Abstract
Polynucleotides, complex molecules composed of nucleotides, have gained attention in aesthetic medicine for their potential to regulate gene expression and promote tissue regeneration. This review aims to provide an overview of the current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using keywords related to polynucleotides, cosmetic application, and aesthetic application. Studies were selected based on their relevance to aesthetic medicine and the inclusion of human subjects. The review found that polynucleotides have been used to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkle depth, and enhance facial appearance. The studies reported varying degrees of efficacy and safety, with some studies demonstrating significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration. However, others reported limited or no benefits. The review also highlighted the need for further research to establish the optimal use and efficacy of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine. While the existing literature suggests that polynucleotides may have potential benefits in aesthetic medicine, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and optimal use. Clinicians should be aware of the current limitations and potential risks associated with the use of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine.
Keywords: polynucleotides, cosmetic medicine, aesthetic medicine, skin texture, wrinkle depth, facial appearance
1. Introduction
The quest for a youthful and radiant appearance has driven the development of various aesthetic treatments, with a growing emphasis on harnessing naturally derived compounds in aesthetic medicine. Among these, polynucleotides (PNs) have gained significant attention due to their potential to regulate gene expression and promote tissue regeneration. PN are complex molecules composed of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. They have been shown to play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival [1,2,3,4,5].
In the context of aesthetic medicine, polynucleotides have been investigated for their potential to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkle depth, and enhance facial appearance. The use of polynucleotides has been reported to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce inflammation [6]. Additionally, they have been shown to promote hair growth [7] and improve the appearance of scars [8].
Despite the growing interest in polynucleotides for aesthetic purposes, there is a need for a comprehensive review of the existing literature to evaluate their efficacy and optimal use in different indications. This review aims to provide an overview of the current practices and perceived effectiveness of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine, with a focus on their use in facial rejuvenation, acne scars, and other aesthetic conditions. The findings of this review will provide clinicians with valuable insights into the potential benefits and limitations of polynucleotides in aesthetic medicine, enabling them to make informed decisions about their use in clinical practice.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is emerging as a highly promising biomaterial in the fields of regenerative medicine and dermatology. Derived from salmon sperm, PDRN is composed of a mixture of deoxyribonucleotides that play a crucial role in cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Its multifaceted biological activities, including the stimulation of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects, make PDRN an attractive candidate for a wide range of therapeutic applications. They are known to be explained by two pathways [9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19].
In the A2 receptor stimulation pathway, the process begins with the activation of the A2 receptor by a ligand, which subsequently activates the Gs protein. This activation stimulates adenylate cyclase (Ac), leading to the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP). The increase in cAMP activates protein kinase A (Pka), which then activates various transcription factors such as NFκB, CREB, and HIF-1. These transcription factors are crucial for cellular responses to hypoxia, inflammation, and other stimuli. The pathway’s final effects are on vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) and angiopoietin, which are critical for angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels. This process enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, promoting healing and regeneration [2,4,20,21,22,23,24,25].
The salvage pathway, depicted on the right, involves nucleotide synthesis, which is essential for recycling nucleotides from degraded DNA. DNA synthesis happens where purine and pyrimidine bases are adequate. DNA nucleases (DNase) break down DNA into its component nucleotides, which can then be salvaged and reincorporated into new DNA molecules. These bases—purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine)—are critical building blocks for DNA synthesis, ensuring the cell maintains a sufficient supply of nucleotides for replication and repair (Figure 1).
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