One compound that piques significant interest is salmon sperm DNA. While it may seem unconventional, salmon sperm contains a substance called polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which has demonstrated promising effects on skin health and anti-aging.
This compound may be referred to by several names, including:
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide = Common name
- PDRN = Abbreviation of the above
- Sodium DNA
- Salmon Sperm
- Salmon Sperm DNA
- Salmon Semen
- Fish sperm
- Fish semen
Why is Salmon Sperm Used for Skin Treatments?
Salmon sperm is an excellent source of high-purity PDRN. The sperm DNA has minimal levels of proteins, peptides, and other contaminants compared to other DNA sources. Through a specialized high-temperature extraction process, over 95% pure PDRN can be obtained from salmon sperm, without any active proteins or peptides, eliminating concerns about immunological reactions.
What is Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)?
Sodium DNA acts as a signaling peptide that mimics extracellular nucleotides. It is made up of DNA fragments from salmon sperm cells, with short, low molecular weight DNA chains ranging from 50 to 1500 kiloDaltons. These DNA strands are polymers of deoxyribonucleotides, the basic building blocks of DNA, containing a sugar, phosphate group, and either a purine or pyrimidine base.
The linear DNA chains twist into the familiar double-helix structure. Once applied to the skin, PDRN is likely broken down by enzymes into individual nucleotides and nucleosides to provide its skin benefits.
How Does PDRN from Salmon Sperm Affect the Skin?
PDRN works through two main mechanisms: activating adenosine A2A receptors and supplying nucleotides for the salvage pathway in cells.
Upon application, PDRN releases nucleotides such as adenosine, which activate the A2A receptors found on many skin cell types, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Activation of these receptors triggers a series of cellular signals that lead to benefits like:
- Increased collagen production and extracellular matrix protein synthesis by fibroblasts
- Enhanced blood vessel and capillary growth through increased VEGF production in endothelial cells
- Reduced inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines
The salvage pathway enables cells to recycle nucleotides and nucleosides from broken-down DNA and RNA. PDRN supplies these nucleotides, allowing skin cells to use them in this process, conserving energy and aiding in skin cell proliferation and regeneration.
Skin Benefits of Salmon Sperm-derived PDRN
Thanks to these mechanisms, PDRN offers several skin benefits:
- Enhances skin texture by stimulating collagen production and inhibiting MMPs that degrade collagen
- Firms the skin, improving elasticity and reducing sagging
- Promotes DNA repair and the growth of skin cells
- Stimulates angiogenesis to improve blood flow and nourishment to the skin
- Reduces inflammation caused by UV exposure or other skin damage
- Lightens hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis and tyrosinase enzyme activity
- Aids in hair regeneration when combined with laser therapy
Combining PDRN with Other Procedures
PDRN is also being used in conjunction with treatments like microneedling, laser resurfacing, and skin tightening. The micro-injuries from these treatments trigger the skin's natural healing process. When PDRN is applied afterward, it helps accelerate this response by supplying nucleotides and growth factors to support tissue regeneration.
Additionally, PDRN injections, when paired with fractionated thulium laser treatments, have shown promising results for treating pattern hair loss. The PDRN seems to amplify the hair growth effects of the laser.
Salmon sperm-derived PDRN is an exciting new addition to anti-aging skincare. While early studies suggest it may improve skin texture, collagen production, and hair growth, further research is needed. However, PDRN's potential for supporting skin cell regeneration shows therapeutic promise, and larger studies may uncover even more benefits and expand its uses.
