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AccelaFuze™ PEPTIDE INFUSION THERAPY.

Allan, H., Patterson, M. Woodford Medical Aesthetics, Danbury, Essex, UK.
Abstract

This study by scientists at Woodford Medical Aesthetics demonstrated that MatTek’s EpiDermFT full-thickness in vitro 3-D human skin tissue equivalent, because it is produced from normal (non-transformed) human skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts), can be used to accurately measure the specific gene expression changes produced by new topical skin treatments before they are tested on humans. Mature ageing skin retains an inherent ability to respond to treatments such as microdermabrasion. Much of this response is thought to be caused by the controlled release of local cytokines, so called chemical messengers. Factors which limit the response of mature dermal cellular components include reduced levels of circulating growth factor peptides, reduced levels of proliferative ‘optomisers’ such as antioxidants and an unwanted excessive inflammatory response. Using the MatTek EpiDermFT™ full thickness human skin 3-D tissue model (EFT-400), AccelaFuze™ Peptide Infusion has been shown to penetrate the artificial skin and to up-regulate collagen production without significantly up-regulating metalloprotease activity or markers for inflammation. The peptide solution’s ability to alter gene activity in these artificial models compares favourably with other skincare brands. Testing on MatTek Human Skin Models: MatTek human skin 3-D tissue models are laboratory models closely resembling the characteristics of human skin. MatTek EpidermFT has been produced using normal, human‐derived epidermal keratinocytes and normal, human derived dermal fibroblasts which have been cultured to form a multilayered, highly differentiated model of the human dermis and epidermis. Ultrastructurally, the EpidermFT Skin Model closely parallels human skin, thus providing a useful in vitro means to assess dermal irritancy and toxicology. Using these MatTek human skin 3-D tissue models, AccelaFuze™ Peptide Infusion has been shown to penetrate the artificial skin and to up-regulate collagen production without significantly up-regulating metalloprotease activity or markers for inflammation. The peptide solution’s ability to alter gene activity in these artificial models compares favourably with other skincare brands. MatTek EpidermFT and DNA Microarray Assay: The measurement of gene expression produced by a peptide, or any bioactive compound, gives us a new and significant insight into the effect that agent has on human skin tissue. MatTek EpidermFT is a suitable in vitro ‘artificial’ skin and consists of keratinocytes and fibroblasts grown in a three dimensional model. The compound being tested is placed on the MatTek skin model. After several hours biopsies are taken and the effect on gene expression is analysed using a very accurate and highly sophisticated analytic process. The resultant up or down regulation of gene expression can be used to interpret the possible effect that the compound may have on human skin tissue. This method can be used to screen peptides, any bioactive molecule or a final finished skin care product. For the first time it allowed scientists at Woodford Medical Aesthetics to accurately compare different skincare products as the final finished product can be applied directly onto the MatTek skin model. The potential growth in the use of peptides in the skincare industry is enormous, but such compounds should not be brought to market until they have been proven at a cellular level to exhibit a positive effect without unwanted traits such as inflammation or excessive collagen degradation. Summary of DNA Microarray Assay / MatTek EpiDermFT Skin Model: AccelaFuze™ Peptide Infusion has demonstrated a pattern of up-regulation of genes that indicate a positive effect on human skin. Positive increases in keratin, collagen, and fibroblast growth factor-related genes are indicative of a compound that is likely to be beneficial for combating the ageing process in human skin. This peptide infusion avoids up-regulation of genes responsible for MMP enzymes that destroy collagen. In addition there is no up-regulation of genes related to increased inflammatory elements.

Keywords

Collagen 17A1, Collagen 1A1, Collagen 3A1, Collagen 6A1, Collagen production, DNA Microarray Assay, EFT-400, EpiDerm-FT, EpiDermFT, Fibroblast growth factor 1 acidic, Fibroblast growth factor 1 basic, Fibroblast growth factor 3, Gene expression, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, Keratin related gene KRT1, Keratin related gene KRT14, Keratin related gene KRT3, Keratin related gene KRT4, Keratin related gene KRT5, Keratin related gene KRT6A, Keratin related gene KRT6B, Keratin related gene KRT6E, Keratin related gene KRTHB1, Keratin related gene KRTHB4, Keratin related genes, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, Matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, Microdermabrasion, Peptide infusion, Pro-inflammatory genes, Skin aging, Skincare products

Materials Tested

Accela Peptide Infusion, Perricone, Prevage, SkinMedica TNS

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