Copper–GHK increases integrin expression and p63 positivity by keratinocytes

Matrikines in the skin: Origin, effects, and therapeutic potential

The extracellular matrix (ECM) represents a complex multi-component environment that has a decisive influence on the biomechanical properties of tissues and organs. Depending on the tissue, ECM components are subject to a homeostasis of synthesis and degradation, a subtle interplay that is influenced by external factors and the intrinsic aging process and is often disturbed in pathologies. Upon proteolytic cleavage of ECM proteins, small bioactive peptides termed matrikines can be formed. These bioactive peptides play a crucial role in cell signaling and contribute to the dynamic regulation of both physiological and pathological processes such as tissue remodeling and repair as well as inflammatory responses. In the skin, matrikines exert an influence for instance on cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation as well as vasodilation, angiogenesis and protein expression. Due to their manifold functions, matrikines represent promising leads for developing new therapeutic options for the treatment of skin diseases. This review article gives a comprehensive overview on matrikines in the skin, including their origin in the dermal ECM, their biological effects and therapeutic potential for the treatment of skin pathologies such as melanoma, chronic wounds and inflammatory skin diseases or for their use in anti-aging cosmeceuticals.

Evaluation of GHK peptide-heparin interactions in multifunctional liposomal covering

Small biospecific peptides with defined chemical structure and cellular responses are promising alternatives to full-length therapeutic proteins. Identification of these peptides solely or in combination with other bioactive factors and determination of their targets are of substantial interest in current drug delivery research. This study is aimed at the development of new liposomal formulations of ECM-derived GHK peptide known for its multiple regeneration-related activities but poorly recognized cellular targets. In situ association of membranotropic GHK derivative with unilamellar liposomes was performed to prepare GHK-modified liposomes with defined properties. According to DLS, the GHK component on the liposomal surface interacted with heparin in a specific manner compared to other polysaccharides and RGD counterpart, whereas ITC analysis of such interactions was complicated. The results provide a useful tool for screening of bio-interactions of synthetic peptide-presenting liposomes by the DLS technique. They were also employed to produce a multi-functional nanosized GHK-heparin covering for liposomes. The resulting composite liposomes possessed low size dispersity, increased anionic charge, and mechanical rigidity. The heparin component significantly promoted the accumulation of GHK-modified liposomes in 3T3 fibroblasts so that the composite liposomes exhibited the highest cell-penetrating activity. Furthermore, the latter formulation stimulated cell proliferation and strongly inhibited ROS production and GSH depletion under oxidative stress conditions. Together, the results support that cell-surface glycosaminoglycans can be involved in GHK-mediated liposomal delivery, which can be further greatly enhanced by association with heparin. The composite liposomes with GHK-heparin covering can be considered as an advanced GHK-based formulation for therapeutic and cosmeceutical applications.

Effects of Gly-His-Lys-D-Ala Peptide on Skin Wound Regeneration Processes

We evaluated the effects of the Gly-His-Lys-D-Ala peptide in a dose 0.5 μg/kg on skin wound regeneration in male Wistar rats (n=80) after initial surgical debridement when administered intracutaneously around the site of injury. Histological (severity of the inflammatory reaction, formation of granulation tissue, and epithelialization terms) and morphometric (number of fibroblastic cells, macrophages, granulocytes, and lymphocytes) studies were performed on autopsy specimens on days 3, 7, 10, and 30 of the experiment. Daily intracutaneous injection of the peptide resulted in an increase in the number of fibroblastic cells and macrophages, as well as in a decrease in the number of granulocytes against the background of active wound contraction on day 30 of the experiment. Thus, Gly-His-Lys-D-Ala alleviated the inflammatory reaction and promoted the regenerative processes.

Topical and nutricosmetic products for healthy hair and dermal antiaging using "dual-acting" (2 for 1) plant-based peptides, hormones, and cannabinoids

