Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, a group of biological peptides responsible for various developmental and repair processes in the body. bFGF plays a pivotal role in wound healing, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and the proliferation of fibroblasts, which are key to maintaining skin structural integrity and elasticity.

Patented Intercellular Technology (AU)

Internal Educational Material Only

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

SKINTIDE PRF: SKIN TREATMENT (MICRONEEDLING)

2

Contraindications

• Active skin infections
  
• Allergy to ingredient
• Open wounds
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Materials Needed

• Skintide PRF Kit (includes 1 ampoule of Active Solvent and 1 ampoule of Polypeptide Powder)
  
• Microneedling device (up to 0.5mm needle length)
  
• Sterile gloves
  
• Alcohol swabs
  
• Sterile gauze
  
• Transparent application tube
  

Preparation of Skintide PRF

1. Sanitization: Begin with clean, sanitized work surfaces and ensure that the patient's skin is ​cleansed and dried thoroughly.
   
2. Mixing the Components:
   
• Carefully open the ampoule of Active Solvent.
  
• Open the ampoule of Polypeptide Powder.
  
• Slowly pour the Active Solvent into the Polypeptide Powder ampoule.
  
• Secure the ampoule and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure the solution is fully ​mixed and the powder is completely dissolved.
  
3. Assembly for Application:
   
• Attach the transparent application tube to the mixed Skintide PRF bottle, ensuring it is ​secure to avoid any leaks during application.
  

Microneedling Procedure

1. Preparation:
   
• Disinfect the target area of the skin using alcohol swabs.
  
• Allow the skin to dry completely.
  
• Wear sterile gloves to maintain hygiene throughout the procedure.
  
2. Application of Skintide PRF:
   
• Apply approximately 2-3 drops of Skintide PRF per square centimeter of skin to be treated.
  
• Use the microneedling device to gently treat the area.
  
• Ensure even coverage by moving the device in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal patterns ​across the treatment area.
  
3. Post-Treatment:
   
• After completing the microneedling, apply a light layer of Skintide PRF over the treated area ​again for enhanced absorption.
  
• Use sterile gauze to dab any excess fluid gently.
  
• Advise the patient to avoid applying any other products to the skin for at least 24 hours.
  

Post-Procedure Care

• Sun Protection: Advise the patient to avoid direct sun exposure and to use a broad-spectrum ​sunscreen with at least SPF 30. ACTIVITA Hydro Zinc SPF50 is recommended.
  
• Hydration: Recommend using gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizers such as the Molecular ​Hydrator, to keep the skin hydrated.
  
• Avoid using Retinoids, Acid exfoliants such as AHA/BHA for 7 days.
• Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the skin’s response to treatment and ​plan further sessions if necessary. 3-6 treatments are recommended, with a 4 week interval.
  

TREATMENT PROTOCOL: SKINTIDE PRF

Internal Educational Material Only

In the context of the chart above, "treatment area" typically refers to the specific region of the skin being treated. For calculation purposes, here's a breakdown:

• Per affected area: This refers to the localized area directly affected by the skin condition, such as a cluster of acne, scarring, or a patch of hyperpigmentation.
  
• Half face size: For product usage calculations, if the affected area (e.g., acne or enlarged pores) covers a substantial portion of the face, half of the face could be considered one treatment area. This ensures accurate ​dosing of the product.
  

For Example:

• If the skin condition affects the forehead, cheeks, or chin, each of these regions might be counted as one treatment area (roughly half face size).
  
• For localized issues, like a small acne patch or a single scar, the treatment area would be smaller, and product usage would be adjusted accordingly.
  

Thus, for accurate product usage:

• 1 full face is considered 2 treatment areas (half face each).
  
• Localized areas can be smaller but are generally adjusted to fit this half-face standard for consistency.
  

