BPC 157 Peptide Protects Liver from Radiation Damage and Fat Buildup

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, yet it frequently causes radiation-induced liver injury (RILI), characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and lipid accumulation. These adverse effects can significantly impact patient quality of life and treatment outcomes, highlighting a critical need for effective protective strategies. Current therapeutic options for RILI are limited, leaving a significant gap in patient care. This study specifically addresses the potential of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 to mitigate RILI and reduce lipid accumulation.

In the in vivo model, BPC 157 treatment significantly ameliorated radiation-induced liver damage markers. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, an indicator of liver injury, were reduced by 43% (p<0.01) in BPC 157-treated rats compared to irradiated controls. BPC 157 treatment led to a remarkable 60% reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and a 55% decrease in lipid droplet accumulation in liver tissue, as confirmed by histopathological analysis (p<0.001). Furthermore, BPC 157 significantly upregulated the expression of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a key transcription factor involved in lipid metabolism and inflammation, by 2.5-fold in vivo and 3.1-fold in vitro. This upregulation was associated with a 70% reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in liver homogenates (p<0.001), demonstrating a potent anti-inflammatory effect.