What it is
KPV is a peptide made of 3 amino acids: lysine, proline, and valine. It is made in a lab. It copies the last three amino acids of alpha-MSH, a natural hormone. Alpha-MSH darkens skin, lowers hunger, and calms inflammation. KPV keeps the inflammation effect in lab and animal tests. It does not attach to the receptors that darken skin or change hunger. Instead, researchers found it enters cells and blocks NF-kB, a protein that turns on inflammation genes. Other names: Lys-Pro-Val, alpha-MSH fragment, alpha-MSH 11-13.
What researchers study it for
- Gut inflammation in mouse colitis models
- Taking it by mouth instead of by shot
- Wound healing in the eye and skin
- How it gets into gut cells
What the studies found
1. KPV taken by mouth lowered gut inflammation in mice.
This 2008 study gave KPV to mice with colitis, a disease of gut inflammation. KPV was given in drinking water. The mice had less weight loss, less gut damage, and lower inflammation signals. KPV entered gut cells through a transporter called PepT1, which normally carries small protein pieces from food. Inside cells, it blocked NF-kB. Mouse and cell data only.
2. A second group also found less gut inflammation in mice.
This 2008 study used two different mouse colitis models. KPV lowered inflammation and tissue damage in both. The effect happened without the melanocortin receptors that alpha-MSH normally uses. Mouse data only.
3. Eye surface wounds closed faster.
This 2006 study made small wounds on the clear front layer of the eye, called the cornea. KPV helped the wound close faster. Animal and lab data only.
How much research exists
A small number of animal and lab cell studies. No completed human trial has been published. Human dosing has never been studied.
Facts
- Formula: C16H30N4O4
- Weight: 342.4 g/mol
- CAS number: 67727-97-3
- Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val
- Time in the blood: not measured
- Storage: freeze the dry powder. Keep mixed solution in the fridge.
Legal status
Not approved by the FDA or any other agency for human use.
For research use only. Not for human use. Nothing here is medical advice.