KPV
Also referred to as: Lysine-Proline-Valine, α-MSH(11-13)
A tiny three-amino-acid peptide from a natural hormone, studied for calming inflammation — especially in the gut.
In plain terms: KPV is a very small peptide — just three building blocks — taken from the tail of a natural hormone. Researchers study it for calming inflammation, with a lot of the work focused on the gut. Most of the research is in animals and cells.
- Name
- KPV
- Aliases
- Lysine-Proline-Valine, α-MSH(11-13)
- Classification
- Tripeptide (α-MSH fragment)
- Areas studied
- Inflammation, Gut research, Immune signaling
What it is
KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) that makes up the active tail end of α-MSH, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. Despite being tiny, it appears to keep much of the parent hormone's calming effect on inflammation.
Much of the research focuses on the gut. It is mostly animal and cell work.
Mechanism
In lab studies, KPV appears to get inside cells and quiet the signals that drive inflammation, including a master switch called NF-κB. In gut research it has been studied for reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining.
These effects are mostly seen in animals and cell cultures, not confirmed in people.
Areas studied & investigated
The categories below summarize where KPV appears in the research literature. They describe what the compound is studied for and investigated in — not approved uses, and not guidance for any kind of use.
Inflammation
Studied for calming the cell signals that drive inflammation.
Gut research
A major focus is reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining in colitis models.
Immune signaling
Derived from an anti-inflammatory hormone, studied in immune-cell models.
Skin (studied)
Some research looks at it in skin-inflammation models.
Research history
KPV emerged from research into α-MSH and its anti-inflammatory tail. Interest grew as studies showed the small fragment kept much of the activity, with gut-focused research expanding over the past two decades.
State of the literature
KPV has a growing but mostly preclinical research record, strongest in gut-inflammation models. It is not an approved drug.
What to keep in mind
Most KPV research is in animals and cells, often in specific inflammation models — that is an early step, not proof it works for a person's condition. "Anti-inflammatory in a colitis mouse" does not equal "treats your gut problem." Read the citations and weigh how much of the evidence is animal-only.
Research tools
Evaluating a KPV batch for laboratory research? These free, research-use-only calculators help you work the numbers and read the paperwork: the reconstitution calculator solves vial concentration and draw volume, and the COA reader walks a certificate line by line. For how much and how often KPV is commonly used, see the dosing guides.
Batch-tested with published COAs
See what a published COA looks like
Midwest Compounds does not currently list KPV. Every compound it does sell is tested by an independent lab, with a batch-linked certificate of analysis you can check before you buy.
Citations
The summary above is drawn from published, peer-reviewed sources. Links open the abstract on PubMed, or the free full text on PubMed Central (PMC) where marked.
- Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology, 2008. Abstract
- Brzoska T, et al. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects. Endocrine Reviews, 2008. Abstract