Gut Health
Protecting the second brain
The gut is often referred to as “the second brain,” as it produces over 30 different neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Research in this area helps map the complex communication between the gut, immune system, and microbiome.
Research explores pathways relevant to:
- Bloating or digestive discomfort
- Disrupted microbiome
- Food sensitivities or inflammation
- Irregular bowel movements or poor absorption
Research
The gastrointestinal tract is one of the most dynamic tissues in the body, constantly exposed to mechanical, microbial, and inflammatory stressors. Several peptides are being explored for their roles in mucosal protection, epithelial repair, and microbiome-immune interaction. Among the most researched, BPC-157, a stable gastric pentadecapeptide, has repeatedly demonstrated cytoprotective, angiogenic, and reparative effects throughout the digestive system [1–3].
Preclinical models show that BPC-157 can accelerate ulcer healing, counteract NSAID-induced damage, and promote intestinal anastomosis recovery, largely through nitric-oxide modulation and improved microvascular stability.
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val), a tripeptide fragment of α-MSH, has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects in the gut by blocking NF-κB activation and reducing cytokine release from epithelial cells [4].
In colitis models, oral or intrarectal administration of KPV reduced tissue injury, neutrophil infiltration, and oxidative damage, pointing to its potential as a barrier-protective and anti-inflammatory research agent.
Lastly, Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) contributes to gut immune homeostasis by enhancing mucosal T-cell signaling and regulating pattern-recognition receptor pathways in the intestinal epithelium [5].
Clinical and experimental data suggest Tα1 can help restore immune balance in conditions of intestinal inflammation and infection, reflecting its broader role in immune-epithelial cross-talk.
References
Staresinic M, Sebecic B, Patrlj L, et al. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocyte growth. J Orthop Res. 2003;21(6):976–983. PMID: 14554208
Duzel A, Vlainic J, Antunovic M, et al. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in the treatment of colitis and ischemia and reperfusion in rats: new insights. World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(48):8465–8488. PMID: 29358856
- Gwyer D, Wragg NM, Wilson SL. Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC-157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft-tissue healing. World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(35):5244–5260. PMID: 30915550
- Dalmasso G, Charrier-Harlin A, Nguyen HTT, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. PMID: 18061177
- Renga G, Pariano M, Costantini C, et al. Thymosin α1 protects from CTLA-4 intestinal immunopathology. Life Sci Alliance. 2020;3(10):e202000662.PMID: 32817121
How to get started
1. Purchase a Discovery Call
Start by purchasing a Discovery Call to connect with a member of our research support team. This session provides an introduction to peptide science, the research areas under investigation, and guidance on navigating our educational resources.
2. Schedule your Call
Once your Discovery Call is confirmed, you’ll schedule a convenient time to discuss your areas of interest. Our team will share information about different peptide categories, current scientific studies, and safe research practices.
3.Browse and Purchase
After your call, you can explore the full range of high-purity peptides available on our website.
4. Receive your Delivery
Your order is prepared in temperature-controlled packaging and dispatched promptly to ensure product stability. Every shipment includes batch information and testing documentation for research verification.
Explore Other Research Areas
Peptide science is expanding rapidly across many domains of biology. Discover where current studies are uncovering potential roles for peptides in health and cellular function.
Skin and Hair
Sexual Performance
Reproductive Hormone Health
Longevity and Healthy Ageing
Immunity and Inflammatory Balance
Gut Health
Energy, Metabolism and Performance
