KPV

KPV is the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), consisting of three amino acids: lysine, proline, and valine. This small peptide retains powerful anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone while avoiding unwanted skin pigmentation effects, making it ideal for therapeutic research.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

KPV shows strong promise for treating intestinal inflammation. Animal studies demonstrate reduced inflammatory infiltrates, lower MPO activity, and improved tissue healing in IBD models. Mice treated with KPV recover faster and gain more weight than controls.

The peptide works by targeting TNF-alpha, NF-kappaB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. KPV enters inflamed colon cells through PepT1 transporters that only appear during inflammation. This selective targeting means KPV only works where inflammation exists, making it safe for long-term use.

Selective Anti-Inflammatory Action

Unlike broad anti-inflammatory drugs, KPV only affects inflamed tissue. It has almost no effect on healthy cells because it can only enter cells through transporters that appear during inflammation. This unique mechanism allows for targeted treatment without affecting normal body functions.

Studies show KPV reduces colon infiltration and maintains normal colon length in inflamed animals. The peptide can be safely taken during healthy periods as maintenance therapy since it only activates when inflammation is present.

General Inflammation & Fever Research

Research dating back to 1984 shows KPV reduces inflammation and fever throughout the body. While less potent than full alpha-MSH, KPV avoids the skin darkening side effects. Studies have tested KPV in arthritis, dermatitis, vasculitis, fibrosis, and inflammation of the eyes, brain, lungs, and digestive tract.

KPV works differently than alpha-MSH by not binding to melanocortin receptors. This different mechanism explains why blocking MC3/4 receptors doesn’t stop KPV’s anti-inflammatory effects.

Wound Healing & Tissue Repair

KPV improves all three phases of wound healing: inflammation, growth, and remodeling. Most skin cells have melanocortin 1 receptors that bind KPV, allowing the peptide to promote healing without causing pigmentation changes.

The peptide combines anti-inflammatory effects with antimicrobial activity against common skin bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This dual action helps prevent infection while reducing inflammation – an advantage over other anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase infection risk.

Scar Reduction Research

KPV helps prevent excessive scar formation by reducing chronic inflammation that leads to keloid scars. It works by suppressing IL-8 secretion, which controls collagen type 1 production. People prone to bad scarring often have lower MC1R expression, making KPV potentially valuable for scar prevention.

Research suggests KPV could help reduce scarring from chemotherapy, potentially allowing higher drug doses and better cancer treatment outcomes.

Multiple Administration Routes

KPV can be given orally, by injection, under the skin, or through the skin without serious side effects. Different delivery methods target the anti-inflammatory effects to different body areas, giving researchers flexibility in study design.

This versatility makes KPV valuable for studying inflammation in various tissues and testing different treatment approaches.

Antimicrobial Properties

KPV fights infections at normal body concentrations, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This antimicrobial activity works alongside anti-inflammatory effects, making KPV useful for studying infections complicated by inflammation.

Researchers use KPV’s structure as a model for developing new antifungal compounds with similar 3D shapes but different biological effects.

Mix with bacteriostatic water. Once mixed, keep at 2-8°C and use within 30-60 days. Protect from light.

This product is for laboratory research only by qualified scientists. Not for human use, medical treatment, or veterinary applications. Follow all safety protocols.