Function of dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate in skin

Introduction 

Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, a biologically active polypeptide, classified as a neuropeptide and developed to mimic Waglerin-1, a compound found in temple viper snake venom, is a tripeptide with a small molecular weight less than 500 Da, which results to penetrate nicely and easily into the skin. It has attracted much attention of researchers owing to its properties of anti-aging and anti-wrinkles.

Fig 1. The molecular structure of Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate

Mechanism

Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate acts in the same way as the neuromuscular blocking compound Waglerin 1 of Temple Viper venom. It acts on the postsynaptic membrane and is a reversible antagonist of the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (mnAChR). In addition, it binds to the ε subunit of mnAChR to block the binding of acetylcholine to the receptor, which ultimately leads to receptor blockage. And in the closed state, sodium ions cannot be taken up and cannot be depolarized so that the nerve excitatory transmission is blocked and the muscles are thus relaxed. It is significantly important for the treatment of lines because facial areas associated with repeated muscle movement are especially susceptible to formation of wrinkle. Nowadays, clinical trials have shown that venom peptides can efficiently reduce wrinkles by inhibiting contraction of muscle owing to its excellent properties of smooth and rapid improvement of wrinkles.

Effect and application

As we all know, the dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate is believed to hinder the body's uptake of Na+, which results in the facial muscles being relax and preventing the formation of expression lines (wrinkles), especially in the forehead and eye wrinkles. In addition, it can rejuvenate and smooth the skin. Therefore, it is mainly used in anti-aging products that are specifically designed to provide a safer alternative to botulinum toxin. In all it can be as an active ingredient added into the cosmetic products to care skin, prevent the lines and wrinkles on face, and improve the quality of skin.

References:

1. Trookman, N. S., Rizer, R. L., Ford, R., Ho, E., and Gotz, V. Immediate and long-term clinical benefits of a topical treatment for facial lines and wrinkles. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2009, 2(3): 38-43.

2. Debono J, Xie B, Violette A, Fourmy R, Jaeger M and Fry B G. Viper Venom Botox: The Molecular Origin and Evolution of the Waglerin Peptides Used in Anti-Wrinkle Skin Cream. Journal of Molecular Evolution. 2017, 84(1): 1-4.