Rejuran PolyNucleotide (PN) Healer

In recent years, bio-active molecules derived from multi-potential cells, such as stem cells or germ cells, extracted either from human or animal sources have become the forefront of research and medical use.

Among the plethora of bio-active molecules, PolyNucleotides (PN) have recently been highly talked about. It is a ubiquitous molecule found in the germ cells of humans and animals. PN has a scaffold-like 3-dimensional structure that can be easily and more cheaply obtained from its sources, as compared to stem cells.

PN has near-miraculous tissue repair, anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Recent trials have shown promising results in treatments of severe burns, diabetes-impaired hard-to-heal wounds, chronic inflammatory diseases and so many more.

Recent applications in Aesthetic Medicine and Plastic Surgery have also shown promising results in stimulation of fibroblast function (collagen production) along with synthesis of scaffolding proteins to keep collagen in place. These effects will subsequently result in significant improvement in skin texture and reduction in wrinkle depth.

PN also triggers many other processes of renewal, restoration and growth, making the cells that they affect become more resilient to damage that can cause premature aging of skin. PN imparts the skin with much enhanced healing time and protection from damage.

PolyNucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine​

For those who are savvy in the latest aesthetic treatments, Rejuran has become a buzz-word among fans of dewy skin and flawless complexion.

Rejuran, or its name in full glory: Rejuran PolyNucleotide, is a brand name of an anti-aging, micro-injectable containing ultra-purified salmon-germ-cell-derived PolyNucleotides.

Its biological effects include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects on sensitive, inflamed skin;

• Induction of growth factors for fibroblasts (collagen-making cells) to build collagen; and,

• Improves skin micro-circulation through increased vascular growth factors (VEGF).

With these effects, doctors can treat patients with reactive skin that often occur post-acne, treat damaged skin and acne scars, and improve fine lines and skin that are dehydrated and wrinkly.

As PN has high affinity for water, skin hydration is much improved - resulting in better skin hydration and reduced wrinkles and large pores.

It has become a paradigm shift in the way patients wanted to be treated aesthetically. Instead of getting themselves make-overs with Botox and fillers, many of them have, instead, requested for Rejuran.

Think of the combined effects of the hydrating power of SkinBooster, wrinkle-busting Botox and stem-cell-growth-factor treatments all packed into one syringe.

Are PolyNucleotides injections safe?​

Rejuran PolyNucleotide are proven to be safe for injections into the skin.

The composition of Rejuran products is 2% PolyNucleotide and 98% highly purified water and pH-regulators. Hence, unlike fillers, Rejuran injections do not cause unintended tissue necrosis (tissue death) or blindness.

Furthermore, Rejuran PolyNucleotide products are manufactured under extremely strict and sterile CGMP processes to ensure safety and purity of their products. It is manufactured in South Korea - the Korean FDA ensures the quality of drug products by carefully monitoring drug manufacturers' compliance with its Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations.

How can PolyNucleotides be delivered into the skin?

The best results can be seen when PN is injected, by hand, into the sub-dermal layers of the skin. This allows larger doses of PN to be deposited into areas of concern eg. acne scarred tissues, damaged or aged skin. However, this method of injection will have transient, tiny bumps on the skin that will last for 2-3 days.

Some patients who are averse to pain, they may prefer an automated injector gun that delivers small but even doses of PN into the superficial layer of the skin. This method of delivery has very minimal discomfort and incurs shorter and lesser downtime - usually small, red spots that disappear within hours of injection. As an added benefit, the actual process of skin micro-needling also stimulates collagen production and repair.

For the comfort of patients, application of a numbing cream for a good 30 minutes is done prior to the treatment. In most cases, the treatment time may range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the technique used and areas treated.

As with most injectable treatments, their side effects will be:

• Tiny spots of induration immediately after treatment - usually resolves within hours after treatment;

• Transient appearance of bumps or swelling at injection sites, particularly with manual injection of Rejuran - this may resolve within 2-3 days;

• Mild bruising from injections that will resolve within the few of days after treatment.

