Telomere-targeted Anti-aging

Ashland Specialty Ingredients introduced Telosense (INCI: Not Provided), a biofunctional ingredient for anti-aging skin care applications. According to the company, this complex of hydrolyzed yeast and soy proteins helps to preserve telomeres. Research has shown that telomeres, a repeating sequence of nucleotides, play an important role in cell division because they help to preserve DNA information. As aging occurs, telomeres shorten and lose dozens of base pairs per year.

In response, this product was developed to boost the in vitro/ex vivo expression of Telomeric Repeat Factor 2 (TRF2) proteins. Joel Mantelin, global marketing director for the company, noted in a press statement that this breakthrough approach to younger-looking skin taps into a cutting-edge area of skin care research, and that targeting proteins that have fundamental roles in the stability and protection of chromosome ends is unlike any other ingredient approach on the market.

A double-blind clinical study against a placebo was conducted to evaluate the visible effects of the product on skin hydration and the appearance of wrinkles. A panel of 15 women, ages 33 to 53, was studied following the application of a placebo and a formulation containing 1% of the ingredient to their crow's-feet area twice daily for 56 days. Software measurements of wrinkle parameters on silicon replicas was used to determine the outcome. The results reportedly demonstrated visibly reduced the signs of skin aging.

Further, a range of biomarker experiments confirmed its efficacy. The most widely used biomarker for senescent and aged cells is senescence-associated β-galactosidase. In vitro observations on young and aged fibroblasts suggested that 1% of the product limited the accumulation of β-galactosidase.

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