Scientific Glossary

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The stomach produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) via parietal cells, creating a pH of 1.5-3.5. This is essential for protein digestion and pathogen killing but can damage the gastric mucosa if the protective mucus barrier is compromised. BPC-157 was originally discovered in research on gastric juice protective proteins — its gastroprotective properties are among its most studied attributes, with animal studies showing protection against NSAID-induced ulceration, alcohol damage, and stress ulcers.