BPC-157 in the gastrointestinal tract. Cytoprotective effects of BPC-157 in diseases of the stomach, intestines, and liver.

Summary:

BPC-157 Peptide acts directly on the digestive system, demonstrating therapeutic, regenerative, and preventive properties. Its broad spectrum of action is applied, among others, in the treatment of gastric ulcer disease.

Keywords: BPC 157; gastric stress; lower esophageal sphincter; pyloric sphincter; BPC-157 and intestines, ulceration, analgesic drug; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; reflux disease; gastric ulcer disease; blood vessels, psychogenic factor; toxic effect; stomach, small intestine; jejunum, duodenum, colon; inflammation; hydrochloric acid, gastric body, cell proliferation, antibiotics; cytoprotection; organoprotection; digestive system; celecoxib; mediator

List of abbreviations: BPC - Body Protection Compound; GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease; NSAIDs - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Materials and research methods: The studies were conducted on laboratory animals, in this case male and female albino rats. Summarizing the findings regarding the effects of BPC-157, it can be stated that they provide evidence that the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157 may participate, both peripherally and centrally, in resolving intestinal and gastric disorders. A particularly encouraging point is that BPC-157 has a very safe action profile, as confirmed in the conducted studies.

Digestive System

Structure of the digestive system

Let us briefly recall the structure of the digestive system as one of the most complex systems in our body.

(Fig.1) The presented structure of the gastrointestinal tract will allow us to better understand and visualize the action of BPC-157 on the individual organs of this system.

Figure 1. Schematic structure of the digestive system

Functions of the digestive system

The primary and commonly known function of the digestive system is obtaining energy from food and absorbing essential nutrients. The detailed outline of digestive system functions is well known, so this presentation serves as a reminder. The processes initiating digestion begin in the oral cavity. The above-mentioned organs of the digestive system enable digestion and assimilation of food, absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, absorption of nutrients that did not enter the bloodstream, and elimination of waste products. The liver, as one of the most important glands, is responsible for proper carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and stores vitamins A, D, and B12. Additionally, it has detoxifying functions by neutralizing toxins supplied with food. The pancreas is responsible for digestive functions, producing digestive enzymes. It also controls blood glucose levels and neutralizes gastric contents. All sections of the digestive system are important to maintain health balance. Therefore, it is worth supporting its proper functioning, among others, by using the BPC-157 peptide as a cytoprotective and restorative agent for digestive system organs.

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Digestive system diseases influenced by BPC-157 therapy

Due to the complex structure of the digestive system, pathological conditions, i.e., diseases, frequently occur. There are many gastrointestinal disorders. Below, in table form, we present selected conditions in which the BPC-157 peptide demonstrates therapeutic effects.

BPC-157 therapeutic application in selected digestive system diseases based on conducted studies

• Digestive tract congestion/Gastritis

The normal gastric mucosa, depending on vascularization and distension, has a pink-red color. Therefore, when an intense red color is observed during endoscopic examination, it indicates mucosal congestion and a pathological condition. This diagnosis means that inflammation has developed in the gastric mucosa. The inflammation may involve the entire stomach, the antral region, or the gastric body. The most common cause is the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which directly affects the gastric glandular epithelium, leading to cell proliferation. As a result, infiltration composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and eosinophils develops. Treatment with a single antibiotic does not provide the desired results; therefore, dual antibiotic therapy is usually implemented, along with drugs reducing hydrochloric acid secretion.

a.BPC-157 therapy

BPC-157 peptide, as demonstrated in studies, reduces gastric acid secretion. In cases of gastritis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided. If the stomach has already been damaged by these drugs, therapy with BPC-157 may be applied, as it weakens the toxic effect of NSAIDs on gastric function. Additionally, acting preventively, when consuming strong beverages such as tea or coffee daily, BPC-157 supports the stomach to prevent congestion under the influence of contained substances. The use of the peptide in this condition reduces congestion, and consequently inflammation in the stomach is gradually eliminated.

b.Conducted experimental studies

Study 1

Material

The study was conducted on male albino rats under anesthesia to evaluate the therapeutic potential of BPC-157 in gastritis. Study course Appropriate temperature (20–24 °C), relative humidity (40–70%), and 12-hour fluorescent lighting were maintained. The rats were deeply anesthetized intraperitoneally with thiopental and diazepam. The superior mesenteric vein and artery were ligated. After 30 minutes, gastrointestinal organs were removed following decapitation. Changes in digestive organs after administration of BPC-157 to damaged tissues were observed using a microscope-connected camera. Gastrointestinal disturbances were assessed on a scale from 0 to 4, where 0 indicated no bleeding and 4 indicated intense bleeding.

Results

Thirty minutes after arterial ligation, significant changes were observed in the gastrointestinal tract, including congested hemorrhagic areas in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, cecum, ascending colon, and rectum. Microscopic observation showed that symptoms such as gastric congestion and congestion of the small intestinal and rectal mucosa were minimized after administration of BPC-157 peptide.

Conclusions

The pathological condition of gastrointestinal congestion/gastritis was minimized through BPC-157 peptide therapy. The observed reduction in organ congestion indicates that this peptide exerts regenerative effects on the gastric mucosa.