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

SKINTIDE PRF: SCALP TREATMENT (MICRONEEDLING)

2

Contraindications

• Active scalp infections
  
• Allergy to ingredient
• Open wounds
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Materials Needed

• Skintide PRF Kit (includes 1 ampoule of Active Solvent and 1 ampoule of Polypeptide Powder)
  
• Microneedling device (0.5mm-2.5mm needle length)
  
• Sterile gloves
  
• Alcohol swabs
  
• Sterile gauze
  
• Transparent application tube
  
• Hair comb for parting hair

Preparation of Skintide PRF

1. Sanitization: Ensure all surfaces are clean. The patient's scalp should be washed and dried ​thoroughly before application.
   
2. Mixing the Components:
   
• Open the ampoule of Active Solvent.
  
• Open the ampoule of Polypeptide Powder.
  
• Pour the Active Solvent into the ampoule containing the Polypeptide Powder.
  
• Shake well for approximately 30 seconds until the solution is homogeneous and clear.
  
3. Assembly for Application:
   
• Attach the transparent tube to the bottle containing the mixed Skintide PRF to prepare for ​application.
  

Microneedling Procedure

1. Preparation:
   
• Part the hair to expose the scalp areas where thinning is noticeable.
  
• Disinfect these areas with alcohol swabs and allow to air dry.
  
• Put on sterile gloves.
  
2. Application of Skintide PRF:
   
• Apply 3 drops of Skintide PRF per square centimeter on the targeted areas of the scalp.
  
• Use the microneedling device set to the desired length. Gently roll the device over the scalp ​in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal patterns, ensuring even treatment.
  
3. Post-Treatment:
   
• Once microneedling is complete, apply an additional layer of Skintide PRF across the treated ​areas to maximize absorption.
  
• Pat any excess fluid gently with sterile gauze.
  
• Inform the patient to avoid washing their scalp or using hair products for at least 24 hours ​post-treatment.
  

Post-Procedure Care

• Scalp Care: Advise the patient to use a gentle shampoo and avoid harsh chemicals or ​treatments for a few days post-procedure.
  
• Sun Protection: If the scalp is exposed, use a hat or sunscreen to protect against UV radiation.
  
• Hydration: Encourage the use of non-irritating, hydrating scalp products to maintain moisture. ​Use ACTIVITA Multiply Mineral Toner with Calcium and Vitamin D3 for follicle care.
  
• Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up to monitor progress and determine the need for additional ​sessions. 5-10 treatments are recommended with 2-3 week intervals.
  

TREATMENT PROTOCOL: SKINTIDE PRF

Internal Educational Material Only

2

NO FACE

CLINICAL

STUDY

(Preliminary)

2

SKINTIDE PRF: SKIN AND SCALP REJUVENATION

This clinical study evaluates the effectiveness of Skintide Polypeptide Reconstructive Factor (PRF), an advanced polypeptide complex containing active bFGF with 80,000 IU, in conjunction with microneedling treatments. The study focuses on facial skin rejuvenation and scalp hairline growth across sixteen candidates. We hypothesized that applying approximately 1 drop of PRF per square cm using a 0.5mm microneedle would improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance for facial rejuvenation and stimulate hair growth at the hairline.

Introduction

Polypeptide complexes have been increasingly recognized for their role in dermatological treatments. The Skintide PRF's high concentration of bFGF (basic Fibroblast Growth Factor) is anticipated to significantly enhance skin and hair follicle regeneration by promoting cell growth, collagen production, and angiogenesis. This study aims to document the clinical outcomes of using PRF in microneedling treatments for both facial and scalp rejuvenation.

Objectives

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of PRF in improving skin quality and appearance in facial rejuvenation.
   
2. To assess the impact of PRF on hair growth at the scalp hairline.
   

CLINICAL STUDY: PHYTOTIDE CRF ON UV DAMAGED SKIN

2

NO FACE

CLINICAL

STUDY

(Preliminary)

2

SKINTIDE PRF: SKIN AND SCALP REJUVENATION

Methodology

Participants

Sixteen participants were selected, divided equally into two groups:

• Group A: 8 candidates for facial rejuvenation
  
• Group B: 8 candidates for scalp rejuvenation
  

Treatment Protocol

Both groups underwent a series of four microneedling sessions at four-week intervals. Each session involved:

• Cleansing the target area.
  
• Applying 1 drop of PRF per square cm.
  
