain, loss of strength, swelling or bleeding prevent us from participating in sports activities and functioning normally. Tendons in the thigh or knee area are most often injured. On the other hand, prolonged muscle tension causes injuries in the back, groin, legs or arms. a. BPC-157 therapy As in the case of tendons, a damaged muscle requires regeneration and reconstruction for the proper functioning of the muscular system and the body. The regeneration process without any therapy is long and tedious. For better regenerative effects in a shorter period of time, BPC-157 peptide therapy is used. The peptide helps damaged muscle to rebuild faster. Thanks to the action of BPC-157, the recovery period after tendon injury is significantly shorter. (Fig. 5)

Figure 5. BPC-157 therapy for muscle injury

b. Experimental studies conducted Study 3 Material Male albino rats weighing between 230 and 320 g. Study procedure The rats underwent mechanical muscle crushing. Immediately after the injury, BPC-157 peptide was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10 µg/kg and 10 ng/kg. The effectiveness was assessed on days 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 after the injury. The circumference of the oedema as well as haematomas and erythema resulting from the injury were observed on a scale from 0 to 3, where 0 means no injury and 3 means severe injury. The control group of rats was not given the BPC-157 peptide. Results In muscles that were regenerated with BPC-157, rapid recovery and restoration of function was observed. The proliferation process is restored and inflammation is alleviated. There are no undesirable muscle spasms. In the control group, however, no regeneration processes were observed in the near future, which was evident in the impaired gait of the individuals. Conclusions BPC-157 therapy is helpful in injuries affecting the muscular system. All muscle damage, including tears and injuries, is regenerated more effectively during peptide therapy.

BPC-157 therapeutic treatment following musculoskeletal procedures and operations in relation to research

Surgical procedures Surgical procedures involving the skeletal system involve significant interference with bone and soft tissue structures. Less invasive techniques, which are equally precise and effective, are increasingly being used. Every procedure and operation aims to repair the injury quickly, minimise hospitalisation time, restore fitness and minimise post-operative scarring. The recovery time after surgery is between three and six months. Certain measures can shorten or alleviate the convalescence period. These measures include BPC-157 peptide therapy. a. BPC-157 therapy It has been noted that postoperative therapy with BPC-157 peptide produces satisfactory results and can lead to a faster return to physical fitness, reduce pain and shorten the recovery period through its regenerative abilities. The peptide alleviates the effects of interference with bone and soft tissue structure. b. Experimental studies conducted Study 4 Material Female albino rats were tested at a temperature of 22.4 °C and humidity between 40-70% for a period of 5 days, with fluorescent lighting for 12 hours a day. Test procedure Female rats were deeply anaesthetised with 3% isoflurane and 50 mg/kg ketamine. A procedure was performed to remove the vertebral arches together with the yellow ligament (laminectomy) at the lumbar level, corresponding to the spinal cord section. One group was given only saline solution after the procedure, forming the control group. The second group received an intraperitoneal injection of BPC-157 peptide at a dose of 200 μg/kg b.w. or 2 μg/kg b.w. and 0.9% NaCl 5 ml/kg b.w. The animals were observed for secondary spinal cord damage or other injuries. The observation focused on the motor functions of the tail, assessing their loss on a scale of 1-5, where 1 means complete loss of function and 5 means normal, preserved tail function. Observations were made from 10 minutes to 360 days after administration of BPC-157. The next stage of the study involved euthanising the rat and removing a section of its spine. The part used for analysis was the grey and white matter of the spinal cord. Prior to analysis, the material underwent histological processing, sequentially: fixation in 4% formaldehyde in phosphate buffer, deparaffinisation of sections in xylene, hydration in ethanol solutions, staining with haematoxylin and toluidine blue. The changes were observed under a light microscope. The assessment scale in this case was 0-3, where 0 meant no changes and 3 meant numerous changes within the spinal cord. Results In rats that were injected with only saline solution after the procedure, tail motor function was significantly impaired. In the group of female rats administered BPC-157 peptide, improved tail motor function was observed, especially after prolonged peptide therapy (180 days) (Table 1). In addition, spasticity, i.e. abnormal, excessive muscle tension, was observed in the control group, while in the group undergoing BPC-157 therapy, this symptom was inhibited.

