Many synthetic peptides have been developed during the last two decades, and the mechanisms through which peptides may enhance skin processes have come into greater focus. This article briefly overviews the research on peptides developed with the hopes to combat internal and external signs of physiological decline. 

Experimental skin research has suggested the possible impact of certain peptides on cellular development and maintenance of skin. Well-studied peptides, such as copper tripeptide, are still being investigated to learn more about their potential and to pave the way for the creation of increasingly focused novel compounds. Other well-studied peptides include Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 and Carnosine. Topical peptides that have been reported to induce some impact in controlled experiments are summarized in this article.

Introduction

Proteins and peptides are polymers of amino acids. Short chains of amino acids are known as peptides. Peptide derives from the word pepton, which means “digested” in Greek. Protein restriction, cell multiplication, cell migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and melanogenesis are all cellular communication hypothesized to be mediated by naturally occurring peptides. These events contribute to various physiological processes, including defense, immunity, stress, growth, homeostasis, and reproduction. 

Emil Fischer and Hofmeister characterized the first peptides in the early nineteenth century. The peptide synthesis paper by Fischer and Fourneauin was published in 1901. Fischer identified glycyl-glycine as the first peptide and described the structure of dipeptides, tripeptides, and polypeptides in his lectures. In the years that followed, researchers discovered new synthetic peptides, discovered more natural peptides and gained a deeper understanding of their roles.

Several synthetic peptides have been created, along with progress in general understanding of both natural and synthetic peptides. Loren Pickard created copper glycine-histidine-lysine (Cu-GHK) in 1973. However, peptide progress remained modest until 2000, when Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 was first developed. A large number of short, stable, and synthetic peptides with possible roles in extracellular matrix production, pigmentation, innate immunity, and inflammation have been created by science and business since then. These peptides are hypothesized to have antioxidative and antibacterial potential in addition to other, yet unelucidated properties, including possible collagen stimulation, wound healing, and wrinkle reduction.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 

Studies suggest that collagen regeneration may be mediated by the messenger Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, also known as Palmitoyl oligopeptide (Sequence: Pal-Gly-His-Lys). Its action is purported to be similar to that of retinoic acid but reportedly without irritation. Several studies suggest that wrinkles may be reduced when collagen and glycosaminoglycan production is boosted, the epidermis is strengthened, and the skin is thickened. In order to promote fibrillogenesis, this peptide may operate on transforming growth factors. The length, depth, and roughness of wrinkles appeared significantly reduced in an experiment involving 15 research models who were given a cream containing Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 twice daily for four weeks. Another research speculated a minor but statistically meaningful growth in skin thickness (4%, compared to the vehicle alone) after using both vehicle and Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 on the skin of 23 research models for four weeks.

GHK-Cu Peptide

One of the most studied peptides is the copper tripeptide (GHK-Cu) complex (Sequence: Copper Gly-l-His-l-Lys). Investigations purport that it may be secreted in response to injury or inflammation and may aid in the repair of the extracellular matrix. Scientists hypothesize that this peptide may normalize collagen, elastin, proteoglycan, and glycosaminoglycan production and produce anti-inflammatory and antioxidant reactions. 

Additionally, it has been proposed that GHK-Cu peptide may promote skin and tissue regeneration and healing by activating cellular regulatory molecules. GHK-Cu appeared to have induced stem cell renewal and increased stem cell marker expression in experimental studies. Research suggests that by inhibiting the production of IL-6 (a cytokine generated by TNF-), GHK-Cu and Gly-Gly-His (GGH) may promote more rapid wound healing. Scientists hypothesize that the expression of DNA repair genes may be upregulated by GHK-Cu, as suggested by Pickart et al. It seems that forty-seven genes may be stimulated, and five may be decreased. GHK-Cu also seems to enhance regeneration, healing, and repair through many processes. It may also have a positive impact in mitigating symptoms often correlated to age-related decline, as research suggests.

Acetyl hexapeptide-3

Acetylhexapeptide-3 (Argireline), with the molecular formula Acetyl-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2, has been suggested to provide wrinkle depth reducing and moisturizing potential through blocking the release of neurotransmitters. In the same way that synaptosomal-associated protein is a competitor for a spot in the SNARE complex and destabilizes its development without breaking any of its component pieces, it is hypothesized that so does Acetyl hexapeptide-3, a clone of that protein. Studies suggest that it may also prevent the release of catecholamines. 

Pentapeptide-3

Snake venom may be the source of Pentapeptide-3 (Vialox; Sequence: Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro-Ala). It has been hypothesized that muscle relaxation may occur because it may act as an acetylcholine receptor antagonist, blocking neurons at the post-synaptic membrane. Experimental research suggested a 49% decrease in wrinkles and a 47% reduction in skin roughness after 28 days of presentations to research models.

Tripeptide-3

Dipeptide diamino-butyryl benzylamide diacetate (SYN-AKE) or Tripeptide-3 (Sequence: -Ala-Pro-Dab-NHBn-2-Acetate) has been hypothesized to replicate the effects of Waglerin-1, a peptide discovered in the venom of the snake Tropidolaemus wagleri. Postsynaptically, Tripeptide-3 is purported to function as a reversible acetylcholine receptor antagonist.

Researchers looking to buy topical peptides may navigate Biotech Peptides’ website for the highest-quality research compounds for scientific investigations.

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