• Using a 0.5 mm microneedle roller to administer the treatment.
  

Measurements

• Facial Rejuvenation: Skin elasticity, moisture level, and overall appearance were assessed using the VISIA Complexion Analysis System.
  
• Scalp Rejuvenation: Hair density and growth rate were measured using phototrichogram analysis.
  

CLINICAL STUDY: EFFICACY OF SKINTIDE PRF

2

NO FACE

CLINICAL

STUDY

(Preliminary)

2

SKINTIDE PRF: SKIN AND SCALP REJUVENATION

Results

Facial Rejuvenation

All candidates in Group A exhibited significant improvements:

• Increased Elasticity: Enhanced skin bounce and reduced appearance of fine lines.
  
• Improved Moisture Levels: Higher hydration status, contributing to a smoother skin texture.
  
• Visual Enhancement: Reduction in age spots and even skin tone as observed in VISIA reports.
  

These outcomes suggest that PRF, by promoting fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, effectively reconstructs the dermis leading to visible anti-aging effects.

Baseline

After 4 treatments

CLINICAL STUDY: EFFICACY OF SKINTIDE PRF

2

NO FACE

CLINICAL

STUDY

(Preliminary)

2

SKINTIDE PRF: SKIN AND SCALP REJUVENATION

CLINICAL STUDY: EFFICACY OF SKINTIDE PRF

REVIEW

ARTICLE

Reviewed by Rousilândia de Araújo, Myla Lôbo, Kelvis Trindade, Darizy Flávia Silva, Neila Pereira; Fibroblast Growth Factors: A Controlling Mechanism of Skin Aging. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 27 August 2019; 32 (5): 275–282.

Abstract

Cutaneous aging is a complex and continuous biological process characterized by cellular and molecular alterations, with progressive reduction of the body’s capacity to maintain the homeostasis, senescence, and/or apoptosis of the dermal cells. Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) have elicited studies to evaluate their role of repair and remodeling of the dermis during the skin anti-aging process, since they are regulatory proteins that mediate important signaling pathways and act on cell regeneration and repair processes. FGF acts primarily through binding to tyrosine kinase receptors through the autophosphorylation of their residues, promoting the phosphorylation of serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues of specific target proteins such as Raf-1, MAPK/Erk kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1, which are part of the cascade of MAP kinases (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Then, FGF initiate signaling cascades inside the cell, where each kinase activates the following by phosphorylation, resulting in alterations of cellular functions. In addition, the FGF has a relevant role in anti-aging therapy because it is related to collagen and elastin synthesis activation responsible for skin resistance and elasticity, characteristics that are diminished with skin aging. Thus, the present article aims to review several scientific studies that demonstrated the cell signaling involved with the action of FGF on skin aging.

Introduction

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, protecting it against external aggressions, such as microorganisms, chemicals, and physical agents, including sunrays. Skin also plays a role in thermal regulation, water retention, and cell regeneration. This protective barrier is formed by dermal and epidermal cells, including specialized glands for the secretion of sebum and sweat, which form a special layer as a real protective mantle [1, 2]. Despite these protective features, skin is permeable and absorbs substances that can either benefit or impair its function, such as those involved in skin aging.

Aging is a complex and continuous biological process characterized by cellular and molecular changes, with progressive reduction of the body’s capacity to keep homeostasis and an increase in senescence and/or apoptosis. This process varies between individuals and from organ to organ, and skin exhibits the effects of the passage of time most evidently [3]. In addition, the use of ultraviolet radiation, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco abuse, environmental pollution, and other factors can influence and accelerate this physiological process, causing premature skin aging [4].

In this context, finding mechanisms that restore the juvenile aspect of the skin is a research field of interest for the scientific community. Therefore, the cosmetic industry acts in this process, constantly seeking new compounds to prevent and attenuate skin aging [5-7].

Growth factors have become an important therapeutic option to avoid aging, because they are responsible for cell differentiation and maturation, being directly correlated with the minimizations of the topical esthetic changes resulting from age advancement [5, 6]. Growth factor proteins are naturally secreted by cells and interact directly or are sequestered by the surrounding extracellular matrix for presentation to cell surface receptors. Events such as cell migration, survival, adhesion, proliferation, growth, and differentiation are triggered by binding of the specific growth factor receptor, which stimulates cell signal transduction pathways. These growth factor-stimulated cellular responses in greater proportions are involved in organ development, angiogenesis, and wound healing [8].

