KPV

About the substance

KPV is a tripeptide: a short chain of three amino acids. K denotes lysine, P proline and V valine. This sequence forms the final three amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, usually abbreviated alpha-MSH. The full hormone and its short fragment are different molecules. Identifying the sequence helps explain the name and the biological context, but does not mean that KPV reproduces every action of alpha-MSH.

How it works

Inflammation involves communication between cells. Cytokines are signalling molecules that help coordinate this response, while pathways inside the cell influence which genes become active. NF-kappaB acts as a regulator of gene activity, and MAPK refers to a group of signalling pathways. These terms describe parts of a cellular response rather than separate ingredients in the pen. KPV has been studied in this context, including how small-peptide transport through PepT1 may influence access to cells.

What studies have examined

Dalmasso and colleagues (2008) examined intestinal and immune cells and mouse models of colitis. They linked KPV uptake through PepT1 to reduced NF-kappaB/MAPK signalling and inflammatory cytokines. In the mouse experiments, KPV was supplied in drinking water. These findings concern experimental inflammation and a delivery method different from this pen.

How to interpret the findings

Gut and mucosal biology are useful areas for explaining the experimental interest in KPV. They should be distinguished from demonstrated relief of symptoms in people. Reduced activity of an inflammatory marker does not by itself show improvement in abdominal discomfort, skin sensitivity or recovery. A cell-culture experiment, an animal experiment and a controlled clinical trial measure different things. Results also depend on formulation and how the substance reaches the tissue. The cited study does not establish treatment of inflammatory bowel disease or skin conditions with this product.

Product specifications

• Format: Ready-mixed peptide pen
• Stated total quantity: 10 mg

The pen contains 10 mg of active KPV. This is the amount of peptide in the entire pen, not the weight or volume of the liquid. The mg figure alone does not establish a concentration in mg/ml, a dose per setting or how much reaches a particular tissue. Specifications for another supplier’s pen cannot be applied automatically to this one.

Documentation and handling

For details about identity, content and the available certificate, contact info@nordicpept.com and specify the product and batch. Follow the storage and handling instructions supplied with the actual product. A publication about an ingredient is not a certificate for a finished pen.

Selected studies

• Dalmasso et al., 2008