Synthesis of the Peptide Ac-Wahx-KTTKS and Evaluation of the Ability to Induce In Vitro Collagen Synthesis

In this work, we report the synthesis of a peptide analogue of the KTTKS, termed Ac- Wahx-KTTKS and evaluate its cytotoxicity and role in biosynthesis of collagen for future application in skin aging. The peptide was obtained with purity higher than 97.5%. In the cytotoxicity assay, we observed non-toxic effects for Ac-WAhx-KTTKS at concentrations below 600 μM for HaCaT and 500 μM for HepG2 cells, respectively. After 24 and 48 h it was possible to observe significant changes in collagen synthesis in the groups treated with various concentrations of the peptide. In conclusion, the Ac-Wahx- KTTKS peptide increased collagen synthesis in fibroblasts by 80% and it is a promising candidate for improving skin aging.