Efficacy of hexapeptide-7 on menopausal skin

Due to a reduction in estrogen levels peri- and post-menopausal skin exhibit a specific phenotype characterized by reduced thickness, reduced elasticity and increased dryness. Loss of these elements results in increased skin wrinkling and skin sagging. In addition, it is well documented that reduced estrogen levels also negatively impacts dermal wound healing. As a result we tested the hypothesis that molecules capable of stimulating and accelerating wound healing can supplement the skin's diminished activities produced by reduced estrogen. Heptapeptide-7, a fragment of a well-characterized wound healing peptide (HB-107), was found to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and migration and induce collagen synthesis. Microarray analysis of Heptapeptide-7-treated dermal keratinocytes revealed an up-regulation of cell division, growth factor and extracellular matrix genes. Validation of this approach was seen in a clinical study of 32 women (mean age 54) in which forehead wrinkles and skin texture were improved with the application of this peptide fragment.