Educational, research-use-only content. This article summarizes published scientific literature for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The compounds discussed are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not approved for human or veterinary use.
What is KPV?
KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH(11-13)). It is studied for the anti-inflammatory properties associated with melanocortin peptides (Kannengiesser et al., 2008).
What the research examined
In two well-described mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (DSS colitis and CD45RB transfer colitis), KPV treatment was associated with earlier recovery, greater regain of body weight, reduced inflammatory infiltrates on histology, and lower myeloperoxidase activity in colonic tissue. The authors noted these effects appeared at least partly independent of melanocortin-1-receptor signaling (Kannengiesser et al., 2008).
How it is thought to work
KPV is studied as a small, stable anti-inflammatory fragment that may dampen inflammatory signaling — of interest in gastrointestinal and mucosal inflammation research (Kannengiesser et al., 2008).
The limits of the current evidence
- The supporting data are from animal models; human efficacy is not established.
- KPV is not an approved medicine; this material is for laboratory research use only.
References
According to PubMed:
- Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of IBD. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008. doi:10.1002/ibd.20334
