Title:Assessment of a Protease Inhibitor Peptide for Anti-Ageing
Volume: 22
Issue: 11
Author(s): Madalena Martins, Nuno G. Azoia, Ana C. Carvalho, Carla Silva, Teresa Matamá, Andreia C. Gomes and Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Diffusion, immunoassay, protease, inhibitory peptide, nanodispersion, proteolysis.
Abstract: Ageing and skin exposure to UV radiation induces production and activation of matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs) and human neutrophil elastase (HNE). These enzymes are known to break
down the extracellular matrix (ECM) which leads to wrinkle formation. Here, we demonstrated the potential
of a solid-in-oil nanodispersion containing a competitive inhibitor peptide of HNE mixed with
hyaluronic acid (HA), displaying 158 nm of mean diameter, to protect the skin against the ageing effects. Western blot
analysis demonstrated that activation of MMP-1 in fibroblasts by HNE treatment is inhibited by the solid-in-oil nanodispersion
containing the peptide and HA. The results clearly demonstrate that solid-in-oil nanodispersion containing the
HNE inhibitor peptide is a promising strategy for anti-ageing effects. This effect can be seen particularly by ECM regulation
by affecting fibroblasts. The formulation also enhances the formation of thicker bundles of actin filaments.
