What is the relationship between BPC 157 (Body Protection Compound 157) and pancreatic function?

From the Guidelines

BPC-157 may have beneficial effects on pancreatic function, but its use in humans for this purpose is not supported by sufficient clinical evidence, and thus, it should not be considered a treatment option for pancreatic conditions without consulting a healthcare provider. The current evidence on BPC-157 is primarily based on animal studies, which have shown promise in protecting pancreatic tissue from damage and potentially improving pancreatic function in cases of acute pancreatitis and other pancreatic disorders 1. In these animal models, BPC-157 appears to reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and stabilize pancreatic enzyme production. However, there are currently no standardized human dosing protocols or FDA-approved BPC-157 formulations for pancreatic conditions.

Key Considerations

• The typical experimental dosage of BPC-157 in animal studies ranges from 1-10 μg/kg body weight, administered either systemically or locally.
• BPC-157 works by potentially modulating growth factors, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), which collectively support tissue repair in the pancreas.
• It may also help stabilize blood glucose levels by potentially improving insulin production and secretion.
• Despite these promising mechanisms, clinical evidence in humans remains insufficient, and patients should consult healthcare providers before considering BPC-157 for pancreatic issues, as safety profiles and optimal dosing for human use are not yet established 1.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

• For patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), the treatment of choice is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which has been shown to improve nutritional status, reduce steatorrhea, and improve quality of life 1.
• The dosage of PERT should be adjusted based on the meal size and fat content, with an initial treatment of at least 40,000 USP units of lipase during each meal in adults and one-half of that with snacks.
• Routine supplementation and monitoring of fat-soluble vitamin levels are also recommended, as well as dietary modifications to include a low-moderate fat diet with frequent smaller meals and avoiding very-low-fat diets 1.

From the Research

BCP 157 and Pancreatic Function

• BPC 157 has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on various conditions, including pancreatic function 2.
• A study published in 2011 found that BPC 157 therapy may be beneficial in treating esophagitis, lower esophageal and pyloric sphincters failure, and acute pancreatitis in rats and humans 2.
• The study suggested that BPC 157 may counteract the detrimental effects of sphincter failure and acute pancreatitis, and may even cure esophagitis/sphincter/acute pancreatitis healing failure 2.

Exocrine Pancreatic Dysfunction and Diabetes

• Exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPD) has been linked to an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) 3.
• A nationwide cohort study published in 2021 found that EPD was associated with a significantly higher risk of new-onset DM, even in individuals without extensive mechanistic destruction of the pancreas 3.
• The study suggested that EPD may be a contributing factor to the development of DM, and that further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms behind this association 3.

Mechanisms of Pancreatic Dysfunction

• Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by exocrine and endocrine abnormalities, which contribute to the morbidity and mortality risks of the disease 4.
• A review published in 2007 discussed the mechanisms of pancreatic dysfunction in chronic pancreatitis, including decreased insulin secretory capacity, diminished hepatic insulin receptor expression, and impaired hepatic insulin receptor function 4.
• The review highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting these mechanisms, such as using pancreatic polypeptide (PP) or glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) to improve hepatic insulin receptor expression and function 4.

BPC 157 and Soft Tissue Healing

• BPC 157 has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on musculoskeletal soft tissue healing 5.
• A review published in 2019 discussed the current literature on BPC 157 and its role in accelerating soft tissue healing, including tendon, ligament, and skeletal muscle healing 5.
• The review suggested that BPC 157 has huge potential as a therapy for healing and functional restoration of soft tissue damage, although further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in humans 5.