This may be due to copper's ability to enhance the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs).16 MMPs normally regulate the degradation of collagen, and a specific one, MMP-1, may be responsible for the initiation of collagen fragmentation.17 Supporting this, a 2024 study noted that elevated MMP-1 levels appear to contribute to aging skin and that higher MMP-1 levels in mice led to:18 The loss and fragmentation of dermal collagen fibrils Contracted fibroblast morphology Reduced collagen production Increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators Additionally, a 2016 study found that GHK-Cu significantly increased gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 at the lowest concentration, which the studys authors considered to be one of the reasons the peptide was able to increase collagen and elastin production.19 So, what this could ultimately mean is that using too much GHK-Cu (or other copper peptides) may in theory increase the skins MMP-1 concentration above the levels involved in healthy collagen production, taking it into the collagen fragmentation and breakdown territory seen in older skin with naturally higher MMP-1 levels
Introducing carpal tunnel injections Carpal Tunnel Injections: An Effective Treatment Choice for Hand Pain Carpal tunnel injections, a viable option for alleviating hand pain, can offer relief for individuals suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome
Similarly, the relative abundance of Family XIII UCG-001 was greater in the vehicle-treated (before FDR correction) and 5A-1MQ-treated groups switched from WD to LD compared to the LD control group (Supplementary Fig
About the authors Dr Timothy Piatkowski is a NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at The University of Queensland's School of Public Health
Minimal Discomfort: Some individuals may experience minor discomfort at the injection site, such as bruising or swelling, which typically resolves quickly
Page last updated: 11 February 2026 | Topic last reviewed: 14 August 2025
