KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effects of ZAG peptides.
- Researchers noticed significant anti-aging effects and enhanced skin barrier functions with ZAG peptides, indicating their promising therapeutic potential for combating skin aging and improving overall skin health.
Skin aging is a widespread issue characterized by diminished skin density and elasticity, often prompting individuals to seek methods to maintain youthful appearances. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), found in various bodily fluids, plays a role in lipolysis and is recognized as a biomarker for atopic dermatitis.
Sang Gyu Lee and the team aimed to investigate the potential of ZAG peptides, known for their multifaceted benefits including anti-aging properties.
Researchers performed an inclusive analysis over a 4-week clinical trial (N = 22) patients exhibiting noticeable periorbital wrinkles. A ZAG peptide-containing product was administered, with effects on skin density, elasticity, and periorbital wrinkle depth assessed using Cutometer Dual MPA580, Ultrascan, and Antera 3D CS, respectively.
Additionally, the impact of ZAG peptides on UVB-treated keratinocyte cells was evaluated in vitro to comprehend its mechanisms against impaired skin barrier function, collagen degradation, and senescence. Cell viability and expression of aging and skin barrier-related genes were further assessed using the cell counting kit assay and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Patients exhibited enhanced skin density and elasticity and diminished periorbital wrinkles. Additionally, more than 85% of patients rated the product favorably for its anti-aging effects. Furthermore, ZAG peptides demonstrated reduced SA-β-gal staining, downregulation of senescence-related genes, and upregulation of skin barrier function-related genes in UVB-irradiated keratinocyte cells.
The study concluded that ZAG peptides demonstrate significant anti-aging effects and enhance skin barrier functions, indicating their promising potential as therapeutic agents in combating skin aging and improving overall skin health.
The study was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, and was partially supported by the Yonsei Faculty Research Grand.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38419415/
Lee SG, Ham S, Lee J, et al. (2024). “Evaluation of the anti-aging effects of Zinc-α2-glycoprotein peptide in clinical and in vitro study. Skin Res Technol.” 2024 Mar;30(3):e13609. doi: 10.1111/srt.13609. PMID: 38419415; PMCID: PMC10902615.
