(Newswire.net — October 11, 2019) — We see peptides everywhere. From skin care, medicine, treatments, and more. But, what are those little things that seem to be beneficial for us?
Peptides can be used in a range of industries as they are versatile and modifiable components. These are beneficial for us because we produce them naturally in our bodies. Let’s learn a little more about them.
What are Peptides?
A peptide is a chain of amino acids that serves as a precursor for creating longer chains of proteins. We can’t live without proteins in our bodies. They help to comprise our various organs and tissues as well as performing several physiological functions, such as repairing our DNA and savaging free radicals.
Peptides are formed from the transcription of our genetic code. This means that we are designed to produce peptides in order to sustain human life. As we said, they keep our bodies working properly due to its important functions in our system.
But what is the transcription process? Transcription is a biological process that involves copying a part of our genetic code into a messenger molecule. And then, said molecule will carry the code into a ribosome to build a protein or peptide from bonding together several amino acids.
Studies show that stimulating certain cells with peptides makes them produce more proteins. These proteins can be useful in many ways, depending on which cell is being stimulated. Some labs look for peptides for sale, or they can produce them in the lab.
Peptides can also work as hormones. Several glands are able to produce peptide-based hormones. They will travel through the blood and target their primary function. Some examples of peptide hormones are those who control the regulation of sugar, like insulin, glucagon, and ghrelin. These serve essential roles in our body, and without them, we could face serious diseases like diabetes.
Peptides in Skin Care
Our skin has many different cells in their layers. We have keratinocytes that compose the superficial layer, melanocytes, which give us our skin color. Fibroblasts are those that produce collagen, and there are many more.
When talking about peptides in skincare, the cells we stimulate are the fibroblasts. Researchers have proven that putting peptide molecules on these cells will make them produce higher levels of collagen, and it does wonders for our skin.
Stimulating the production of collagen will make our skin look plumped, firmer, poreless, and youthful. Skincare products that contain peptides are usually marketed as “anti-aging” products because the collagen will visibly reduce the signs of aging due to the tissue restoring itself.
Cosmetic companies have picked up a lot of interest in these lab results, and some have started to commercialize products that contain a wide range of peptides. The difference with these peptides is that they are bioengineered, which means they try to copy the natural molecule or the one planted in the lab.
We can see many products like moisturizers, serums, sunscreen, and more, that claim to contain a life-changing peptide. One of the most used components in the cosmetic industry is Matrixyl, which is a peptide that contains fatty acids.
Fatty acids mixed with peptides can enhance their ability to penetrate further into the skin. This way, the peptide can reach the fibroblast, which is deep in the skin’s layers.
Peptides in Medicine
As we said, peptides control a big part of our bodily functions, and that’s how pharmaceutics have discovered that this compound can help with a lot of diseases.
Peptides can be used in patients with cancer, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and many other issues.
We can find peptides in hormones that regulate our blood levels of sugar, such as insulin and glucagon. Without these hormones, our body cannot process sugar intake, and we could develop diabetes. By receiving a treatment that contains peptides, we are stimulating our glands to produce peptide hormones, which can help control this disease.
Scientists have also developed a synthetic peptide called GHRP-6, which stands for Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides. Our hypophysis produces the growth hormone, and it controls the cell reproduction, raises the glucose levels, and stimulates hunger. This peptide can be useful for those who are trying to gain weight, either for medical reasons or to build muscle mass.
Anti-Microbial Treatment
Another important function of peptides is its anti-microbial properties.
When we injure ourselves, our body produces and releases white blood cells and anti-microbial peptides to the location of the injury in order to stop the bleeding and kill any microorganisms.
Some studies have proven that the topic administration of anti-microbial peptides can serve the purpose of a fast-acting antibiotic. These peptides are known to destroy the cellular wall of those dangerous microorganisms that cause infections.
Final Thoughts
Peptides are revolutionizing our world due to their incredible properties. From the pharmaceutical world to the cosmetic industry, peptides have their place well set.