The introduction of growth factors in certain damaged sites in the body seeking to stimulate regeneration is clinically related to regenerative medicine, where researchers intend to replace or repair damaged cells, tissues, and organs to effectively restore normal function. The effects of growth factors can be verified clinically, for example, in bone grafting and wound healing in oral, maxillofacial, orthopedic, and cardiac surgery, in addition to the promising results presented regarding reduction of hair loss. Recently, the interest of growth factors applied in dermatology and plastic surgery has increased, both in fat grafting and in skin rejuvenation [9-11].

Among the existing growth factors, we highlight the fibroblast growth factor (FGF), which induces the synthesis of type 1 collagen and therefore presents a relevant role in the process of skin aging control. In the search for new anti-aging compounds, one of the strategies used for skin revitalization and wrinkle treatment is the stimulation of collagen formation. Collagen is the protein responsible for the structure, elasticity, and firmness of the skin and it is produced by cells called fibroblasts [12-14].

Considering the clinical need to seek new therapeutic options for aging, FGFs have led to studies to evaluate its role in the repair and remodeling of the dermis in the skin anti-aging process. Thus, the present review article aims to clarify the cell signaling pathways involved with the action of FGFs on skin aging.

REVIEW

ARTICLE

Considerations about the Skin and the Cutaneous Aging Process

The skin undergoes constant changes, with a high capacity of repair and renovation. It is constituted of three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It stands out in the barrier function, essentially determined by one of its integral parts, the stratum corneum, where the melanocytes and keratinocytes are located. Keratinocytes synthesize keratin, the main protein structure of epidermis, as well as cytokines that act as chemical mediators that activate cellular processes. Thus, it is the epidermis that determines the depth of migration of the active substances through the skin, playing a major role as an obstacle to penetration, which will be the limiting step of this process [15, 16].

The dermis is the layer of skin that possesses the widest variety of cell types such as nerves, blood vessels, and lymph, surrounded by connective tissue formed by fibroblasts, collagen, and reticular and elastic fibers. Hypodermis is the innermost and deepest layer that connects the skin to deeper structures such as muscles and bones. It is composed of an adipose mantle which acts as a thermal insulation and nutritive reservoir, protecting the body from trauma and allowing the mobility of the skin with respect to adjacent structures [17].

Physiologically, aging is associated with loss of fibrous tissue, slower rate of cell turnover, and reduction of the vascular and glandular network. In addition, the barrier function that maintains cellular hydration is also impaired. Depending on genetics and environmental factors, the normal physiological functions of the skin may decrease by 50% until midlife [1].

Aging is a natural process that happens in all human beings and can be divided into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging occurs with the passage of time, determined genetically, with slow tissue deterioration, hormonal status, and metabolic reactions, such as oxidative stress. In this case, skin atrophy and fine wrinkles occur because they mainly affect dermal elastic fibers, causing reticular dermatosis [6, 18].

Extrinsic aging is caused by external factors, such as chronic sun exposure or cigarette smoke [19]. The latter increases the intrinsic deterioration of the skin, which is related to an age-related progressive decline in the antioxidant capacity associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species from oxidative metabolism in skin cells [20].

Multiple biochemical pathways are modulated by overloading of these stressors, which may result in the suppression of the receptor of transforming growth factor β-II, increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases [21], increased inflammation through the nuclear kappa factor, as well as direct damage to the structural proteins of the skin that UV radiation can cause [22]. There is evidence that these processes of aging, intrinsic and extrinsic, have biological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that partially overlap.

Intrinsic aging affects the skin in a manner similar to other organs, because the telomeres continually lose part of their sequences, limiting their cellular replicative capacity. However, the main aging-related skin changes occur in the matrix and in fibroblast pattern expression, which remains in the stationary phase in the dermis for a long period of time, proliferating when there is stimulation, without shortening of telomeres [3].

