GHK-CU MEDIATED ADIPOSE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX REMODELING: TRANSLATIONAL IMPLICATIONS FOR LIPEDEMA AND GYNOID LIPODYSTROPHY

Introduction: Structural alterations of adipose tissue associated with extracellular matrix remodeling play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of conditions such as lipedema and gynoid lipodystrophy. Recent studies indicate that inflammatory processes, microvascular dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis contribute to pathological reorganization of adipose tissue architecture. The peptide complex GHK-Cu has been investigated for its ability to modulate multiple biological processes related to tissue regeneration and extracellular matrix remodeling. Objective: To analyze scientific evidence related to extracellular matrix modulation mediated by GHK-Cu and discuss its potential pathophysiological implications for lipedema and gynoid lipodystrophy. Methods: An integrative literature review with translational approach was conducted using scientific publications indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies investigating the biological effects of GHK-Cu on fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells and inflammatory pathways, as well as research on adipose tissue pathophysiology, were included. Results: The analyzed evidence indicates that GHK-Cu can modulate processes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, including regulation of collagen synthesis, modulation of matrix metalloproteinases, reduction of inflammatory activity and stimulation of physiological angiogenesis. These mechanisms overlap with pathophysiological processes described in lipedema and gynoid lipodystrophy, characterized by interstitial fibrosis, adipose tissue inflammation and microvascular dysfunction. Conclusion: Integration of available evidence suggests that extracellular matrix modulation mediated by GHK-Cu may have potential relevance for understanding structural alterations of adipose tissue observed in lipedema and gynoid lipodystrophy. These findings highlight the importance of future investigations exploring the interaction between extracellular matrix biology and adipose tissue pathophysiology.