Cosmeceuticals

Human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha

Native equivalent of DERMATOPOIETIN® is an autocrine factor produced in the upper epidermal layers on a constitutive basis. It activates expression of growth and differentiation factors that initiate cellular proliferation and migration events leading to tissue renewal. Since its discovery in early 1980s, this agent has undergone extensive scientific research worldwide. Some facts from these studies are presented in this short review.

DERMATOPOIETIN® is a 159 amino acid long polypeptide. It is constantly produced by skin almost exclusively onto the stratum corneum (upper skin layer) of the human epidermis. DERMATOPOIETIN® serves as an autocrine factor that initiates a cascade of events directed to deeper layers of skin.

Activation of cell growth signaling cascade

DERMATOPOIETIN® activates genes encoding growth factors such as keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)1-3, hepatocytes growth factor (HGF)1, granulocytemacrophage growth factor (GM-CSF)4, and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha)5. These growth factors, in turn, initiate a cascade of events leading to fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, keratinocyte migration6,7, and entire skin renewal. There are genes of extracellular matrix components such as collagen8,9, fibronectin10, elastin11, glycosaminoglycan10, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)8 that are directly or non-directly regulated by DERMATOPOIETIN®. For instance it stimulates collagen production nearly 2-fold and mRNA levels of type I and III collagen over 2.5-fold9.

DERMATOPOIETIN® suppress expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a major fibrogenic factor responsible for excessive scarring or keloid formation through promoting proliferation and collagen synthesis of mesenchymal cells12. Finally DERMATOPOIETIN® is also involved in maintenance of skin barrier function13.

Age related DERMATOPOIETIN® deficit

An important fact is that constitutive production of DERMATOPOIETIN® in skin drastically falls with aging14-16. Besides that, a biological response to DERMATOPOIETIN® in skin is reduced with age too14- 16. Thus the deficit in production and activity both lead to skin renewal failure. Skin tissue misbalance associated with age-related deficits of DERMATOPOIETIN® can be successfully solved using DERMATOPOIETIN® prepared biotechnologically3.

Conclusion

DERMATOPOIETIN® is a vital player that orchestrates entire process of skin renewal via initiation of a cascade of paracrine regulators, activation of proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and regulates synthesis/degradation of extracellular matrix components. Under aging both the production and response to DERMATOPOIETIN® in skin are drastically reduced leading to disturbed skin renewal process and weak skin barrier function. It is well-documented that any mismatches arising from age-related deficits of DERMATOPOIETIN® can be successfully solved using its biotechnological equivalent. This provides a strong scientific base for the use of DERMATOPOIETIN® in anti-aging cosmeceutical products.

DERMATOPOIETIN®

DERMATOPOIETIN® is the body's own regulator of tissue renewal. The natural production of DERMATOPOIETIN® in the skin decreases with age causing most of the signs of skin aging. The regular cosmetic application of DERMATOPOIETIN® provides the full compensation for the deficit and consequently enhances skin renewal.

HOW IT WORKS

DERMATOPOIETIN® does not deliver any functional components into the skin. It rather acts by triggering the tissue's own regenerative abilities. As a result the process of cell regeneration starts off on the skin surface and unfolds its action in the deeper layer of the epidermis.  In response to DERMATOPOIETIN® skin cells carry out a complex process of tissue remodeling that finally leads to skin rejuvenation.

In close collaboration with our partner United Cosmeceuticals GmbH, we develop successful project in the fields of pharmacy and cosmetic industry. United Cosmeceuticals is a science-based company, located in Schlieren/ZH in Switzerland, which specializing in research and development of functionally active ingredients for cosmetic and cosmeceutic products intended for the cosmetic industry worldwide.

For more information, see www.unicos.ch