Factors derived from fibroblasts are essential for the normal growth and differentiation of keratinocytes, which are affected by telomere loss. Therefore, the skin that underwent extrinsic aging and the one that underwent intrinsic aging present different characteristics. However, reduced life expectancy, decreased growth factor response, increased proteolytic activity, and disruption of extracellular matrix synthesis are typical changes observed in both [23]. Such processes act independent from and simultaneous with biologically distinct factors that affect the structure of the skin.

During the aging process, the proliferative and metabolic activity of fibroblasts decreases and their functions are impaired, leading to reduction of the synthesis of structural substances such as collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin. In addition, decreased levels of growth factors, reduced amount of collagen, abnormal accumulation of elastin, and reduction in the epidermal and dermal thickness, which manifest clinically as xerosis, wrinkles, sagging, blemishes, tonus loss, and all signs of skin aging, were observed during the aging process [24, 25]. Thus, fibroblasts have an important role in preventing the formation of signs of skin aging due to the production of these basic structural substances. Collagen and elastin fibers provide, respectively, firmness and elasticity to the skin. Additionally, mucopolysaccharides, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin provide skin hydration [13, 15, 18].

REVIEW

ARTICLE

Growth Factors and Skin Aging

The search for new compounds to prevent or mitigate the aging process has become a priority in the development of new cosmetic assets, which already have a range of options in use, such as antioxidants, retinoids, alpha-hydroxyacids, anti-metalloproteinases of silicon, and anti-glycans [26, 27].

Rozman and Bolta [28] and Fitzpatrick and Rostan [29] found that topical application of growth factors resulted in improved photoaging related to the formation of new collagen, epidermal thickening, and improved clinical appearance of the skin with visible reduction of wrinkles. Thus, the class of growth factors has aroused the interest of cosmeceuticals manufacturers as a promising anti-aging agent, due to studies that evaluated their repair role in cutaneous wounds through action on tissue regeneration, which demonstrated positive cosmetic results against skin photoaging [30], becoming a class widely investigated in the last decade as a skin anti-aging agent.

Growth factors are regulatory proteins that mediate important signaling pathways and act on cell regeneration and repair processes [30]. They act in the cell membrane level, activating a biochemical cascade that promotes the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinases in the cell nucleus, the major intracellular molecules that control the process of cell division.

Growth factors act mainly through binding to tyrosine kinase receptors (Fig. 1), which leads to autophosphorylation of the receptor and posterior phosphorylation of serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues of specific target proteins such as Raf-1, MAPK/Erk kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK) [13]. These enzymes initiate signaling cascades where each kinase activates the following one by phosphorylation, inducing mitosis and cell division and causing alterations of cellular functions [31].

FGFs bind to FGFRs, inducing receptor dimerization, kinase activation, and transference of tyrosine residues from FGFR. This, in turn, leads to the fitting of adapter proteins and the consequent activation of downstream signaling pathways. The activated FGFR2 substrate (FRS2) recruits and activates the RAS-RAF-MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways involved in cell proliferation and antiapoptotic activity, respectively. Activation of PKC and intracellular release of Ca2+ are induced by recruitment and phosphorylation of PLCγ, events that regulate cell motility.

The Raf-1, MEK, and ERK proteins belong to three families with different nomenclatures. ERK is a member of the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) family; MEK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) is part of the MAPKK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase) family that phosphorylates and activates ERK-MAPK. Raf-1 is from the family of MAPKKK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase) phosphorylase and activates MEK-MAPKK [32].

Thus, by stimulating the proliferation of cells such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes, growth factors play a major role in the skin repair process, inducing reepithelialization through the replacement of disorganized collagen and elastin structures and the reposition of the extracellular matrix in aged skin.

The use of growth factors is a new anti-aging strategy to rejuvenate and reverse the signs of photoaged skin. Understanding the role of growth factors in wound healing may predict their role in skin infrastructure remodeling and skin rejuvenation [33].

