BPC 157 Sites of Action in the Gastrointestinal System
BPC 157 acts throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus to the colon, with demonstrated effects on mucosal healing, sphincter function, vascular integrity, and fistula closure across all GI segments. 1, 2
Upper GI Tract Actions
Esophagus
- BPC 157 normalizes lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in rats with esophagitis, increasing pressure to normal levels when initially reduced 2, 3
- Reduces esophageal lesions induced by alcohol in distended stomach models 3
- In healthy rats, BPC 157 can modulate LES pressure bidirectionally depending on baseline function 2
Stomach
- Acts as a native cytoprotective agent present in human gastric juice, maintaining mucosal integrity 1, 4
- Protects gastric mucosa against alcohol-induced lesions (both acute and chronic) 2
- Prevents NSAID-induced gastric damage 2
- Preserves gastric blood vessel integrity at the serosal surface during distension and injury 3
- Counteracts free radical damage from CCl4, paracetamol, and diclofenac 2
Duodenum
- Reduces duodenal lesions in distended stomach models with alcohol exposure 3
- Normalizes pyloric sphincter (PS) pressure, either increasing or decreasing it to restore normal function 2, 3
- Heals duodenocutaneous fistulas in rat models 2
Lower GI Tract Actions
Small Intestine
- Successfully heals intestinal anastomoses in experimental models 1, 2
- Reverses short bowel syndrome with constant weight gain above preoperative values when given orally or parenterally 2
- Increases villus height, crypt depth, and inner circular muscular layer thickness in short bowel syndrome 2
- Effective against inflammatory bowel disease affecting the small intestine 1
Colon
- Heals cysteamine-induced colitis in rat models 5
- Successfully heals colon-colon anastomoses at days 3,5,7, and 14 post-surgery 5
- Heals colocutaneous fistulas 2
- Tested in Phase II clinical trials for ulcerative colitis (PL 14736) with a very safe profile 1
- Effective in inflammatory bowel disease therapy 1, 3
Mechanism of GI Tract-Wide Action
Vascular Effects
- Provides endothelium protection throughout the GI tract 1, 4
- Promotes angiogenesis and activates blood vessels "running towards" defects after perforation 4
- Maintains constant vessel presentation at injury sites, preventing vessel disappearance seen with alcohol damage 3
- Prevents and reverses thrombus formation 2
Molecular Mechanisms
- Stimulates early growth response 1 gene expression, responsible for cytokine and growth factor generation 1
- Promotes early extracellular matrix (collagen) formation 1
- Interacts with the NO-system (both L-arginine and L-NAME effects) 2, 3
- Acts on endothelin pathways 2, 3
- Functions as a free radical scavenger 2
Fistula Healing Across GI Segments
- Heals gastrocutaneous, duodenocutaneous, and colocutaneous fistulas in rat models 2
- Fistula closure achieved even when therapy was postponed for one month, demonstrating robust healing capacity 2
Clinical Significance
BPC 157 is stable in human gastric juice and effective in both upper and lower GI tract without reported toxicity 1, 2. The peptide has been tested in clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease (PL 10, PLD 116, PL 14736) with a very safe profile 1, 3. Its ability to act throughout the entire GI tract distinguishes it from standard cytoprotective agents that typically target specific segments 1.