GHK-Cu-Liposomes Speed Scald Wound Healing by Boosting Cell Growth and New Blood Vessels

Scald wounds are a common and debilitating form of thermal injury that can lead to significant pain, infection, and scarring, posing a major public health challenge. Current treatments often focus on preventing infection and promoting re-epithelialization, but there remains a critical need for therapies that can accelerate the complex process of wound repair and improve tissue regeneration. This study specifically investigated whether GHK-Cu delivered via liposomes could enhance the healing of scald wounds in a mouse model by promoting cellular proliferation and angiogenesis.

The GHK-Cu-liposome treatment significantly accelerated wound closure compared to both free GHK-Cu and vehicle controls. By day 14, the GHK-Cu-liposome group showed an impressive 92% wound closure, whereas the vehicle control group achieved only 65% closure (p<0.001). Histological analysis revealed a 2.8-fold increase in cell proliferation markers (e.g., PCNA-positive cells) and a 1.9-fold increase in microvessel density (CD31-positive vessels) in the GHK-Cu-liposome group compared to controls (p<0.01). Furthermore, gene expression analysis demonstrated a 2.1-fold upregulation of VEGF (a protein crucial for new blood vessel growth) and a 1.7-fold increase in collagen I synthesis in the treated wounds. The liposomal formulation also led to a 40% reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration compared to free GHK-Cu, suggesting improved bioavailability and reduced local irritation.