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ARTICLE

FGF in the Control of Skin Aging

The FGF family members increase the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts by stimulating the accumulation of collagen as well as stimulating endothelial cell division. Thus, FGFs stimulate angiogenesis, having an important function in the cell repair process [6, 13].

FGFs comprise a growing group of structurally related polypeptide mitogens, which includes 23 different members. In addition to the previously discovered acid FGF (aFGF, FGF-1) and basic FGF (bFGF, FGF-2), the family also includes int-2 (FGF-3). proto-oncogene products (FGF-4), FGF-5, and FGF-6, as well as keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, FGF-7), androgen-induced growth factor (AIGF, FGF-8), GAF (FGF-9), and FGF-10, among others [34].

With the aging process, fibroblasts have their activity diminished and consequently the synthesis and activity of proteins that guarantee elasticity and resistance such as elastin and collagen are also affected. Thus, in aged skin, there is a lower production of collagen by the fibroblasts and a greater action of the enzymes that degrade it. This lack of balance speeds up the aging process [12, 25].

FGF is a family that presents several forms, two of which stand out in the cell signaling process that correlates with aging: fibroblastic acid growth factor (FGFa) and basic fibroblastic growth factor (FGFb), which affect recruitment, activation, mitogenesis, migration, and differentiation of various cell types. FGFa and FGFb are secreted by multiple cell types, such as mast cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts [35, 36].

Most FGFs have a very broad mitogenic spectrum and perform various activities such as stimulating the proliferation of a variety of mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal cells and acting as neurotrophic and angiogenic factors in vivo [37]. A study by Werner [34] has shown that FGFa and FGFb stimulate the meso-, endo-, and ectodermal origin of fibroblasts as well as cell proliferation and differentiation through their mitogenic action.

FGF receptors are transmembrane tyrosine kinases with two or three immunoglobulin-like domains and a highly acidic region in the extracellular portion. FGFs bind to tyrosine kinase receptors causing its dimerization and initiating the intracellular signal transduction cascade [38]. Different members of the FGF family can bind to the four different known FGF receptors (FGFR1-FGFR4) with different affinities, and can act in a complementary way, resulting in several biological phenomena such as development [39], differentiation, migration, survival, cell division and proliferation [40], and wound healing [41].

Although the functions of FGFs are well characterized, their mechanisms of action are still not completely clear. It is known that it involves inter- and extracellular signaling pathways that may be related to the RAS-MAP kinases pathways, PI3K -AKT, PLC-γ, or STAT. Therefore, FGF cell signaling involves interactions with multiple cell signaling pathways and complex feedback mechanisms [42].

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) are enzymes that act at different stages of intracellular signal transduction. PI3K/Akt-mediated signal transduction may be initiated by interacting with receptor tyrosine kinases or by binding with the small G protein, Ras [43]. In this way, they present a function in regulating the proliferation, migration, survival, and cellular metabolism, as well as in gene expression, calcium flux, inflammatory response, and cytoskeletal rearrangements [44].

Phospholipase C-γ (PLC-γ) is an isoform of the PLC family and its activation results in the formation of two products: inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and diacylglycerol (DAG). The first one induces changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration (Ca2+)i. DAG is important for the response of agents such as the growth factor, since it is responsible for activating protein kinase C isoforms; the formation of inositol in turn is related to the transient increase in intracellular free Ca2+ [45]. The former causes a transient increase in intracellular free Ca2+, while the latter serves as a direct activator of several protein kinase C isoforms and thus is important for the response of agents such as growth factor.

The transcription factor family of signal transducers and transcription activators (STAT) is related to -various cytokine signaling pathways, especially those that activate the gp130 membrane receptor. Through the -JAK-STAT (janus-family tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) signaling pathway, many cytokines and growth factors exert their biological effects. STATs form homo- and heterodimers when phosphorylated, which allows their passage into the -nucleus, where they can regulate gene transcription [46].

The pharmaceutical formulations containing growth factors such as FGF has therefore become a dermo-cosmetic option for anti-aging products, as levels of growth factors decrease with the advancement of age and these in turn have functions which are important in the repair of the extracellular matrix [4, 13, 20].