Table 1. Assessment of injury severity on a scale of 0–3, where 0 = no changes, 1 = minor or focal changes, 2 = moderate changes, 3 = numerous changes.

Under the microscope, we observed visible swelling that developed within 30 days of the mechanical injury caused during the test. In control animals that were not eligible for BPC-157 therapy, this swelling is significant. In animals treated with BPC-157 at a dose of 2 μg/kg, minimal oedematous changes were observed, while at a dose of 200 μg/kg, no changes were observed compared to healthy individuals. (Fig. 6) 

Figure 6. Oedematous changes in the control group (a, b) and during BPC-157 therapy (c, d)

Conclusions BPC-157 peptide therapy stimulates the regeneration of spinal injuries, reduces spinal swelling, eliminates redness at the site of injury, lowers the temperature at the site of injury and, consequently, relieves pain. BPC-157 supports post-surgical treatment after procedures or operations on the musculoskeletal system, while improving and restoring motor functions for better quality of life.

BPC-157 therapeutic treatment for skin injuries and burns in relation to research

• Skin burns

 Burns are a type of skin damage and will be used as an example to discuss treatment with the BPC-157 peptide, also in the case of cuts, scars and wounds. A burn is damage to the skin that can affect only the epidermis but also deeper tissues. This damage is caused by heat, chemicals, electric shock or thermal factors. Increased vascular permeability in burns leads to tissue necrosis and loss of body fluids. Burns are primarily accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. a. BPC-157 therapy Thanks to BPC-157 peptide therapy, new tissue is formed more quickly with a higher degree of collagenase, allowing cuts and burns to heal faster. As is well known, the peptide promotes the action of the vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, which causes the formation of new blood vessels that support skin regeneration processes. Cell proliferation is accelerated, resulting in faster and more effective wound healing, and the scars left after such injuries are smaller and shallower. (Fig. 7) 

Figure 7. Comparison of wound healing speed with and without the use of the BPC-157 peptide.

b. Experimental study conducted Study 5 Material Male rats of a specific weight and breed, kept at a temperature of 25 °C and humidity of 50-60%. Course of the study The rats were deeply anaesthetised with pentobarbital at a dose of 50 mg/kg. Anaesthesia was administered by intraperitoneal injection. In addition, the hair on the rats' backs was removed. The skin was burned mechanically using alkalis that are oxides with strongly alkaline properties. For 75 seconds, blotting paper soaked in 2M NaOH was placed on the previously prepared, depilated skin of the rat. The rats in the control group were given saline solution and hydrogel, while those tested for BPC-157 peptide therapy were given appropriate doses of 200 ng/ml, 400 ng/ml and 800 ng/ml. An acetate sheet was used to assess wound healing by placing it on the wound daily. The assessment of wound closure rate was expressed as a percentage.  Results According to the results, it was found that BPC-157 accelerates wound healing, both for burns and cuts. BPC-157 promotes fibroblast proliferation and increases collagenase synthesis. The higher the dose, the faster and less painful the wound closure process is. After 18 days, wound closure with BPC-157 peptide was within 80%. Compared to untreated control wounds, this is almost twice as fast. Increased collagenase synthesis is characterised by good organisation of the epidermal and suprapidermal layers, whereas in the control group, thin and immature epithelium can be observed during healing for a longer period of time. Conclusions Every skin injury results in a period of convalescence, and at a later stage, one may struggle with the resulting scars. In both cases, BPC-157 peptide therapy is used to alleviate symptoms both immediately after the injury and during the treatment and alleviation of its effects.

Summary

The proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system, muscles, and the elasticity and continuity of our skin are essential for our comfort of life. The wide spectrum of regenerative effects of BPC-157 allows it to be classified as a substance with therapeutic properties. Systematic use of the peptide will allow the recovery of the musculoskeletal system, which is essential for movement. A significant number of studies show that BPC-157 in gastric form (via capsules or dissolution of the substance in water) has the same effective effect on our musculoskeletal system and skin as injection. It can be concluded that BPC-157 in the form of a stable salt is a precursor in regenerative treatment after surgery and injuries to the skeletal and joint system, muscles and skin.

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