KPV
Contents
In short
- KPV is three amino acids from the end of the hormone alpha-MSH, which can calm inflammation.
- In mice, KPV calmed gut inflammation similar to ulcerative colitis.
- Gut cells take up KPV through a transporter that is more common when the gut is inflamed.
- Studies in humans are the next step.
Fact box
- Type
- Research compound
- Research
- Lab and animal studies
- Sequence
- Lys-Pro-Val
- Other names
- Lys-Pro-Val, alpha-MSH (11-13)
What is KPV?
KPV is a small peptide made of the amino acids lysine, proline and valine. It is the smallest part of the hormone alpha-MSH that has shown an anti-inflammatory effect in the laboratory.
Alpha-MSH is a hormone the body makes itself, and among other things it can calm inflammation. KPV is the last three amino acids of this hormone.[1][2]
The gut has a transport protein, PepT1, that takes up small peptides. In inflammatory bowel disease there is more of this protein in the large intestine. In the laboratory, gut cells took up KPV through PepT1.[3]
The amino acid sequence in the fact box comes from PubChem.[4]
What does the research say about KPV?
The results from mice and cells are promising, especially for gut inflammation. Studies in humans are the next step.
| Use | Studies | Research |
|---|---|---|
| Gut inflammation (IBD) | 3 studies · Animal study · Animals | Lab and animal studies |
| Skin | 1 study · Cell study · Cells | Lab and animal studies |
RCT means randomised controlled trial. How to read a study
Gut inflammation (IBD)
In mice with chemically induced gut inflammation, KPV in the drinking water calmed the inflammation.[3] Another study found faster recovery and less inflammation in two different mouse models.[1] Researchers have also tested KPV in small particles designed to release it in the gut, with similar results in mice.[5]
Skin
A laboratory study on human skin cells looked at how KPV and alpha-MSH send signals inside the cells.[2]
Questions and answers about KPV
Does KPV work for gut inflammation?
It has calmed gut inflammation in mice. Studies in humans will show whether the same happens in people.
Where does KPV come from?
KPV is the last three amino acids of alpha-MSH, a hormone the body makes itself.