One of the side effects of oral antiaging retinoids is increased hair shedding. Retinoids promote the expression of TGF-β2 from fibroblasts, which stimulate collagen expression but silences keratinocytes. Since keratinocytes normally influence differentiation of dermal papilla cells at the base of the hair follicle, retinoids feasibly inhibit hair growth via the increased expression of TGF-β2, which inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Fortunately, the plant kingdom provides an array of alternatives as dual-acting nutricosmetics and topicals that work independently of TGF-β2 to confer dermal antiaging and hair health effects. These alternatives include "plant hormones" such as cytokinins and phytoestrogens. Many cytokinins are agonists of the G-coupled adenosine receptors. Partial agonism of adenosine receptors promotes collagen synthesis independently of TGF-β2 signaling. Adenosine expression is potentially also the mechanism of minoxidil in promotion of scalp hair growth. Because of crosstalk between adenosine and cannabinoid receptors it makes sense to try combinations of specific CB2 agonists and cytokinins (or phytoestrogens). However, dual-acting cosmetics including peptides with high numbers of positively charged amino acids, such as lysine or arginine, offer real potential as they can be processed from multiple botanical candidates, including almond, fenugreek, pea sprouts, soy, and seaweeds. The current review summarizes much of what is known about retinoid alternatives in the plant kingdom and identifies potentially fruitful new areas of research.

Inorganic ions in the skin: Allies or enemies?

Skin constitutes a barrier protecting the organism against physical and chemical factors. Therefore, it is constantly exposed to the xenobiotics, including inorganic ions that are ubiquitous in the environment. Some of them play important roles in homeostasis and regulatory functions of the body, also in the skin, while others can be considered dangerous. Many authors have shown that inorganic ions could penetrate inside the skin and possibly induce local effects. In this review, we give an account of the current knowledge on the effects of skin exposure to inorganic ions. Beneficial effects on skin conditions related to the use of thermal spring waters are discussed together with the application of aluminium in underarm hygiene products and silver salts in treatment of difficult wounds. Finally, the potential consequences of dermal exposure to topical sensitizers and harmful heavy ions including radionuclides are discussed.

Antioxidants as an Epidermal Stem Cell Activator

Antioxidants may modulate the microenvironment of epidermal stem cells by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species or by regulating the expression of extracellular matrix protein. The extracellular membrane is an important component of the stem cell niche, and microRNAs regulate extracellular membrane-mediated basal keratinocyte proliferation. In this narrative review, we will discuss several antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, plant extracts, peptides and hyaluronic acid, and their effect on the epidermal stem cell niche and the proliferative potential of interfollicular epidermal stem cells in 3D skin equivalent models.

Enhanced biological properties of collagen/chitosan-coated poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold by surface modification with GHK-Cu peptide and 58S bioglass

Bioactive glasses and peptides have shown promising results in improving wound healing and skin repair. The present study explores the effectiveness of surface modification of collagen/chitosan-coated electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold with 58S bioactive glass or GHK-Cu peptide. To coat scaffolds with the bioactive glass, we prepared suspensions of silanized bioactive glass powder with three different concentrations and the scaffolds were pipetted with suspensions. Similarly, GHK-Cu-coated scaffolds were prepared by pipetting adequate amount of 1-mM solution of peptide (in milli-Q) on the surface of scaffolds. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy indicated the successful modification of collagen/chitosan-coated electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold with bioactive glass and GHK-Cu. Microstructural investigations and in vitro studies such as cell adhesion, cell viability and antibacterial assay were performed. All samples demonstrated desirable cell attachment. Compared to poly(ε-caprolactone)/collagen/chitosan, the cell proliferation of GHK-Cu and bioactive glass-coated (concentrations of 0.01 and 0.1) scaffolds increased significantly at days 3 and 7, respectively. Poly(ε-caprolactone)/collagen/chitosan-uncoated scaffold and scaffolds coated with GHK-Cu and bioactive glass revealed desirable antibacterial properties but the antibacterial activity of GHK-Cu-coated sample turned out to be superior. These findings indicated that biological properties of collagen/chitosan-coated synthetic polymer could be improved by GHK-Cu and bioactive glass.

The increase of interfollicular epidermal stem cells and regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its repressors in the skin through hydroporation with anti-aging cocktail

BACKGROUNDS

Hydroporation is a procedure that involves a subsonic flow of air and microdroplets into the skin. We previously reported that hydroporation treatment with a cocktail solution containing copper-glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysyl, oligo hyaluronic acid, rhodiola extract, tranexamic acid, and β-glucan yielded positive effects on skin aging.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydroporation with anti-aging cocktail on interfollicular epidermal stem cells (IFESCs) and expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/AhR repressor (AhRR) in the skin.

METHODS

Skin samples from six volunteers who were treated with hydroporation were analyzed via confocal microscopic examination.

