BPC-157 Peptide (10MG)

Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 is a naturally derived peptide sequence identified within human gastric juice. It is highly stable in acidic environments, remaining intact for more than 24 hours, which allows it to be administered orally without the need for protective carriers. Previous studies have demonstrated its ability to accelerate the healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Experimental work has confirmed its capacity to restore myotendinous junctions, promote tendon-to-bone repair, and support the recovery of severe musculoskeletal injuries that would not normally regenerate on their own.

This study evaluated whether stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 could reverse the otherwise permanent failure of quadriceps muscle-to-bone detachment in rats. Specifically, the research explored a quadriceps detachment and reattachment model, focusing on whether oral administration of BPC 157 could achieve functional and structural recovery. The novelty lies in the fact that no prior pharmacological therapy has successfully achieved muscle-to-bone reattachment.

Male Wistar rats (12–16 weeks old) were subjected to surgical detachment of the quadriceps muscle from its attachments at the femur and iliac bone. The rectus femoris was fully detached, while the vastus muscles were partially separated. Treatment groups received stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 orally in drinking water at doses of 10 µg/kg or 10 ng/kg, beginning five minutes post-surgery. Controls received water only. Recovery was assessed over a 90-day period using functional indices (Walking Recovery Index [WRI] and Motor Function Index [MFI]), biomechanical testing, ultrasound and MRI imaging, and histological analyses.

Walking Recovery & Motor Function
Rats treated with gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 showed consistent recovery of gait function compared to controls. Improvements were documented through both WRI and MFI measurements, with treated animals regaining near-normal walking patterns. Control rats displayed persistent deficits and abnormal gait mechanics throughout the study.
Contracture and Muscle Atrophy
Contracture of the operated limb, which persisted in controls, was completely reversed in BPC 157-treated rats. Muscle diameter was preserved in treated groups, while control rats developed progressive atrophy of the quadriceps. These findings indicate that the therapy restored both muscle structure and function.
Imaging & Structural Healing
Ultrasound imaging demonstrated that BPC 157 treatment closed the muscle–bone gap as early as 21–28 days post-surgery. MRI scans at 90 days confirmed complete reattachment in treated rats, while controls retained a measurable defect. Microscopy revealed integration of muscle fibers into newly formed cortical bone, along with organized collagen deposition and periosteal reactivation.

The study identified several mechanisms underlying the observed recovery:

• Mesenchymal cell proliferation and periosteum reactivation, which initiated new bone formation and facilitated muscle–bone integration.
• Cytoprotective and angiogenic effects, including enhanced blood supply and reduced tissue necrosis.
• Nitric oxide (NO) pathway involvement, consistent with earlier research showing BPC 157's regulatory effects on vascular tone and tissue healing.

The findings highlight the potential of stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in surgical recovery models where muscle-to-bone reattachment is required. Beyond quadriceps reattachment, the peptide's demonstrated effects suggest applications in tendon ruptures, ligament injuries, and complex bone repairs. Its oral stability and broad cytoprotective profile distinguish it from conventional growth factor-based strategies that degrade rapidly in gastric environments.

Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 successfully achieved complete quadriceps muscle-to-bone reattachment in rat models. Functional, imaging, and histological outcomes demonstrated that treated animals recovered fully, while untreated controls experienced permanent impairment. These results provide strong evidence supporting further translational studies to evaluate the clinical relevance of gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in human musculoskeletal repair.