A designer mixture of six amino acids promotes the extracellular matrix gene expression in cultured human fibroblasts

The deterioration of the skin is caused by dermatological disorders, environmental conditions, and aging processes. One incisive strategy for supervising the skin aging process is implementing healthy nutrition, preserving a balanced diet, and a good supply of food supplements. Here, we compared H-Pro-Hyp-OH peptide, hydrolyzed collagen, and an original mixture of six amino acids (we named 6aa)-including glycine, l-alanine, l-proline, l-valine, l-leucine, and l-lysine-effects on the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, particularly the elastin, fibronectin, collagen 1, and collagen 4. Treatment of BJ human skin fibroblasts with the 6aa mixture upregulated elastin, fibronectin, and collagen 1 gene expression, without affecting the expression of anti-reactive oxygen species enzymes. Moreover, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway seems to be involved, at least in part. Collectively, these results suggest that the six amino acid mixture exerts beneficial effects in human skin fibroblasts.

Automated summary

Skin deterioration is caused by dermatological disorders, environmental conditions, and aging processes. Implementing healthy nutrition, maintaining a balanced diet, and supplying adequate food supplements can effectively supervise the skin aging process. Comparing three substances (H-Pro-Hyp-OH peptide, hydrolyzed collagen, and a mixture of six amino acids), the study found that the mixture of six amino acids exerts beneficial effects on human skin fibroblasts, promoting the gene expression of elastin, fibronectin, and collagen 1.