KLOW

KLOW Research Overview

KPV is a three amino acid fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone that carries the anti-inflammatory effect of the hormone without its pigmentation effect. It is used for inflammatory bowel symptoms, skin inflammation and general inflammation control.

Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val, Alpha-MSH (11-13), Alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide

Background

KPV is the last three amino acids (lysine, proline, valine) of alpha-MSH, a hormone best known for triggering melanin production. Researchers noticed in the 1980s and 1990s that this small C-terminal fragment reproduced the anti-inflammatory activity of the full hormone while having essentially no effect on skin pigmentation. That separation made it attractive as a tool for studying inflammation and later as a candidate treatment for inflammatory conditions.

The strongest evidence is in mouse models of colitis. Oral KPV, and especially KPV packaged in nanoparticles to survive the gut, reduced inflammation, weight loss and tissue damage in chemically induced and genetically driven colitis models. It also reduced inflammation in mouse models of skin conditions, uveitis, arthritis and lung injury. In cell studies it blunts NF-kB activation, the master switch for inflammatory gene expression.

There are no published human trials of KPV as a standalone treatment. Its use for gut and skin complaints is based on the animal data plus the fact that alpha-MSH itself has been studied in clinical literature. People report benefit for irritable bowel symptoms, eczema and post-infection inflammation, but these are anecdotes. Oral, nasal, topical and injectable forms all circulate, and there is no data on which route is best in clinical literature.

Mechanistic Profile

KPV enters cells and interferes with NF-kB signaling, preventing the transcription factor from moving into the nucleus and switching on inflammatory genes. This reduces production of cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta. Unlike the parent hormone, it does not seem to depend on the classic melanocortin receptors, and it is transported into intestinal epithelial cells by the PepT1 transporter, which is upregulated during inflammation. That transporter route explains why oral KPV can act directly on the inflamed gut lining. It also has direct antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi, which may add to its effect on gut and skin.

Reported Research Findings

• Oral KPV reduced colitis severity, weight loss and inflammatory cytokines in mouse models of IBD. (rodent)

• KPV loaded nanoparticles delivered to the colon lowered inflammation at a fraction of the free peptide amount. (rodent)

• Blocked NF-kB nuclear translocation and cytokine release in cultured intestinal and immune cells. (in vitro)

• Reduced skin inflammation and ear swelling in mouse models of contact dermatitis. (rodent)

• Showed direct antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. (in vitro)

Analytical Validation, Formulation and Storage

• Purity: 99% or higher as verified by HPLC, with a third-party certificate of analysis available per batch.

• Formulation: lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in a sterile sealed glass vial, to be reconstituted with an appropriate solvent for laboratory use.

• Reported half-life: Short, likely under 30 minutes in plasma (estimated).

• Storage: keep lyophilised material cool, dark and dry (long-term at or below -20 °C). Store reconstituted solutions refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and use within laboratory-defined windows.

Selected Literature

• Oral delivery of KPV nanoparticles alleviates ulcerative colitis in mice. Molecular Therapy, 2015.

• Anti-inflammatory peptide KPV is transported by PepT1 into intestinal epithelial cells. Gastroenterology, 2008.

• Alpha-MSH and its C-terminal tripeptide KPV: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity (review). Peptides, 2006.

• Antimicrobial activity of alpha-MSH and its tripeptide fragment KPV against S. aureus and C. albicans. Peptides, 2000.

Cloud Aminos supplies KLOW as a high-purity research material intended strictly for controlled laboratory use in vitro or in established animal models. This compound is not approved as a drug, diagnostic or dietary ingredient and is not manufactured, packaged or marketed for human consumption, self-experimentation, clinical application or any use outside properly designed and ethically approved research protocols.