The topic of this article will revolve around the Pal-AHK peptide and the extensive skin research it has been a part of. Pal-AHK is a palmitoylated peptide synthesized from the amino acids alanine, histidine, and lysine. The potential properties of AHK have only been explored in research. Studies suggest adding Palmitoyl to the AHK molecule may not dramatically affect the compound’s mechanism of action, but Pal-AHK still has comparable promise. Palmitoyl is thought to improve a compound’s skin penetration across species, making it more effective in exerting its intended effect. Researchers speculate the capacity to increase the creation of collagen and elastin, two proteins crucial to skin integrity, has emerged as a potential property of both AHK and Pal-AHK.

Elastin is crucial for keeping the skin flexible and supple, whereas collagen is the primary structural protein that offers skin strength and elasticity. Boosting the synthesis of these proteins may lead to better skin in terms of texture, firmness, and moisture. Studies suggest Pal-AHK may produce collagen and elastin and have anti-oxidative effects.

Damage to cells and tissues by free radicals plays a crucial role in the aging process. The primary source of oxidative stress is free radicals, which may be mitigated with anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants work by mopping up free radicals, which may contribute to developing wrinkles, age spots, and other visible indications of aging. Based on its anti-oxidant properties and ability to interact with numerous chemicals and growth factors, Pal-AHK has been hypothesized to stimulate hair growth.

 

Pal-AHK Peptide Research and Scientific Investigations

 

Pal-AHK Peptide and Anti-oxidant Activity

Studies suggest Albumin hydrolysate was the source for creating the tripeptide AHK. Researchers speculate Palmitoyl may increase the peptide’s skin permeability and keep its anti-oxidative properties intact. TGF-1 (transforming growth factor beta 1) is a chemical that promotes the development of new blood vessels by stimulating the creation of extracellular matrix components and hence controlling the inflammatory response. In certain cases, persistent inflammation and tissue damage may result from excessive exercise. Therefore, reducing TGF-1 levels in the skin may be beneficial to counteract this effect. Research suggests Pal-AHK’s possible anti-oxidant capabilities stem from its unique amino acid profile. (4) The peptide, suggest the researchers, “provides an increased dermal cell multiplication and viability to help to the production of collagen.” Collagen formation may be aided by the proliferation and vitality of dermal cells, which AHK has been hypothesized to improve.

 

Pal-AHK Peptide and Hair

There is currently no data available on how Pal-AHK may affect hair development. Still, additional AHK derivatives suggest that related substances may stimulate hair follicle development by increasing dermal papilla cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. [ii] The study authors hypothesized that AHK “promoted the proliferation of DPCs and the elongation of hair follicles.”

Studies suggest that by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decreasing negative growth factors such as cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, Pal-AHK may have a similar effect. Apoptosis control relies heavily on the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. The pro-apoptotic protein Bax and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 both play important roles in cell death regulation. Therefore, a lower Bcl-2/Bax ratio indicates that Bcl-2, which prevents apoptosis and encourages cell survival, is more prevalent.

Researchers speculate Pal-AHK may stimulate hair development by decreasing cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels, two proteins involved in dermal papilla cell death. Studies suggest this may have greatly reduced apoptosis in various cell types. [iii] Scientists have hypothesized that Pal-AHK may have the potential to boost VEGF expression, which, when paired with its ability to inhibit TGF-1, may effectively halt hair loss and stimulate new growth. [iv]

The angiogenic protein VEGF has a crucial function. It’s also known to encourage new blood vessel development close to hair follicles, which might improve blood flow and nourishment to the follicle.

 

Pal-AHK Peptide and Skin

Researchers speculate Pal-AHK may boost skin cell proliferation and collagen production through avenues other than inhibiting TGF-1, even though blocking TGF-1 tends to have antiproliferative activity. A preliminary laboratory study has suggested that the principal molecule, -AHK, yields properties, although the precise potential of Pal-AHK on the skin has yet to be examined. Dermal fibroblasts, which are crucial cells responsible for creating collagen and other necessary proteins for the skin, have this capacity.

Scientists hypothesize that in tests with normal dermal fibroblasts, AHK appeared to improve cell growth and vitality and may have boosted collagen type I production. [v] Collagen type I production by fibroblasts in cell culture was isolated and measured following AHK peptide presentation. Studies suggested a 300% increase in collagen type I synthesis with AHK compared to a control group. These results suggest that AHK may potentially renew the extracellular matrix.

Pal-AHK peptide is still being investigated for its potential action and impact, and as such is is restricted to usage in research and educational institutes. It is strictly prohibited for human or personal use, and is only available for research purposes. Core Peptides is a great resource for licensed researchers looking to purchase Pal-AHK peptides for study, so if you are interested, click here. This article’s information is meant only for educational purposes.

 

References

[i] Kecel-Gunduza, S., Kocb, E., Bicaka, B., Kokcub, Y., Ozela, A. E., & Akyuzc, S. (2020). IN SILICO ANALYSIS FOR CHARACTERIZING THE STRUCTURE AND BINDING PROPERTIES OF ALA-HIS-LYS (AHK) TRIPEPTIDE. The Online Journal of Science and Technology-July, 10(3).

[ii] Pyo, H. K., Yoo, H. G., Won, C. H., Lee, S. H., Kang, Y. J., Eun, H. C., Cho, K. H., & Kim, K. H. (2007). The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Archives of pharmacal research, 30(7), 834–839. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02978833

[iii] Anastassakis, K. (2022). Copper Tripeptides Copper tripeptides. In Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z: Vol. 2 Drugs, Herbs, Nutrition and Supplements (pp. 225-230). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

[iv] Sadgrove, N. J., & Simmonds, M. S. J. (2021). Topical and nutricosmetic products for healthy hair and dermal antiaging using “dual-acting” (2 for 1) plant-based peptides, hormones, and cannabinoids. FASEB bioAdvances, 3(8), 601–610. https://doi.org/10.1096/fba.2021-00022

[v] Patt, L. M., & Procyte, A. (2009). Neova® DNA Repair Factor Nourishing Lotion Stimulates Collagen and Speeds Natural Repair Process. skin, 1, 2.