Key Differences Between BPC-157 and TB-500
BPC-157 and TB-500 are both peptides known for their healing properties, but they function differently. BPC-157, a gastric peptide, has been shown to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and promote angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. On the other hand, TB-500, a synthetic version of a protein found in the human body, is primarily known for its ability to promote muscle and skin tissue growth and repair, and reduce inflammation.
BPC-157: What is it, and what does it do?
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a peptide which consists of a chain of 15 amino acids. This peptide has been intensively studied for its healing capacities, particularly related to angiogenesis, i.e. its ability to create new blood vessels [1]. It has been observed that BPC-157 increases the density of vessels, restores blood supply to ischaemic muscles and can up-regulate VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2). These are just a couple of reasons why this peptide has been claimed to have a plethora of healing abilities [1].
What are the applications of BPC-157?
Applications of BPC-157
A study found that BPC-157 can be therapeutically used as a remedy for inflammatory bowel disease and wound healing and found no toxic side effects [2]. Not only has it been demonstrated to be a potent pro-angiogenic factor, but it has also been shown to be an anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and endothelial-protective agent that could counteract several well-established side effects of prolonged NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) use [2].
BPC-157 has been proposed as a potential treatment of physiologically based illnesses that disproportionately affect certain patient populations, such as the COVID-19 illness, as it improves vascular integrity and immune response, reduces the pro-inflammatory profile, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and reduces the lethality of critical COVID-19 illnesses [3].
However, it is important to note that BPC 157 is an experimental drug, with most studies conducted on small rodents. Further research is needed to validate the safety of BPC 157.
TB-500: What is it, and what does it do?
What is TB-500?
TB-500, which can be derived as Thymosin Beta-4, is a synthetic peptide. It aims to enhance wound healing, physical ability, and stamina. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in preserving, regenerating, and remodelling impaired tissues. TB-500 is utilized to reinforce wound healing, decrease tissue inflammation, and minimize tissue damage.
TB-500: What are the applications of TB-500?
Wound healing is one of the main postulated uses of TB-500. That’s because the active region of the thymosin β (4) protein governs its activity (i.e., its ability to bind to actin, drive cell migration, and promote wound healing). So, TB-500 is alleged to enhance endothelial cell differentiation, promote angiogenesis in dermal tissues, and increase both keratinocyte migration and collagen deposition while also reducing inflammation [4].
Another is as a sports medicine tool. A study mentions that examining its presence in equine urine and plasma discovered that it has possibly been administered to create optimal healing and performance conditions for horses [4]. However, TB-500 is banned
BPC-157 vs TB-500: Are they ethical?
Is BPC-157 ethical?
The main issue in terms of the ethics of BPC-157 and TB-500 is that both substances are still considered experimental drugs, and that their potential risks and benefits have yet to be fully elucidated.
BPC-157 has shown broad healing effects in animal experimental models [5]. In addition, it has now been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries and gastrointestinal tract lesions or lesions in the liver, two non-healing wounds that significantly impact health and disease. Moreover, no side effects were found in these studies [6, 7, 8, 9].
However, the majority of studies on BPC-157 have been performed on small rodent models, and its efficacy in humans is yet to be confirmed [6]. This raises ethical questions about the potential risks and benefits of using BPC-157 in humans, especially given the lack of comprehensive human clinical trials.
Is TB-500 ethical?
Further research needs to be conducted in order to confirm whether TB-500 is ethical. Due to the qualities that TB-500 possesses, it can manipulate doping in sports and can grant athletes inequitable benefits. Importantly, TB-500 is banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) [10].
Conclusion
BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide that has been shown to have extensive healing effects, including promoting the healing of various types of wounds and promoting angiogenesis. It has also been suggested as a potential treatment for COVID-19. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4), is a synthetic peptide. It aims to enhance wound healing, physical ability, and stamina. It has not been fully explored, therefore more research needs to be conducted in order to confirm and enhance its qualities.