Lipopeptide (200mg)

Description

Lipopeptide (Palmitoyl-Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg)

Lipopeptide, often referred to as Pal-GQPR or Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7/3, is a synthetic palmitoylated peptide fragment derived from immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgG is a major antibody class that plays a central role in immune responses and inflammatory regulation. Lipopeptide is structurally modified by the attachment of a palmitic acid moiety, a lipid component that enhances its ability to penetrate skin layers, particularly through lipid-rich environments such as the stratum corneum, thereby improving its experimental and therapeutic potential in dermatological applications.

Chemical Properties

• Sequence: Palmitoyl-Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg

• Molecular Formula: C38H68N6O8

• Molecular Weight: 736.9 g/mol

• Other Names: Pal-GQPR, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7/3

• Class: Lipopeptide, matrikine-like synthetic peptide

The palmitoylation provides increased stability against proteolytic degradation and facilitates transdermal delivery, making it suitable for topical applications aimed at skin repair, anti-aging, and modulation of inflammatory responses.

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Mechanism of Action

1. Modulation of Inflammation

   • Lipopeptide is suggested to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is elevated in inflammatory skin conditions and following UVB radiation, contributing to skin aging and damage.

   • By suppressing IL-6, Lipopeptide may help mitigate inflammatory responses, protecting skin structure and function.

2. Extracellular Matrix Support

   • Lipopeptide appears to stimulate the synthesis of structural proteins critical for the dermal and epidermal matrix, including:

     • Laminin IV and V: Key components of the basement membrane supporting cell adhesion, differentiation, and migration.

     • Collagen VII: Integral for anchoring fibrils that attach the epidermis to the dermis, promoting structural stability.

   • This stimulation may improve skin firmness, elasticity, and overall dermal integrity.

3. Photoaged Skin Repair

   • Studies have suggested that Lipopeptide promotes the deposition of fibrillin-1, a protein involved in microfibril formation in the dermis.

   • Increased fibrillin-1 correlates with structural remodeling of photoaged skin, potentially reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture.

   • In long-term studies, Lipopeptide-containing formulations were shown to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin elasticity, with effects becoming more pronounced after months of continuous use.

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Research and Clinical Findings

1. Extracellular Dermal Matrix Enhancement

   • In vivo and in vitro studies using echography and histology demonstrated that Lipopeptide could increase dermal density and reduce the thickness of the subepidermal low-echogenic band.

   • These changes indicate a reinforcement of skin architecture and potential anti-aging benefits.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

   • Preliminary studies reported that Lipopeptide may suppress IL-6 secretion following UV exposure, suggesting protective activity against photoinduced inflammation.

   • By modulating inflammatory pathways, the peptide could reduce skin redness, sensitivity, and damage, contributing to healthier skin over time.

3. Skin Repair and Anti-Aging

   • In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), Lipopeptide enhanced fibrillin-1 deposition in the papillary dermis, which is essential for maintaining elasticity and structural support.

   • Compared to placebo or vehicle formulations, Lipopeptide was associated with:

     • Reduced depth and visibility of wrinkles

     • Improved skin texture

     • Enhanced dermal resilience in photoaged skin

   • These effects were comparable to standard clinical treatments, such as all-trans retinoic acid, but with potentially lower irritation.

4. Long-Term Effects

   • Studies indicate that continued use of Lipopeptide over months can result in progressive improvement in skin firmness, elasticity, and overall appearance.

   • Data suggest cumulative benefits for photoaged and structurally weakened skin, making it a candidate for long-term anti-aging formulations.

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Potential Applications

• Cosmetic Dermatology: Anti-aging creams, serums, and treatments targeting wrinkles and sagging skin.

• Skin Repair: Post-UV exposure recovery, reinforcement of dermal extracellular matrix, wound healing adjuncts.

• Inflammation Modulation: Reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in sensitive or aging skin.

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Summary

Lipopeptide (Pal-GQPR) is a palmitoylated tetrapeptide derived from IgG with promising experimental applications in skin repair, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory regulation. Its mechanisms involve enhancing dermal extracellular matrix proteins, reducing inflammation, and promoting fibrillin-1 deposition, which collectively support skin structure, elasticity, and resilience. Preliminary studies and clinical trials suggest that long-term application may improve skin firmness, reduce wrinkles, and restore photoaged skin, making it a notable peptide in cosmetic and dermatological research.

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References:

1. Mondon, P., Hillion, M., Peschard, O., et al. Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction modifications using MALDI imaging, reflectance confocal microscopy, echography, and histology: effect of age and peptide applications. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(2), 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12135

2. Resende, D. I. S. P., Ferreira, M. S., Sousa-Lobo, J. M., et al. Usage of Synthetic Peptides in Cosmetics for Sensitive Skin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 14(8), 702. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14080702

3. Fadilah, N. I. M., Rahman, M. B. A., Yusof, L. M., et al. The Therapeutic Effect and In Vivo Assessment of Palmitoyl-GDPH on the Wound Healing Process. Pharmaceutics, 13(2), 193. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13020193

4. Watson, R. E., Ogden, S., Cotterell, L. F., et al. Effects of a cosmetic ‘anti-ageing’ product improves photoaged skin. British Journal of Dermatology, 2009.