REVIEW

ARTICLE

FGFs Related to the Aging Process

Acid Fibroblastic Growth Factor (FGF-1, FGFa)

The activation of FGFs promotes effects that help in the process of aging delay. Activation of FGF-1 improves skin elasticity and induces the synthesis of collagen and elastin [4, 13, 47]. Xie et al. [48] applied FGFa to rat ulcers and observed the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells and fibroblast augmentation.

FGF-1 belongs to a large family of growth factors that bind to transmembrane receptors with a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domain. FGF-1 is a powerful mitogen involved in the stimulation of the synthesis and proliferation of DNA from a wide variety of cell types, including mast cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. It plays important roles in various stages of development and morphogenesis, as well as in angiogenesis and wound healing processes [24]. Therefore, due to its mitogenic functions, FGF-1 has become a potential active ingredient with a wide range of uses in cosmetology directed to various processes of skin regeneration, stimulating meso-, endo-, and ectodermal cells, including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells.

One study investigated the impact of FGF-1 on skin cells and assessed the anti-aging properties of a genetically modified FGF-1 to improve its stability and resistance to protease degradation (Q40P/S47I/H93G recombinant FGF-1 [rFGF]) as an active agent in cosmetics [33]. Results showed that rFGF-1 has a strong effect on cellular proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which was confirmed by all the tests (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) with the Q40P/S47I/H93G rFGF-1, suggesting a high potential for the use of this protein in anti-aging skin products and in wound healing.

Positive effects were also obtained in the study by Ha and colleagues [49], who established a scalable expression system for recombinant human aFGF (rh-FGF1) using transient and a DNA replicon vector expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. The study evaluated the effect of growth factor on UVB-induced skin photoaging. The results of this study showed that rh-FGF1 not only increased cell viability but also cell proliferation. The treatment was also shown to have a significant protective effect against UVB-induced cytotoxicity, in addition to recovering the amount of procollagen lost by the radiation. Therefore, rh-FGF1 has been shown to be highly beneficial for the prevention of UVB-induced oxidative effects on skin cells, possessing a potential as a cosmetic and therapeutic agent that can be applied to prevent photoaging.

Basic Fibroblastic Growth Factor (FGF-2, bFGF)

The basic FGF (FGF-2) reduces and prevents expression lines and wrinkles through the activation of new skin cells and stimulates the proliferation of cells of mesodermal, ectodermal, and endodermal origin, mainly fibroblasts and keratinocytes. All of this suggests that FGF-2 may be important in modulation of normal processes such as angiogenesis, wound healing, and tissue repair, as well as anti-aging action [4, 13, 47]. To develop its actions, FGF-2 binds to high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptors, whose activation leads to receptor autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of other substrates, which can stimulate cellular activities such as proliferation, motility, and differentiation [50].

In order to protect FGF-2 from thermal proteolysis in aging skin and preserve its beneficial effects on the proliferation of fibroblasts, a study evaluated the activity of Hibiscus abelmoschus seed extract as a protective ingredient [51]. The results demonstrated that the extract exhibited a dose-dependent protective activity of FGF-2, which allowed the stimulation of cell turnover through this factor. In this same study, Rival et al. [51] evaluated in 60 healthy human volunteers anti-aging properties of the extract, in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. Significant improvements in wrinkles, texture, elasticity, and density of the skin have been demonstrated, at least in part, due heparan sulphate-like properties of this plant and protected FGF-2 from thermal degradation. In conclusion, H. abelmoschus seed extract revealed anti-aging activity by protecting the FGF-2 content present in human skin, so that it can maintain its numerous functions in favor of skin rejuvenation.

In recent years, topical and injectable growth factors have emerged as an intriguing therapeutic modality that can be harnessed for esthetic and medical purposes. A group of researchers, who also studied FGFs, aimed to evaluate an in vivo method for aged skin rejuvenation through direct injection of intradermal FGF-2 [52]. The following rejuvenating effects were observed: improvement of skin smoothness, atrophied skin thickness, and improved viscoelasticity. The changes of viscoelasticity pre- and post-treatment were comparable to an age difference of more than 20 years.

REVIEW

ARTICLE

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