Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Consistently Heals Gastrointestinal Fistulas in Rat Models

Gastrointestinal fistulas are abnormal connections between different parts of the gastrointestinal tract or between the tract and other organs or the skin. They are a severe complication of surgery, inflammation (like in ulcerative colitis), or trauma, and their healing is often challenging. Current treatments can be complex and may not always be successful. BPC 157, a stable peptide native to human gastric juice, is being investigated due to its known cytoprotective and broad-spectrum wound healing properties. It has shown efficacy in healing ulcers throughout the GI tract and various tissues like skin, muscle, tendon, and bone, making it a promising candidate for addressing the complex healing process required for fistula closure.

This paper is a review summarizing consistent findings from various animal studies. The primary intervention reviewed is the administration of stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. The models discussed are rats with surgically induced gastrointestinal fistulas. These included external types (esophagocutaneous, gastrocutaneous, duodenocutaneous, colocutaneous) and internal types (colovesical, rectovaginal). The review also covers BPC 157's effects on impaired gastrointestinal anastomoses, which were challenged by factors like NSAIDs, cysteamine, large bowel resection, and concomitant conditions like ulcerative colitis and short bowel syndrome. The primary endpoint was the healing and closure of these fistulas and anastomoses.

The review documents consistent healing of various gastrointestinal fistulas in rats following BPC 157 therapy. This therapeutic effect was observed across a wide range of fistula types, both external and internal. The beneficial effects extended to the healing of various gastrointestinal anastomoses, including esophagogastric, jejunoileal, colo-colonic, and gastrojejunal connections.

The rescue effect of BPC 157 was robust, occurring even when the healing process was deliberately impaired by concomitant administration of NSAIDs, cysteamine application, large bowel resection, or in the presence of existing gastrointestinal lesions, ulcerative colitis, short bowel syndrome, or liver and brain disturbances.

The peptide, originally identified as an anti-ulcer agent, is noted to be stable in human gastric juice for more than 24 hours. Furthermore, its safety profile appears high, as an LD1 (lethal dose for 1% of the population) has not been achieved in studies. This consistent healing effect across multiple models of GI tract injury underscores its potential as a general wound and fistula healing agent.

Written by TitrateLab, separately from the study summarized above.