Antioxidant and anti-melanogenic effect of the novel synthetic hexapeptide (SFKLRY-NH₂)

The novel synthetic hexapeptide, Angio-S (SFKLRY-NH₂), induced angiogenesis in human endothelial cells and accelerated wound healing. Since the pathophysiology of a wound is similar to the skin-aging process, the antioxidant and anti-melanogenic effects of Angio-S were investigated in this study. The antioxidant effect was investigated in the dermal fibroblasts, and the skin-whitening effect was studied in melanoma B16 cells. Angio-S exhibited an antioxidant activity, which increased in a dose-dependent manner. A cell survival assay revealed that Angio-S aided dermal fibroblasts in the resistance of free radicals induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. In addition, activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were enhanced after pre-treatment with Angio-S. Since antioxidants inhibit the chemical reactions leading to melanin formation, the anti-melanogenic effect of Angio-S was studied. Angio-S reduced the synthesis of melanin and inhibited the activity of tyrosinase in melanoma B16 cells. Although the underlying mechanism of inhibiting melanin synthesis was not fully studied, Angio-S may act as an anti-oxidant and directly inhibit tyrosinase during melanin biosynthesis. Collectively, these results indicate that Angio-S exhibits antioxidant and anti-melanogenic effects, and is a potential candidate for use as a skin rejuvenation agent considering the skin-rejuvenating effect at a relatively low concentration.