RESULTS

Markers for dermal matrix (procollagen type I and fibrillin-1) and basement membrane (type IV collagen and integrin α6) were increased after treatment. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the expression level of histone deacetylase 1-positive/p63-negative basal cells, which we previously reported as interfollicular epidermal stem cells. The expression level of AhR was significantly decreased, whereas that of AhRR was increased. This indicates an alteration in the interaction between the skin and environment posttreatment.

CONCLUSION

Anti-aging hydroporation treatment recovered the stem cell potential of basal cells. Moreover, this treatment decreased AhR and increased AhRR in the skin, which may protect the skin from the harmful environment.

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

The human peptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) has multiple biological actions, all of which, according to our current knowledge, appear to be health positive. It stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, increases collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, as well as supports the function of dermal fibroblasts. GHK’s ability to improve tissue repair has been demonstrated for skin, lung connective tissue, boney tissue, liver, and stomach lining. GHK has also been found to possess powerful cell protective actions, such as multiple anti-cancer activities and anti-inflammatory actions, lung protection and restoration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fibroblasts, suppression of molecules thought to accelerate the diseases of aging such as NFκB, anti-anxiety, anti-pain and anti-aggression activities, DNA repair, and activation of cell cleansing via the proteasome system. Recent genetic data may explain such diverse protective and healing actions of one molecule, revealing multiple biochemical pathways regulated by GHK.

The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline

Neurodegeneration, the progressive death of neurons, loss of brain function, and cognitive decline is an increasing problem for senior populations. Its causes are poorly understood and therapies are largely ineffective. Neurons, with high energy and oxygen requirements, are especially vulnerable to detrimental factors, including age-related dysregulation of biochemical pathways caused by altered expression of multiple genes. GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) is a human copper-binding peptide with biological actions that appear to counter aging-associated diseases and conditions. GHK, which declines with age, has health promoting effects on many tissues such as chondrocytes, liver cells and human fibroblasts, improves wound healing and tissue regeneration (skin, hair follicles, stomach and intestinal linings, boney tissue), increases collagen, decorin, angiogenesis, and nerve outgrowth, possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and anti-anxiety effects, increases cellular stemness and the secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stem cells. Studies using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map show that GHK peptide modulates expression of multiple genes, resetting pathological gene expression patterns back to health. GHK has been recommended as a treatment for metastatic cancer, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, inflammation, acute lung injury, activating stem cells, pain, and anxiety. Here, we present GHK's effects on gene expression relevant to the nervous system health and function.

The effects of hydroporation on melasma with anti-aging cocktail

BACKGROUND

Jet-M is a device for epidermal peeling and is used to deliver substances by spraying air and microdroplets. Previously, a case was treated with a mixed solution of copper-GHK, oligo-hyaluronic acid, Rhodiola extract, tranexamic acid, and β-glucan. The results showed significant improvement of aged skin.

AIMS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydroporation on melasma with the formulation in a small group of volunteers.

METHODS

Clinical effects were evaluated by both subjective and objective methods including melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) measurement.

RESULTS

Clinically, pigmentation and erythema were relieved and also both MI and EI decreased. Histopathologic observation revealed that type IV collagen and procollagen were increased in the upper dermis. Furthermore, the number of p63-positive cells is increased along the basement membrane. These results all suggest that hydroporation with GHR formulation induced anti-aging effects by reconstruction of extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the treatment may have depigmenting effects and erythema decreasing effects by enhancing the microenvironment of the skin.

Preservation of epithelial progenitor cells from collagenase-digested oral mucosa during ex vivo cultivation

To avoid xenogeneic infection, we report a novel protocol for producing animal-derived component-free oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs) sheet for transplantation, in which collagenase was used to replace dispase II/trypsin-EDTA for digesting oral mucosal tissue, and human platelet-derived PLTMax to replace fetal bovine serum. The resulting epithelial aggregates were expanded on de-epithelialized amniotic membranes without 3T3 feeder cells, and serum-free EpiLife was used to reduce contamination by submucosal mesenchymal cells. The OMEC sheets thus generated showed similar positive keratin 3/76-positive and keratin 8-negative staining patterns compared with those generated by the original protocol. Colony formation efficiency assay, BrdU label retention assay, and p63 and p75^NTR immunostaining results indicated that higher proliferative potentials and more progenitor cells were preserved by the modified protocol. TaqMan array analysis revealed that the transcription of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was up-regulated along with an increase in β-catenin signaling and its downstream cell cycle modulators, cyclin D1 and p27^KIP1. Furthermore, ILK silencing led to the inhibition of nuclear β-catenin accumulation, suppressed p63 expression, and reduced the expression of cyclin D1 and p27^KIP1; these observations suggest that ILK/β-catenin pathway may be involved in cell proliferation regulation during the ex vivo expansion of OMECs for transplantation purposes.

