At a glance
Type
Anti-inflammatory tripeptide (α-MSH 11-13)
Molecular weight
≈342.43 g/mol
Studied for
InflammationGut / IBDNF-κB
KPV is a tiny anti-inflammatory tripeptide — the last three amino acids (Lys-Pro-Val) of α-MSH. It keeps α-MSH’s anti-inflammatory power but drops the pigment-related effects, which is why it is studied for inflammation, especially in the gut.
How KPV works
KPV is taken up into cells via the PepT1 transporter (abundant in intestinal and immune cells), where it works from the inside to calm inflammation. It inhibits NF-κB and MAP-kinase signalling — in part by blocking the p65 (RelA) subunit of NF-κB from entering the nucleus — which lowers pro-inflammatory cytokine output. Importantly, it does this without binding melanocortin receptors, so it has no pigmentary effect.
What the research shows
- Intestinal inflammation (Dalmasso et al., Gastroenterology 2008). Nanomolar KPV, absorbed via PepT1, inhibited inflammatory signalling and reduced disease severity in two mouse colitis (IBD) models.
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism (Getting et al., 2003). Characterised KPV’s anti-inflammatory effect as distinct from melanocortin-receptor core-peptide activity.
- Airway cells (Land, 2012). In airway epithelial cells, KPV suppressed inflammation by blocking NF-κB nuclear signalling.
Candour: KPV’s evidence is mostly preclinical — cell and animal (rodent) inflammation/colitis models; robust human clinical data is lacking. Use belongs under a physician’s guidance.
Molecular specification
| Type | Anti-inflammatory tripeptide (α-MSH 11-13) |
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val |
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 |
| Molecular weight | ≈342.43 g/mol |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
Quality and sourcing
Every batch of Azzurri Wellness KPV is compounded through a Registered 503B outsourcing facility under GMP-compliant processes, HPLC-tested for purity and potency, and third-party lab verified. Shipped cold-pack when needed to protect stability.
References
- Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. PubMed
- Getting SJ, et al. Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) α-MSH peptides. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003;306(2):631–637. PubMed
- Land SC. Inhibition of cellular and systemic inflammation by melanocortin-related peptides: mechanism of KPV action. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2012;4(2):59–73. PMC
Compiled by the Azzurri Wellness Research Team and checked against the cited literature. Educational only — not medical advice.
