GHK-Cu after rat ACL reconstruction
Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction.
Fu SC, Cheuk YC, Chiu WY, Yung SH, Rolf CG, Chan KM. · Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
Study record
- Population
72 rats after unilateral ACL reconstruction; 24 per group.
Read source · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — study methods and findings- Formulation
GHK-Cu at 0.3 or 3 mg/mL compared with saline.
Read source · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — study methods and findings- Route
Intra-articular injection in rats.
Read source · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — study methods and findings- Dose & frequency
Weekly injections for four weeks starting postoperative week 2. Concentration is not administered dose; injection volume unavailable. No human or KLOW regimen is established.
Inspect extraction gap · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — study methods and findings- Study design
Randomized three-group animal experiment with graft mechanical, gait and histology assessments.
Read source · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — study methods and findings- Duration
Assessments at six and 12 weeks after surgery.
Read source · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — study methods and findings- Reported findings
Some laxity and stiffness benefits appeared at six weeks, but not at 12. Ultimate load, gait and histology did not significantly differ.
Read source · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — study methods and findings- Adverse events
Detailed adverse-event counts and ascertainment unavailable in the abstract.
Inspect extraction gap · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — reporting limit- Monitoring
Detailed safety-monitoring schedule unavailable in the abstract.
Inspect extraction gap · Abstract-level extractionPrimary abstract — reporting limit
What it supports
Some laxity and stiffness benefits appeared at six weeks, but not at 12. Ultimate load, gait and histology did not significantly differ.
What it does not establish
Transient animal findings, not human recovery evidence. Injection volume and safety assessment require full text; no validated human dosing cycle. Abstract-level extraction; source gaps are not evidence of safety.
Funding
Not stated in retrieved abstract.
Literature search cutoff: 2026-09-08 · Not independently clinically reviewed
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