Synthetic lipopeptides as potential topical therapeutics in wound and skin care: in vitro studies of permeation and skin cells behaviour

Wound healing is an extraordinarily complicated process associating with the cell aging, slowing down of cell renewal mechanism and even loss of protective function to environmentally induced oxidative stress.

GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is present in human plasma, saliva, and urine but declines with age. It is proposed that GHK functions as a complex with copper 2+ which accelerates wound healing and skin repair. GHK stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans and modulates the activity of both metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. It stimulates collagen, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and the small proteoglycan, decorin. It also restores replicative vitality to fibroblasts after radiation therapy. The molecule attracts immune and endothelial cells to the site of an injury. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin, hair follicles, gastrointestinal tract, boney tissue, and foot pads of dogs. It also induces systemic wound healing in rats, mice, and pigs. In cosmetic products, it has been found to tighten loose skin and improve elasticity, skin density, and firmness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce photodamage, and hyperpigmentation, and increase keratinocyte proliferation. GHK has been proposed as a therapeutic agent for skin inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metastatic colon cancer. It is capable of up- and downregulating at least 4,000 human genes, essentially resetting DNA to a healthier state. The present review revisits GHK's role in skin regeneration in the light of recent discoveries.

Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin

Copper has two key properties that are being exploited in consumer and medical device products in the last decade. On the one hand, copper has potent biocidal properties. On the other hand, copper is involved in numerous physiological and metabolic processes critical for the appropriate functioning of almost all tissues in the human body. In the skin, copper is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins and angiogenesis. This manuscript reviews clinical studies that show that the use of textile consumer and medical device products, embedded with microscopic copper oxide particles, improve the well-being of the skin. These include studies showing a) cure of athlete’s foot infections and improvement in skin elasticity, especially important for individuals suffering from diabetes; b) reduction of facial fine line and wrinkles; and c) enhancement of wound healing; by copper oxide embedded socks, pillowcases and wound dressings, respectively. The manuscript also reviews and discusses the mechanisms by which the presence of copper in these products improves skin well-being.

Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of Copper Peptide Through Skin

PURPOSE

Copper peptide (GHK-Cu) plays an important role in skin regeneration and wound healing. However, its skin absorption remains challenging due to its hydrophilicity. Here we use polymeric microneedle array to pre-treat skin to enhance GHK-Cu skin penetration.

METHODS

Two in vitro skin models were used to assess the capability of microneedles in facilitating skin delivery of GHK-Cu. Histological assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed to characterize and quantify the microconduits created by the microneedles inside skin. Cellular and porcine models were used to evaluate the safety of microneedle-assisted copper peptide delivery.

RESULTS

The depth and percentage of microneedle penetration were correlated with application forces, which in turn influenced the extent of enhancement in the skin permeability of GHK-Cu. In 9 h, 134 ± 12 nanomoles of peptide and 705 ± 84 nanomoles of copper permeated though the microneedle treated human skin, while almost no peptide or copper permeated through intact human skin. No obvious signs of skin irritation were observed with the use of GHK-Cu after microneedle pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

It is effective and safe to enhance the skin permeation of GHK-Cu by using microneedles. This approach may be useful to deliver similar peptides or minerals through skin.

Copper as a key regulator of cell signalling pathways

Copper is an essential element in many biological processes. The critical functions associated with copper have resulted from evolutionary harnessing of its potent redox activity. This same property also places copper in a unique role as a key modulator of cell signal transduction pathways. These pathways are the complex sequence of molecular interactions that drive all cellular mechanisms and are often associated with the interplay of key enzymes including kinases and phosphatases but also including intracellular changes in pools of smaller molecules. A growing body of evidence is beginning to delineate the how, when and where of copper-mediated control over cell signal transduction. This has been driven by research demonstrating critical changes to copper homeostasis in many disorders including cancer and neurodegeneration and therapeutic potential through control of disease-associated cell signalling changes by modulation of copper-protein interactions. This timely review brings together for the first time the diverse actions of copper as a key regulator of cell signalling pathways and discusses the potential strategies for controlling disease-associated signalling processes using copper modulators. It is hoped that this review will provide a valuable insight into copper as a key signal regulator and stimulate further research to promote our understanding of copper in disease and therapy.

