The below studies are the most exciting anti-aging news I have read in years. It might just be the beginning of the end to superficial aging...
In extreme summary, there are two (out of many) Bone Morphogenetic Proteins of interest. It seems that:
BMP2 = bad
BMP4 = great
In a UVA wrinkling mouse study, applying a BMP2 inhibitor "exhibited an anti-wrinkle effect which was 6-fold greater than that of retinoic acid".
https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC4133875/
In a culture-based scarring study published a few days ago, enhancing the growth of hair follicles and subsequent BMP4 signalling from those follicles caused new adipocytes (fat cells) to regenerate from myofibroblasts. The regeneration was so effective that months post-injury scars were barely visible. This second study is fascinating because it has amazing potential for regenerating the subcutaneous fat lost with aging. That's the sticking point for many who have achieved good collagen quality and quantity, but still show their age due to fat loss.
https://www.pennmedi...l-without-scars
It's probably a gross over-simplification, but now I am very interested in factors that might increase the expression of BMP4 in the skin - measures that rejuvenation hobbyists can take. What about BMP2 inhibition? What exerts that effect? Does anyone have knowledge about these things?
By implication, the studies also reinforce the importance of actively supporting hair follicle health.
Edited by StephCThomp, 11 January 2017 - 12:53 AM.