26 PEPTIDES 6h ■ 24h ■
10 8 6 4 2 0
***
60 50
40 20
* 10 ns ns ns ns ns 0 27P
peptide (mg/mL)
Figure 6: 24h- αSMA mRNA Expression
reduced IL8 levels 3.1-fold and lowered IL6 below detection limits at 120 hours. These findings indicate that the bioactive
peptide can stimulate collagen production without activating inflammatory pathways.
The bioactive peptide maintains healthy fibroblast identity Fibroblasts are not all the same — different subtypes play distinct roles in skin structure and repair. Papillary fibroblasts, located near the surface, support fine collagen networks, while deeper reticular fibroblasts provide structural strength. Myofibroblasts, identified by αSMA, are more contractile and appear during wound healing or fibrosis. Studies show that the bioactive peptide does
not disrupt the balance among these fibroblast populations. Treatment for up to 120 hours did not significantly change protein or mRNA levels of key markers, including CD44 for papillary fibroblasts, CD26, CD36, and KLF9 for reticular fibroblasts, or αSMA for myofibroblasts (Figures 9 and 10). While TGFβ and retinoic acid (RA) altered
fibroblast diversity, reducing CD44 and CD26 levels and shifting cells toward a myofibroblast phenotype, the bioactive peptide maintained healthy fibroblast heterogeneity. Interestingly, the bioactive peptide even
supported modest fibroblast proliferation, increasing cell counts 1.1–1.3-fold over 72–120 hours at 0.25–2.0 mg/mL. In contrast, TGFβ and HA reduced cell numbers. No significant changes
Untreated
2 mg/mL 27P peptide
Figure 7: Secreted IL6 Protein 6h ■ 24h ■
5 6 7 8
4 2
ns 1 0
27P peptide (mg/mL)
ns ns ** ns ns ns ns *** * ns *
27P peptide (mg/mL)
ns ns ns ns ns ** ns ** ns ns ns **
Figure 8: Secreted IL8 Protein
were observed in late reticular markers CD36 and KLF9 with the bioactive peptide, while TGFβ caused notable decreases. These results highlight the bioactive peptide’s
gentle, targeted activity: It promotes collagen production and fibroblast proliferation without disturbing the natural diversity and balance of skin fibroblasts, unlike other compounds that can push cells toward a myofibroblast or fibrotic state.
Conclusion These studies highlight the bioactive peptide as a TGFβ Untreated
multi-faceted anti-ageing bioactive. It penetrates skin effectively, targets fibroblasts specifically, stimulates collagen synthesis and secretion, enhances matrix deposition, and supports fibroblast proliferation, all without triggering fibrosis or inflammation. By maintaining both skin health and structural
protein production, the bioactive peptide offers a safe and effective approach to improving skin firmness, elasticity, and resilience, making it a compelling candidate for next-generation skin care formulations.
2 mg/mL 27P peptide
TGFβ
PCM
Figure 9: 120h Expression of Reticular Fibroblast Marker-CD26 PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE January 2026
Figure 10: 72h Expression of Papillary Fibroblast Marker-CD44
www.personalcaremagazine.com
Relative Fold Change wrt GAPDH
Untreated
0.5 1.0 VC
TGFβ RA
HA
Secreted IL-8 Fold Change
Secreted IL-6 (pg/mL)
Untreated
Untreated
0.5
0.5
1.0
1.0
10 ng/mL TGFβ
10 ng/mL TGFβ
1 µM RA
1 µM RA
0.5 mg/mL HA
0.5 mg/mL HA
50 µg/mL VC
50 µg/mL VC
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