An integral topical gel for cellulite reduction: results from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled evaluation of efficacy

BACKGROUND

Cellulite is a serious cosmetic concern for most of the 90% of women affected by it.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical efficacy of a complex integral anti-cellulite gel.

METHODS

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involved 44 healthy women, aged 25-55 years. Subjects had a normal to slightly overweight body mass index and presented slight to moderate cellulite on their thighs, buttocks, and/or hips at baseline. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the treated or placebo group and accordingly applied the active product or placebo on their hips, stomach, buttocks, and thighs, twice daily for 3 months. Skin tonicity, orange-peel aspect, and stubborn cellulite were assessed at day 0, 28, 56, and 84. A self-evaluation questionnaire was completed by all volunteers.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, an average of 81% of the subjects applying the active product presented improvement in their cellulite condition versus 32% for the placebo group (all descriptors and sites combined). At day 84, skin tonicity, orange-peel appearance, and stubborn cellulite were improved in a significant manner (P<0.05) over placebo, on all studied areas. Skin tonicity improved on average by +41% for buttocks, +35% for hips, and +31% for thighs. Orange peel appearance was reduced on average by -25% for buttocks, -22% for hips, and -22% for thighs. Stubborn cellulite was reduced on average by -19% for buttocks, -24% for hips, and -22% for thighs. Circumference measurements decreased in a significant manner (P<0.05) over placebo, for the abdomen (average value of -1.1 cm) and thighs (average value of -0.8 cm). The product was well tolerated and perceived by the volunteers themselves as better performing than placebo on all criteria.

CONCLUSION

All results validate the efficacy of the present integral formulation to significantly reduce signs of cellulite and reshape the silhouette.

A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease consisting of emphysema, small airway obstruction, and/or chronic bronchitis that results in significant loss of lung function over time.

Methods

In order to gain insights into the molecular pathways underlying progression of emphysema and explore computational strategies for identifying COPD therapeutics, we profiled gene expression in lung tissue samples obtained from regions within the same lung with varying amounts of emphysematous destruction from smokers with COPD (8 regions × 8 lungs = 64 samples). Regional emphysema severity was quantified in each tissue sample using the mean linear intercept (Lm) between alveolar walls from micro-CT scans.

Results

We identified 127 genes whose expression levels were significantly associated with regional emphysema severity while controlling for gene expression differences between individuals. Genes increasing in expression with increasing emphysematous destruction included those involved in inflammation, such as the B-cell receptor signaling pathway, while genes decreasing in expression were enriched in tissue repair processes, including the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway, actin organization, and integrin signaling. We found concordant differential expression of these emphysema severity-associated genes in four cross-sectional studies of COPD. Using the Connectivity Map, we identified GHK as a compound that can reverse the gene-expression signature associated with emphysematous destruction and induce expression patterns consistent with TGFβ pathway activation. Treatment of human fibroblasts with GHK recapitulated TGFβ-induced gene-expression patterns, led to the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, and elevated the expression of integrin β1. Furthermore, addition of GHK or TGFβ restored collagen I contraction and remodeling by fibroblasts derived from COPD lungs compared to fibroblasts from former smokers without COPD.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that gene-expression changes associated with regional emphysema severity within an individual's lung can provide insights into emphysema pathogenesis and identify novel therapeutic opportunities for this deadly disease. They also suggest the need for additional studies to examine the mechanisms by which TGFβ and GHK each reverse the gene-expression signature of emphysematous destruction and the effects of this reversal on disease progression.

The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health

Oxidative stress, disrupted copper homeostasis, and neuroinflammation due to overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines are considered leading causative factors in development of age-associated neurodegenerative conditions. Recently, a new mechanism of aging—detrimental epigenetic modifications—has emerged. Thus, compounds that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity as well as compounds capable of restoring copper balance and proper gene functioning may be able to prevent age-associated cognitive decline and ward off many common neurodegenerative conditions. The aim of this paper is to bring attention to a compound with a long history of safe use in wound healing and antiaging skin care. The human tripeptide GHK was discovered in 1973 as an activity in human albumin that caused old human liver tissue to synthesize proteins like younger tissue. It has high affinity for copper ions and easily forms a copper complex or GHK-Cu. In addition, GHK possesses a plethora of other regenerative and protective actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. Recent studies revealed its ability to up- and downregulate a large number of human genes including those that are critical for neuronal development and maintenance. We propose GHK tripeptide as a possible therapeutic agent against age-associated neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.