PDRN, Anti-Aging, Anti-Oxidation, Skin Regeneration, Tissue Repai

1. Description

PDRN is a high-purity DNA polymer extracted from mature sperm of salmonid fish (such as rainbow trout and salmon). It consists of deoxyribonucleotide fragments ranging in size from 50 to 1,500 kDa and appears as a white powder. As a bioactive material, it possesses excellent tissue regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. This compound is primarily obtained through high-temperature extraction and rigorous purification of salmon testes, with a DNA content of over 95%. Protein and peptide impurities are effectively inactivated to reduce the risk of immunogenicity. PDRN exerts its biological effects through two synergistic mechanisms: first, it is degraded by extracellular nucleases to produce adenosine, which activates adenosine A2A receptors and initiates anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic signaling cascades; second, its degradation products serve as nucleotide precursors, providing raw materials for cellular DNA repair and proliferation through the salvage pathway. Storage conditions: Store at 2–8°C, protected from light, and keep tightly sealed.

2. Application

(1) Skin Beauty and Anti-Aging Research: Used in the development of functional skincare products designed to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin density and thickness; can be incorporated into serums, creams, face masks, and ampoules.

(2) Wound Healing Research: Research into the treatment of chronic, hard-to-heal wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers, as well as research on promoting epithelial regeneration in surgical donor sites and burn wounds.

(3) Hair Loss and Hair Follicle Research: Used in the development of hair care products to promote hair growth and increase hair density and thickness; often combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance efficacy.

(4) Inflammatory Skin Disease Research: Used in research on inflammatory skin conditions such as acne scars, lichen planus, and radiation dermatitis; exerts effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating immune responses.

(5) Oral and Periodontal Regeneration Research: Used in research on oral diseases such as periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw. It serves as an adjunct material for bone graft scaffolds to promote bone formation and vascularization.

(6) Osteoarthritis and Tendon Research: Used in research on the repair of osteoarthritis and tendon injuries. It works by activating A2A receptors to inhibit the activity of cartilage-degrading enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.

3. Main Efficacy

(1) Activation of the adenosine A2A receptor: After PDRN is degraded by extracellular nucleases to form adenosine, it binds to A2A receptors to activate the G protein signaling pathway, increasing intracellular cAMP levels. This upregulates the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), while simultaneously inhibiting the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Consequently, it reduces the production of pro-inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and promotes the release of anti-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-10 (IL-10).

(2) Promotion of Angiogenesis: By activating the A2A receptor to upregulate VEGF expression, it promotes endothelial cell proliferation and new blood vessel formation. In patients with diabetic foot ulcers, the complete healing rate reached 37.3% after 8 weeks of PDRN treatment, significantly higher than the 18.9% in the control group. In skin wound models, it significantly increases microvascular density as demonstrated by CD31 immunostaining.

(3) Support for the nucleotide salvage pathway: The purine and pyrimidine bases produced by PDRN degradation provide raw materials for DNA synthesis. Under stress conditions such as hypoxia or nutrient deficiency, this supports the proliferation of repair cells—including fibroblasts and osteoblasts—through an energy-efficient salvage pathway.

(4) Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects: By inhibiting the NF-κB pathway to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, while simultaneously suppressing mast cell degranulation and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, PDRN reduces the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic proteins by 30%–50% in periodontitis models.

(5) Promotion of Collagen Synthesis and Matrix Remodeling: By activating the A2A receptor and signaling pathways such as ERK, AKT, β-catenin, and STAT3, it promotes fibroblast proliferation and migration, upregulates Type I collagen expression, and improves skin elasticity and firmness.

(6) Promotion of Hair Growth: By activating the proliferation of dermal papilla cells in hair follicles, reducing hair follicle cell apoptosis, and prolonging the anagen phase of hair growth. When used in combination with PRP, the effect is enhanced, increasing hair thickness and density.

(7) Promotes osteogenesis and periodontal regeneration: Upregulates the expression of osteogenesis-related genes RUNX2, osteocalcin, and osteopontin, promoting calcium deposition and mineralization, and significantly improving clinical attachment levels and bone filling effects in periodontal defect models.