Regenerative MedicinePeer Reviewed

GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Authors (10)
Xinying WangDepartment of Biotechnology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Baoquan LiuKey Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioresources Utilization, (Dalian Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Dalian, China.
Qiang XuFaculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
Haiyang SunDepartment of Biotechnology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society
Unknown
Published
Oct 13, 2025
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Abstract

Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK)-Cu is considered to be an activator of tissue remodeling, and has been used in cosmetic products. In this study, we prepared liposomes encapsulating GHK-Cu and analyzed their effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation and scald wound healing in mice. The nanoscaled GHK-Cu-liposomes promoted HUVECs proliferation, with a 33.1% increased rate. Flow cytometry analysis showed increased cell number at G1 stage and decreased cell number at G2 stage after GHK-Cu-liposomes treatment. Western blotting indicated that the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast grow factors-2 were both enhanced, as well as cell cycle-related proteins CDK4 and CyclinD1. In a mice scald model, angiogenesis in burned skin treated with GHK-Cu-liposomes was better compared with free GHK-Cu, and immunofluorescence analysis showed enhanced signal of CD31 and Ki67 in GHK-Cu-liposomes treated mice. Moreover, the wound healing time was shortened to 14 days post injury. Our results provide the evidence that GHK-Cu-liposomes could be utilized as a treatment for skin wounds.

Keywords

AnimalsBlotting, WesternBurnsCDC2 Protein KinaseCell ProliferationCyclin-Dependent Kinase 4Disease Models, AnimalFibroblast Growth FactorsFibroblastsFlow CytometryFluorescent Antibody TechniqueHuman Umbilical Vein Endothelial CellsHumansLiposomesMiceNeovascularization, PhysiologicOligopeptidesVascular Endothelial Growth Factor AWound Healing

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