The peptide known as Decapeptide-12 is synthetic and is comprised of a total of ten amino acids. Its original creators and later researchers have hypothesized that Decapeptide-12 might prevent the creation of melanin in the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase activity. This enzyme is considered to be involved in the manufacture of melanin.
It does not seem that Decapeptide-12 is similar to any naturally occurring peptides. Instead, researchers conceptualized and manufactured it with certain characteristics in mind. The primary focus of the study on Decapeptide-12 is to review past research studies on its potential to inhibit melanin formation and hyperpigmentation. In addition, studies have been conducted on its possible impact on cell development, differentiation, and anti-aging. However, further study is required to provide a complete understanding of investigations' possible characteristics and outcomes, including Decapeptide-12 in these settings.
Decapeptide-12 Research and Clinical Investigations
Decapeptide-12 and Melasma
In one clinical trial, the research models were female test subjects with moderate to severe Melasma, solar lentigines, periocular lines, and wrinkles. The goal of the study was to assess the potential of Decapeptide-12. [i] The results of this investigation, which lasted for 24 weeks, suggested improvement.
In another clinical experiment, the potential action of Decapeptide-12 on mild-to-moderate Melasma was evaluated over 16 weeks in 33 female test subjects. [ii] The findings suggested that there may have been a discernible improvement in the overall look of Melasma.
In addition, one research study suggested that after six weeks of Decapeptide-12, Melasma seemed to be completely eradicated in 25% of the subjects. [iii] The researchers speculated that Decapeptide-12 may have had an influence and a 100% satisfaction rate among test subjects with the Fitzpatrick phototype IV skin type and mild recalcitrant Melasma after completing the study. [iv] Reports suggested those with a Fitzpatrick skin type IV are among Melasma's most often affected subjects. The researchers speculated about the five subjects in the study: "All five subjects seemed to show statistically significant improvement in the appearance of melasma and overall facial aesthetics with high satisfaction."
Decapeptide-12 and Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Findings of a case study on test subjects with Fitzpatrick skin type IV suggested Decapeptide-12 might speed the clearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation compared to the placebo. [v] The researchers hypothesize that the potential for Decapeptide-12 to inhibit tyrosinase may be to blame for this phenomenon. [vi]
Decapeptide-12 and Solar Lentigo
In one research study, 15 female test subjects were given Decapeptide-12 to explore its potential action on hyperpigmentation, known as solar lentigines, presumably caused by persistent photodamage. [vii] The findings suggested 38.5% of the subjects got total clearance, and all subjects were reported to improve throughout the study. In addition, after 24 weeks, it was suggested that 30.7% of the subjects improved from a moderate degree of photodamage to a milder degree, 15.4% improved from a severe degree of photodamage to a moderate degree, and another 15.4% improved from a severe degree of photodamage to a milder degree.
Decapeptide-12 and Anti-Aging
A family of genes known as sirtuins is considered to be involved in various cellular functions. They are thought to govern cellular metabolism, DNA repair, inflammation, and stress resistance. SIRT1, one of the most well-known Sirtuins, is thought to control several biological processes critical for aging. These biological pathways include the metabolism of glucose and lipids as well as the responses of cells to stress. According to the findings of several studies, SIRT1 may also have a role in increasing the lifetime of particular model animals.
In one study, researchers investigated the potential impact of Decapeptide-12 on the levels of sirtuin gene expression in keratinocyte progenitors. [viii] After incubating the cells over 72 hours with Decapeptide-12, the researchers employed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine how Decapeptide-12 affected seven sirtuin genes as well as cell survival and proliferation.
Researchers speculated that Decapeptide-12 probably boosted the transcription of numerous Sirtuin genes, including SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6, and SIRT7, with allegedly decreased cytotoxicity.
More investigation is required to explore its potential in scientific research, and these studies must continue. Only academic and scientific institutions can use Decapeptide-12. If you are a licensed professional interested in buyingpeptides for your clinical studies, visit the Core Peptides website. Please note that none of the items mentioned are approved for human or animal ingestion. Laboratory research compounds are only for in-vitro and in-lab use. Any kind of physical introduction is illegal. Only authorized professionals and working scientists may make purchases. The content of this piece is intended only for instructional purposes.
References
[i] Jiang, L., Hino, P. D., Bhatia, A., Stephens, T. J., & Jimenez, F. (2018). Efficacy of Trifecting® Night Cream, a Novel Triple acting Skin Brightening Product: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(12), 21–25.
[ii] RamÃrez, S. P., Carvajal, A. C., Salazar, J. C., Arroyave, G., Flórez, A. M., & Echeverry, H. F. (2013). Open-label evaluation of a novel skin brightening system containing 0.01% decapeptide-12 in combination with 20% buffered glycolic acid for the treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 12(6), e106–e110.
[iii] Hantash, B. M., & Jimenez, F. (2012). Treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma with the Lumixyl topical brightening system. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 11(5), 660–662.
[iv] Hantash, B. M., & Jimenez, F. (2009). A split-face, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled pilot evaluation of a novel oligopeptide for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 8(8), 732–735.
[v] Bhatia, A., Hsu, J. T.s, & Hantash, B. M. (2014). Combined topical delivery and dermalinfusion of decapeptide-12 accelerates resolution of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 13(1), 84–85.
[vi] Chen, J., Bian, J., Hantash, B. M., Albakr, L., Hibbs, D. E., Xiang, X., Xie, P., Wu, C., & Kang, L. (2021). Enhanced skin retention and permeation of a novel peptide via structural modification, chemical enhancement, and microneedles. International journal of pharmaceutics, 606, 120868.
[vii] Kassim, A. T., Hussain, M., & Goldberg, D. J. (2012). Open-label evaluation of the skin-brightening efficacy of a skin-brightening system using decapeptide-12. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology, 14(2), 117–121.
[viii] Basil, M. H., & Anan, A. U. (2019). Tyrosinase inhibitors with potent anti-senescence activity in human neonatal keratinocyte progenitors. J Dermatol Surg Res Ther, 2019, 30-39.
