By Dr. Forest Tennant, PNN Columnist

We have long noted that persons with adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) and other causes of intractable pain who follow a high protein diet and take amino acid supplements usually have better treatment outcomes. They need fewer opioids, function better, and have a good quality of life.

Protein is composed of about two dozen separate building blocks called amino acids. Once ingested, they chemically join together and cause specific effects in the body. When two or more amino acids combine and partner, they are called polypeptides. Two polypeptides that relieve pain and heal damaged tissue are KPV (lysine-proline-valine) and Body Protection Compound or BPC-157.

KPV is useful primarily for pain relief and to reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal canal. It activates the neurotransmitters endorphin and melanocortin, which are stored in the hypothalamus. 

BPC-157 is a chain of 15 amino acids. Its primary function is to regenerate and heal tissue, including neural tissues, receptors, arachnoid membrane, cartilage and intervertebral discs. We believe it also helps heal spinal fluid leaks. BPC has a great effect on the stomach and intestine. 

Because polypeptides (PP’s) are fundamentally a conglomeration of food particles, when swallowed they are digested in the stomach and lose much of their effectiveness. That is why KPV and BPC-157, like insulin, are often taken by subcutaneous injection. Both PP’s are also available in non-injection formulations. KPV comes in an oral or nasal spray, while BPC-157 is available as sublingual tablet taken under the tongue or as a spray. 

A list of several companies that supply PP’s online is available in this bulletin.  

Who Should Take Polypeptides  

We have long-recommended a three-component medical protocol for AA and other causes of intractable pain to (1) suppress inflammation and autoimmunity, (2) regenerate tissue and (3) relieve pain. Our starting protocol for AA is now changed and anchored with KPV and BPC-157.  

To start, we recommend daily use of a polypeptide for a week. After a week, use it 3 to 5 days a week. Some persons with AA like to use KPV daily as it greatly reduces pain. Others can become tolerant to polypeptides, so skipping some days will keep the polypeptide active and effective.  

All persons with AA and/or intractable pain should, in our opinion, try the two PP’s provided here to enhance pain relief, promote tissue regeneration and healing, and reduce the use of potent medications, including corticosteroids, ketorolac, benzodiazepines, and opioids.  We also believe PP’s can reduce the use of risky surgery and invasive procedures.  

Several other polypeptides are being studied, and the Tennant Foundation will keep you apprised of new discoveries and developments. We consider polypeptides a major advance in the treatment of AA and other intractable pain conditions. 

Forest Tennant, MD, DrPH, is retired from clinical practice but continues his research on the treatment of intractable pain and arachnoiditis. This column is adapted from bulletins recently issued by the Tennant Foundations’s Arachnoiditis Research and Education Project. Readers interested in subscribing to the bulletins should click here.

The Tennant Foundation gives financial support to Pain News Network and sponsors PNN’s Patient Resources section.