The Antipyretic Potential of KPV Peptide

According to research, endogenous peptide hormones are found throughout organism bodies and play an important role in developing and maintaining crucial activities. The hormones known as melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs) or melanotropins are one example. Studies suggest these hormones have crucial roles in sexual activity, energy regulation, protection against inflammation, and hair and skin coloring.

Researchers believe the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH) is the most significant member of the melanotropin hormone family. A-MSH is an endogenous peptide hormone that possibly regulates metabolism, sexual behavior, and skin pigmentation. It is made up of 13 amino acids.

Additional studies suggest that potentially anti-inflammatory properties of a fragment of this protein hormone, a-MSH, have been identified thanks to years of dedicated study of this class of hormones. KPV peptide is the name given to this subunit.

KPV Peptide History

Lysine, Proline, and Valine are the three amino acids that make up the KPV peptide [i]. This peptide, derived from the C-terminus of the a-MSH protein hormone, contains the amino acid sequence in the hormone that is thought primarily responsible for its action [ii].

KPV Peptide Mechanism of Action

Research suggests the peptide may be anti-inflammatory because it may block the processes that cause inflammation. Researchers speculate the peptide may cross the cell membrane or enter the cell’s nucleus, directly interacting with the signaling molecules to suppress inflammation [iii]. Specialists speculate it may also prevent the production and secretion of inflammatory cytokines by immunological and intestinal cells.

KPV Peptide Research 

KPV Peptide and IBD

The potential of the peptide on intestinal inflammation was investigated in a mouse model research [iv].

Mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were used in the study. The mice used in the experiments were split into two groups, one receiving the peptide and the other receiving a placebo.

Strong results were seen in peptide animals, such as decreased inflammatory cells and anti-enzymatic characteristics. The KPV-induced mice recovered more quickly and gained weight significantly, indicating that the chemical may have strong anti-inflammatory potential.

The actions of hyaluronic acid-modified tripeptide on a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease were investigated separately [v]. Mice were given this chemically generated substance to help direct peptide distribution to particular areas of the digestive tract.

Based on these results, this compound may promote mucosal healing and exhibit potential anti-inflammatory properties. This finding hints at the peptide’s potency and suggests that modifying the chemical may boost its bioavailability.

KPV Peptide and Antipyretic Properties

In previous experiments, the a-MSH hormone Tridecapeptide allegedly lowered fever. Studies suggest the lack of antipyretic (fever-reducing) capabilities in the a-MSH 1-10 amino acid sequence speculated that the tripeptide complex 11-13 was essential in the fight against fevers.

In a 1984 investigation [vi], the peptide was given to rabbits to investigate its potential on the neurological system. After delivery, it was suggested to have significant antipyretic impact, bringing down the core temperature to healthy ranges.

In addition to potentially reducing fever, studies have speculated that intact a-MSH may help with various other conditions, including dermatitis, arthritis, and inflammation of the eyes, lungs, and digestive system. Research suggests the KPV peptide may not have negative outcomes, making it potentially superior to the whole molecule in many ways [vii].

KPV Peptide and Scar Formation 

Researchers speculate that KPV is recognized to have a potential role in all three stages of wound healing, not only the first (inflammation) but also the second (proliferation) and the third (remodeling). Excessive infiltration of macrophagic cells, elevated neutrophil numbers, and heightened immunoreactivity are major contributors to chronic scar formation.

The potential of peptides in aiding scar healing was investigated in recent research [viii]. A peptide or placebo was presented to young animals. After being put under anesthesia, these mice had two holes formed on their dorsal skin, each measuring 6.5 mm in width. The wound healing and scar formation results were evaluated on days 3, 7, 40, and 60.

Mice given the peptide appeared to have faster skin healing on days 3 and 7, owing to decreased inflammatory cells such as leukocytes and mast cells. Scarring was reduced in peptide mice compared to vehicle-treated animals at 40 and 60 days.

This result suggested that the peptide might be useful for wounds in tissues other than skin, including the heart and lungs. When used in anti-cancer research, the peptide may reduce the scarring due to some chemotherapeutic action, leading to more favorable outcomes.

Only academic and scientific institutions are permitted to use KPV. If you are a researcher interested in purchasing KPV peptides for sale for your clinical studies, you can visit Biotech Peptides. Please note that none of the items listed are approved for human or animal consumption. Laboratory research chemicals are only for in-vitro and in-lab use. Any kind of physical introduction is illegal. Only authorized academics and working professionals may make purchases. The content of this article is intended only for instructional purposes.

References

[i] Dalmasso, G., Charrier-Hisamuddin, L., Nguyen, H. T., Yan, Y., Sitaraman, S., & Merlin, D. (2008). PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology, 134(1), 166–178. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026

[ii] Hiltz ME, Lipton JM. Anti-inflammatory activity of a COOH-terminal fragment of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH. FASEB J. 1989 Sep;3(11):2282-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2550304/

[iii] Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, Abels C, Böhm M. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, anti-inflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev. 2008 Aug;29(5):581-602. doi: 10.1210/er.2007-0027. Epub 2008 Jul 8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18612139/

[iv] Klaus Kannengiesser, MD, Christian Maaser, MD, Jan Heidemann, MD, Andreas Luegering, MD, Matthias Ross, MD, Thomas Brzoska, PhD, Markus Bohm, MD, Thomas A. Luger, MD, Wolfram Domschke, MD, Torsten Kucharzik, MD, Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Volume 14, Issue 3, 1 March 2008, Pages 324–331, https://doi.org/10.1002/ibd.20334

[v] Klaus Kannengiesser, MD, Christian Maaser, MD, Jan Heidemann, MD, Andreas Luegering, MD, Matthias Ross, MD, Thomas Brzoska, PhD, Markus Bohm, MD, Thomas A. Luger, MD, Wolfram Domschke, MD, Torsten Kucharzik, MD, Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Volume 14, Issue 3, 1 March 2008, Pages 324–331. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28143741/

[vi] D.B. Richards, J.M. Lipton, Effect of α-MSH 11–13 (lysine-proline-valine) on fever in the rabbit, Peptides, Volume 5, Issue 4, 1984, Pages 815-817, ISSN 0196-9781, https://doi.org/10.1016/0196-9781(84)90027-5

[vii] Luger TA, Brzoska T. alpha-MSH related peptides: a new class of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drugs. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007 Nov;66 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):iii52-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17934097/

[viii] de Souza KS, Cantaruti TA, Azevedo GM Jr, Galdino DA, Rodrigues CM, Costa RA, Vaz NM, Carvalho CR. Improved cutaneous wound healing after intraperitoneal injection of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Exp Dermatol. 2015 Mar;24(3):198-203. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25431356/