Who will benefit most from treatment with PolyNucleotide?

Treatment with PN is suitable for almost anyone of any age and gender, who may have the following skin issues or aesthetic requirements:

• Thin and damaged skin due to ageing, frequent sun-exposure, dehydration and poor skin-care;

• Fine lines on the face or on specific areas such as areas under the eyes;

• Moderate to severe acne resulting in fatigued, atrophic acne-scarred skin (done in conjunction with a laser to resurface the skin);

• Oily or dry skin with large, visible pores (re-balances oil-sebum level); and,

• Want to improve skin quality and skin hydration, in the absence of any skin problems.

What are the side effects from treatment with Rejuran?

Rejuran is an injectable, delivered by manual injections or with micro-injector, much like SkinBoosters, as such their side effects will be quite similar:

• Mild redness and swelling immediately after treatment;

• Transient appearance of bumps at injection sites (particularly with manual injection of Rejuran);

• Mild bruising from injections that will resolve within the couple of days after treatment.

What are the expected effects from treatment with PolyNucleotide?

In my counselling of patients receiving this treatment, expectations need to be managed. Most patients expect immediate result and lasting dewy hydrating effects from a single session of this treatment - this is not always the case.

Patients receiving Rejuran PolyNucleotide treatments should understand the following:

• It is NOT meant for augmentation of the face (unlike fillers) - hence, there will not be any drastic, alteration to the appearance of the face.

• It is a healer of damaged skin - hence, it will take 4-6 weeks of healing processes to take effect.

For optimal repair and rejuvenation of the skin, a loading course of 3 to 4 treatments in 3 weeks’ interval, followed by 3 to 6 monthly maintenance treatments. This will impart a sustained and long-lasting healing effect.

Speak to your doctor about this treatment - I would advise seeking treatment from trusted, experienced doctors who have been trained to inject Rejuran PolyNucleotide. Treatments involving injections require doctors to perform - hence Rejuran treatments should never be offered at beauty centres and at a spa.

References:

1. Squadrito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Minutoli L and Altavilla D (2017); Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN. Front. Pharmacol. 8:224. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00224

2. Chang Sik Pak, Jongho Lee, Hobin Lee, Jaehoon Jeong, EunHee Kim, Jinwook Jeong, Hyeyeon Choi, Byunghwi Kim, Sujin Oh, Iksoo Kim, and Chan Yeong Heo (2014); A Phase III, Randomized, Double Blind, Matched Pairs, Active Controlled Clinical Trial and Preclinical Animal Study to Compare the Durability, Efficacy and Safety between Polynucleotide Filler and Hyaluronic Acid Filler in the Correction of Crow's Feet: A New Concept of Regenerative Filler; J Korean Med Sci. 2014 Nov; 29(Suppl 3): S201–S209.

3. P. Rubegni, G. De Aloe, C. Mazzatenta, M. Fimiani, Dermatological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; L. Cattarini, Mastelli S.r.l. - Sanremo (Im), Italy (2001); Clinical Evaluation of the Trophic Effect of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in Patients Undergoing Skin Explants. A Pilot Study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2001;17(2).

4. Thellung, S., Florio, T., Maragliano, A., Cattarini, G., and Schettini, G. (1999). Polydeoxyribonucleotides enhance the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts: involvement of A2 purinergic receptor subtypes. Life Sci. 64, 1661–1674. doi: 10.1016 S0024-3205(99)00104-6

5. Galeano, M., Bitto, A., Altavilla, D., Minutoli, L., Polito, F., Calò, M., et al. (2008). Polydeoxyribonucleotide stimulates angiogenesis and wound healing in the genetically diabetic mouse. Wound Repair Regen. 16, 208–217. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00361.x

6. Cavallini M, Papagni M.; Biorevitalization and cosmetic surgery of the face: Synergies of action.

7. Cavallini M, Papagni M.; Long chain polynucleotides gel and skin biorevitalization.

Updated article. Also published on The Business Times Weekend on 10th August 2019 (Click on link).