Stimulation of the synthesis and of the activity of an isoform of lysyl oxidase-like LOXL for stimulating the formation of elastic fibers.

Abstract

The invention relates to the stimulation of the synthesis and of the activity of an isoform of lysyl oxidase, and more particularly of the LOXL (lysyl oxidase-like) isoform. The Invention relates notably to a method of identifying an active principle which stimulates the formation of elastic fibers. The aim of the invention is mainly to provide such a method of identification so as to provide compositions which enable stimulating the formation of elastic fibers.

1 . A method of stimulating the formation of skin elastic fibers comprising applying to the skin an effective amount of a substance which stimulates the enzymatic activity or expression of said lysyl oxidase isoform LOXL having the peptide sequence of Sequence ID No1 and which stimulates the expression of the protein elastin. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the substance comprises a region which fixes to at least one part of the sequence of nucleotides of the cDNA encoding the lysyl oxidase isoform LOXL promoter of Sequence ID No3 or which modulates the expression of a protein which fixes to at least one part of the sequence of nucleotides of the cDNA encoding the lysyl oxidase isoform LOXL promoter of Sequence ID No3. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of an extract of dill, an extract of cardamon, an extract of currant, an extract of black radish, an extract of small holly, an extract of cinnamon, a lactic bacteria-based fermentation, an extract of oats, an extract of potato, a silk protein, Asea foetida gumethyl hexenoate, methyl butyrate, ethyl decadienoate, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the effective amount of the substance is between 0.1% and 5% (v/v). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the stimulation of the skin elastic fibers provides a cosmetic benefit to the skin. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the cosmetic benefit is combating against the loosening of tissues, for densifying the extracellular matrix, for firming up the subcutaneous tissues, for reducing skin wrinkles, for exerting an anti-wrinkle effect, for improving the appearance of scars, or for combating against stretch marks.