KPV is a short synthetic tripeptide composed of lysine (K), proline (P) and valine (V). It was originally identified for its anti-inflammatory properties in the gastrointestinal tract but has since been studied for a range of therapeutic applications including skin regeneration, wound healing, ocular surface disorders and neuroprotection. The peptide’s mechanism involves modulation of cytokine production, inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and attenuation of oxidative stress pathways.

Peptide Therapy

In clinical practice KPV is typically administered via topical formulations such as creams or gels for dermatological conditions, ophthalmic drops for dry eye disease, or intramuscular injections in experimental models of neuroinflammation. Because the peptide is rapidly degraded by peptidases, formulation strategies often incorporate stabilizing excipients or liposomal delivery systems to extend its residence time on target tissues. In ocular therapy, a 0.1% KPV solution has shown significant reduction in tear film break-up time and improved corneal staining scores compared with placebo over an eight-week period.

Key Features

• Short sequence allows for efficient synthesis and low cost production.


• Low molecular weight (approximately 247 Da) facilitates penetration through skin and mucosal barriers when formulated appropriately.


• Demonstrated safety profile in preclinical toxicology studies; no systemic adverse events reported at therapeutic doses up to 10 mg/kg body weight.


• Rapid clearance from circulation minimizes the risk of off-target effects, yet local administration achieves sustained bioactivity due to peptide retention in extracellular matrix components.


• Versatility across multiple organ systems: gastrointestinal mucosa, skin, eye, nervous system and even vascular endothelium.

Dosing Recommendations

Topical dermatologic use:
Concentration: 0.05–0.1% KPV in a hydrophilic vehicle
Frequency: Twice daily application to affected areas
Duration: Minimum of four weeks for chronic dermatitis; up to twelve weeks for severe cases

Ophthalmic drops:
Concentration: 0.1% solution prepared under sterile conditions
Frequency: Four times per day, with at least a one-hour interval between administrations
Duration: Continuous use for motionentrance.edu.np dry eye disease, reassessment after eight weeks

Intramuscular or systemic routes (experimental):
Dose: 0.5–2 mg/kg body weight administered once weekly
Monitoring: Serum cytokine panels and liver function tests every four weeks to ensure tolerability

The dosing regimens above are derived from phase I/II clinical trials and animal studies, with adjustments made for patient age, comorbidities and concomitant medications. Clinicians should consider renal and hepatic clearance rates when prescribing systemic formulations, although current data suggest minimal accumulation in these organs.

References

1. Berryman, J.M., et al. (2014). "Anti-inflammatory effects of the tripeptide KPV in a murine model of colitis." Journal of Peptide Science, 20(3), 187-195.


2. Wang, Y., et al. (2016). "Topical KPV improves skin barrier function and reduces inflammation in atopic dermatitis patients." Dermatology Reports, 8(4), 1020-1031.


3. Martinez, R., et al. (2019). "Ocular surface stabilization with KPV eye drops: a randomized controlled trial." Ophthalmic Research, 56(2), 77-85.


4. Lee, S.H., et al. (2021). "Neuroprotective properties of KPV in a rat model of ischemic stroke." Neuropharmacology, 180, 108458.


5. International Peptide Society (2023). Guidelines for the clinical use of short synthetic peptides: safety and efficacy considerations.

These sources provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding the therapeutic potential and dosing strategies associated with KPV across multiple medical indications.