Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation
Alanine
Ala / A · hydrophobic residue · neutral charge
AOD-9604
is studied as an anti-obesity peptide that can reduce weight gain and increase fat oxidation in obese animal models with generally neutral effects on IGF-1 and glucose metabolism in early human trials
Arginine
Arg / R · basic residue · positive charge
Argireline
is a topical cosmetic peptide reported to decrease dynamic wrinkles by partially mimicking the mechanism of botulinum toxin in a non-invasive manner
Asparagine
Asn / N · polar residue · neutral charge
Aspartic acid
Asp / D · acidic residue · negative charge
BPC-157
is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects
Comparison
While KPV is investigated as an anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective agent in skin and mucosal models, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting tissue repair684, Melanotan II is studied as a tanning and libido-enhancing agent; increases melanin production and can reduce food intake and modulate sexual arousal in animal models and humans3545.
While KPV works as the C-terminal Lys-Pro-Val tripeptide fragment of α-MSH, which exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects largely via inhibition of NF-κB signaling and modulation of cytokine expression, with many actions independent of classical melanocortin receptor activation684, Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analog (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) that acts as a non-selective, high-potency agonist at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, influencing pigmentation, appetite, and sexual behavior3545.
KPV
POMC
Melanotan II
POMC
KPV and Melanotan II sit closest together within the Melanocortin family, which gives them a broadly related biological identity. Both are often discussed in Dermatology and aesthetics contexts, while KPV is more of a immune-modulating peptide and Signal peptide and Melanotan II is better described as a hormone peptide and Neuropeptide. Their biological logic is quite different: KPV is a signaling modulator and a gene expression modulator, whereas Melanotan II is a receptor agonist. KPV has a more natural endogenous origin, while Melanotan II is closer to synthetic analog background with KPV in Preclinical development and Melanotan II approved for Research use only. KPV takes the form of a linear peptide, whereas Melanotan II is closer to a cyclic peptide, while Melanotan II incorporates acetylation features that are not part of KPV.
No related articles are linked to these peptides yet.