A shortened, protecting group free, synthesis of the anti-wrinkle venom analogue Syn-Ake® exploiting an optimized Hofmann-type rearrangement

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Mechanistic Understanding and Clinical Evidence of a Novel Anti-Wrinkle Technology in Single-Arm, Monocentric, Open-Label Observational Studies

Skin aging is a biological process leading to visible skin alterations. The mechanism of action, clinical efficacy and tolerance of a novel anti-wrinkle technology were evaluated in two skin care products formulated for different skin types. Two single-arm monocentric, open-label observational clinical studies, which were 56 days long, evaluated a cream-gel (n = 30) and a cream (n = 33) on the face and neck. Morphometric analyses of five types of wrinkles were performed at 0, 7, 28 and 56 days. Structural changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) including collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (HA) were visualized and quantified by histochemical imaging after daily treatment of skin explants for 6 days. Protein and gene expression related to barrier and hydration were analyzed using ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively, in a reconstituted human skin model treated daily for 48 h. A decrease in wrinkle dimensions was found in the majority of parameters after 28 days of treatment. Collagen, elastin, HA, procollagen type I, hyaluronan synthases, HAS2 and HAS3 were all stimulated. Based on significant and consistent changes in our investigations, we conclude that the underlying mechanism of action of the novel anti-wrinkle technology could be the remodeling of dermal ECM, and both the test formulations were efficacious and well tolerated.

Recent Advances in the Applications of the Intramolecular Suzuki Cross-coupling Reaction in Cyclization and Heterocyclization: An Update

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The palladium-catalyzed reaction of aryl halide and boronic acid for the formation of C–C bonds so-called Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction has many applications in Modern Synthetic Organic Chemistry. In 2013, we emphasized the applications of the intramolecular Suzuki cross-coupling reaction in cyclization and heterocyclization. Due to a plethora relevant papers appeared in the chemical literature, herein, we wish to cover by updating our previous review, the applications of the intramolecular Suzuki cross-coupling reaction in cyclization and heterocyclization leading to various homocyclic and heterocyclic compounds reported during a period of 2013 to 2018.

Antibodies and venom peptides: new modalities for ion channels

Ion channels play fundamental roles in both excitable and non-excitable tissues and therefore constitute attractive drug targets for myriad neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as for cancer and immunomodulation. However, achieving selectivity for specific ion channel subtypes with small-molecule drugs has been challenging, and there currently is a growing trend to target ion channels with biologics. One approach is to improve the pharmacokinetics of existing or novel venom-derived peptides. In parallel, after initial studies with polyclonal antibodies demonstrated the technical feasibility of inhibiting channel function with antibodies, multiple preclinical programmes are now using the full spectrum of available technologies to generate conventional monoclonal and engineered antibodies or nanobodies against extracellular loops of ion channels. After a summary of the current state of ion channel drug discovery, this Review discusses recent developments using the purinergic receptor channel P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7), the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 and the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as examples of targeting ion channels with biologics.

Extreme cosmetics and borderline products: an analytical-based survey of European regulation compliance

The cosmetic industry currently focuses on products with magnified or exaggerated effects or extremely long-lasting characteristics. There are also a number of related commercial products for which the regulatory framework is far from clear; they are called 'borderline', and the European authorities only recommend which regulations they need to comply with. In any case, all these products must be safe under reasonable conditions of use in accordance with the applicable laws in force in the European Union (EU) framework. In this context, adequate analytical methodology is needed to evaluate the degree of compliance. Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) procedures for the analysis of 70 cosmetic ingredients have therefore been developed in this work. Moreover, for cosmetics with plastic applicators, a Supported-UAE (Sup-UAE) method was also opportunely optimized to check if a partial transfer of plasticizers to the cosmetics-and thereby to the consumers-could happen. In a survey of 50 commercial products (30 'extreme' and 20 'borderline'), the methods afforded mean recoveries of about 100% and RSD values lower than 5% for UAE and 10% for Sup-UAE, and with detection limits far below the legal requirements, for all the target compounds, thereby demonstrating their analytical suitability. Results are discussed in detail for phthalates, fragrances (musks and allergens) and some frequent preservatives. Additionally, a labelling study was performed to check if the consumer is correctly and fully informed. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Peptide therapeutics from venom: Current status and potential

Peptides are recognized as being highly selective, potent and relatively safe as potential therapeutics. Peptides isolated from the venom of different animals satisfy most of these criteria with the possible exception of safety, but when isolated as single compounds and used at appropriate concentrations, venom-derived peptides can become useful drugs. Although the number of venom-derived peptides that have successfully progressed to the clinic is currently limited, the prospects for venom-derived peptides look very optimistic. As proteomic and transcriptomic approaches continue to identify new sequences, the potential of venom-derived peptides to find applications as therapeutics, cosmetics and insecticides grows accordingly.

Viper Venom Botox: The Molecular Origin and Evolution of the Waglerin Peptides Used in Anti-Wrinkle Skin Cream

The molecular origin of waglerin peptides has remained enigmatic despite their industrial application in skin cream products to paralyse facial muscles and thus reduce the incidence of wrinkles. Here we show that these neurotoxic peptides are the result of de novo evolution within the prepro region of the C-type natriuretic peptide gene in Tropidolaemus venoms, at a site distinct from the domain encoding for the natriuretic peptide. It is the same region that yielded the azemiopsin peptides from Azemiops feae, indicative of a close relationship of this toxin gene between these two genera. The precursor region for the molecular evolution is a biodiversity hotspot that has yielded other novel bioactive peptides with novel activities. We detail the diversity of components in this and other species in order to explore what characteristics enable it to be such a biodiscovery treasure trove. The unusual function of Tropidolaemus venoms may have been selected for due to evolutionary pressures brought about by a high likelihood of prey escape.