The Potential of Topical and Injectable Growth Factors and Cytokines for Skin Rejuvenation

Abstract

). Keywords► growth factors ► cosmeceuticals ► platelet-rich plasma ► skin aging ► skin rejuvenation ► cytokines ► platelet-rich fibrin matrix ► transforming growth factor-β ► platelet-derived growth factor ► vascular endothelial growth factor AbstractGrowth factors and cytokines (referred to collectively hereafter as GFs) control cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation via a network of inter and intracellular signaling pathways. There are striking parallels between the pathways involved in skin wound healing and those implicated in photoaging of the skin. In recent years, topical and injectable GFs have emerged as an intriguing therapeutic modality that can be harnessed for aesthetic and medical purposes. This article provides a review of available evidence for the role in skin regeneration of topical GFs, and of injectable GFs contained in autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It presents data from recent studies of GFs, offers a discussion of their potential to serve as antiaging actives, and includes safety considerations. As studies of injectable GFs typically assume preexisting familiarity with PRP protocols and the theory behind them, explanatory notes are provided. An assessment is provided of the evidence gaps that exist currently between experimental observations regarding GFs and their proven clinical benefits. Data of evidence levels II and III support the use for skin rejuvenation of topical GFs derived from sources including secretions or lysate of human dermal fibroblasts, and secretions of the snail Cryptomphalus aspersa. GFs with associated stem cell proteins, secreted by human dermal fibroblasts under hypoxic stress, can accelerate skin healing after laser resurfacing. In vitro and animal studies, small case series of PRP-treated patients and one prospective clinical study of its variant, platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), suggest the value of injectable GFs for skin rejuvenation. However, data of higher power are required to expand this proof of concept into an evidence-based paradigm. The clinical applications of topical and injectable GFs are promising, and remain to be fully defined.With continued study, data of higher evidence level can be accrued and formulations can be developed that offer optimal clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, and stability. Better understanding of the mechanism of action of GFs can potentially advance our general understanding of dermal signaling pathways, and hence of hyaluronic acid and other alloplastic fillers; and allow the development of protocols for synergistic combination of GFs with other skin rejuvenation modalities. 157This document was downloaded for personal use only. Unauthorized distribution is strictly prohibited.In recent years, topical and injectable growth factors and cytokines have emerged as intriguing therapeutic modalities, with burgeoning interest in their potential to serve as actives for skin rejuvenation. Growth factors and cytokines (hereafter referred to collectively as GFs) may be applied topically in cosmeceutical fo...

Skin rejuvenation using cosmetic products containing growth factors, cytokines, and matrikines: a review of the literature

“…Several cosmetic products intended for skin rejuvenation contain growth factors and cytokines to promote collagen and elastin synthesis 13. We describe here products supported by clinical studies reported in peer-reviewed journal articles.…”

“…Growth factors and cytokines have been studied extensively in skin wound healing 13. Growth factors known to directly affect collagen biosynthesis include platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, keratinocyte growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor 13.…”

“…Growth factors known to directly affect collagen biosynthesis include platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, keratinocyte growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor 13. Cytokines affecting collagen biosynthesis include TGF-β, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 14–16…”

Cryptomphalus aspersa Mollusc Egg Extract Promotes Regenerative Effects in Human Dermal Papilla Stem Cells

“…As it has been indicated above, regenerative properties of the skin decrease with age and, thus, the search for substances that minimize cutaneous aging has increased in the last few years [16,17]. Previous works have proved that a secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA) has antioxidant and skin regeneration properties promoting, for instance, the proliferation, migration, and survival of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts [18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25].…”

A Single Arm, Monocentric, Prospective, Open Label Study to Evaluate Anti-Ageing Efficacy of Human Growth Factors and Cytokines Containing Cosmetic Skin Serum in Indian Female Population

“…Growth factors promote collagen synthesis, thus potentially benefit in rejuvenation [13] [14] [15]. Human growth factors are emerging as potential anti-aging agents [16] [17] [18].…”