STM Platform » Skin Care and Cosmetics

As a novel class of topical anti-inflammatories, Arazine^™ and other GPMs, represent a breakthrough in skincare by treating what we see on the surface (acute inflammation) while at the same time guarding against the properties under the skin that age it. The inflammatory response is a basic mechanism of our immune system. Normally, chemokines activate GPCRs on white blood cells, directing their movement from the bloodstream to inflammatory sites to help fight infection and irritation (see figure below). This initial response to harmful agents is called acute inflammation, resulting in redness, swelling and irritation. Disruption of this finely-tuned system sometimes leads to a prolonged response resulting in chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation accelerates the aging process of skin by flooding tissues with free radicals and promoting the gradual destruction of normal cells. Unfortunately, this creates a viscous cycle since aging, by itself also increases chronic inflammation. How can we stop this cycle and restore order to our immune system?

By using topically applied Arazine^™ and its triple-action capabilities:

• Arazine^™, through its unique mechanism of action successfully blocks neutrophil infiltration by modulating GPCR signal transduction pathways (see figure below).
• Arazine^™ antioxidant activity neutralizes free radicals, preventing cellular degeneration and production of chemicals that cause further damage.
• Through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Arazine^™ reverses the effects of chronic inflammation and slows down the aging process of skin.

What is the Relationship between Free Radicals and Inflammation?
Free radicals are formed naturally in the body as byproducts of normal metabolism, by the breakdown of bacteria by white blood cells. Also, outside the body, pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, motor vehicle emissions, lotions, cosmetics and many other processes increase the number of these molecules. Once they are formed, these highly reactive environmental free radicals enter the body; steal electrons from healthy cells and wound them, causing inflammation. If unchecked, increased free radicals lead to a greater inflammatory response which over time causes premature skin aging. However, Arazine^™ treatment protects skin by targeting the two central players in the aging process (free radicals and inflammation).

What is ORAC?
An Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score measures the strength of an antioxidant to eliminate oxygen free radicals. A high ORAC value indicates that the tested sample possesses a high potency of antioxidant activity. Four antioxidants were tested: Arazine^™, as well as 3 common antioxidants found to be effective in treating irritated and stressed skin. Results demonstrate Arazine^™ is a very effective antioxidant with over 2 times the scavenging capacity of Vitamin E and more than 1.5 times greater capacity than Vitamin C, both of which are highly effective antioxidants. Arazine^™ also ranks ahead of pomegranate extract, another well known antioxidant.

                  ^aAs reported by Brunswick Labs
                    ^bAs reported in M. Lupo et al. Cosmetic Dermatology v20(10)S4:2-9. Oct ’07.