Role of Enzymes in Wound Healing
Two kinds of cells can be recognized in the basal layer of the skin. One of these types of cells is a 'slow cycling cell', designated as a stem cell that gives way to the more rapid cells. The second type of cell is a 'quick cycling cell', which is designated as a transit amplifying cell. This second type of cell is meant to undergo terminal differentiation and leave the basal layer after a few rounds of cellular division. 'Keratinocytes' have the highest capacity contained by a single cell to reproduce independently. These form a colony in the human follicle, located in the region directly under the bulge (the complete permanent section of the follicle, under the sebaceous glands).
Although it is commonly understood that stem cells proliferate infrequently in an undamaged epidermis, they are the cells that are capable of continued proliferation, in response to a stimulus like wounding.
Glycoconjugates: Help reach the correct balance between the synthesis and degradation of crucial structural elements like collagen and elastin, working toward a cure for damaged skin.
Collagenase: Enzymes that accelerate the hydrolysis of collagen and gelatin.
Gelatinase activity: A protease that starts the hydrolytic rupture of proteins, normally by splitting them into polypeptide chains. These are involved in early tissue repair and in extensive tissue remodeling. Several kinds of matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase and gelatinase enzymes) are specifically expressed or activated at different periods of the skin regeneration process. These variations determine the presence or absence of aberrant scars, like keloids or hypertrophic scars.
The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a type of zinc-dependent enzymes, which degrade several components of the extracellular skin matrix in both normal and diseased skin cells. The skin matrix is a framework that holds the skin together and consists mainly of inter-meshed polymers like collagen and elastin. The skin matrix is responsible for the skin's mechanical properties, including firmness and suppleness. The weaker and less regulated the matrix, the more wrinkles, roughness, and sag one tends to acquire over time. Whenever skin is damaged, malformed or worn out, the skin matrix is broken down by the MMP enzymes, and then synthesized by fibroblasts. Therefore, MMP enzymes have a crucial role in skin physiology.
Finding Fast Answers to Skin Care Issues
The modern approach to skin care is maintaining a healthy balance of these enzymes.
In healthy, youthful skin, the synthesis and degradation of the matrix have achieved a certain balance; a flawed or redundant matrix is eliminated, while deficit qualities are restored by the ongoing synthesis. Unfortunately, this intricate balance gets altered as one ages - too little of the matrix is synthesized and too much is eliminated. MMP levels rise exaggeratedly the older one gets.
Scientific investigation shows that a reversal of MMP levels to regular youthful levels in aged sufferers is an effective method to eliminate the flawed matrix and preserve the healthy one. With this objective in mind, the utilization of MMP inhibitors in the form of chemicals drugs, cosmetic solutions, and lifestyle changes is the latest cure for skin care problems. At home, natural remedies for acne and other skin problems are effective, daily treatments that improve the skin's condition over time.
Now you can treat acne at home with a natural product that offers the chance to eliminate scars, blemishes and skin imperfections, while at the same time protecting against environments threats and future skin issues.
Published February 11th, 2008
Filed in Health