A polypeptide is a compound of amino acids linked by a peptide bond, usually referring to a compound composed of three or more amino acids. Peptides can include active peptides and synthetic peptides. Active peptides, as protein hydrolysates, have certain physiological effects. Synthetic peptides can also play a role in medicine, skin care and so on:



I. Physiological effects:

1, promote metabolism: peptides can help to promote the body's metabolism, the human body by secreting active peptides, help to maintain the balance of the internal environment. The endocrine system of human body contains active peptides, such as thyroxine and insulin, which help to regulate the metabolic function of the body.



2. Regulation of physiological function: food protein can be absorbed and utilized by the body in the form of amino acids and peptides in the body to play a role, such as promoting growth and development, bone development, and immune function. In addition, the nervous system and digestive system also have substances containing peptides, such as sleep peptides and gastrin, which help to regulate the function of the body.



Ii. Role of medicine:

1. Mimic cells: according to the status of cytokine receptors, synthetic peptides have the activity of cytokines, participate in the body's immune response, and play biological roles through medical means;



2. Diagnosis of diseases: synthetic peptides can also be used as antigens to help detect antibodies against cells, viruses, microorganisms and various parasites. They are easier to prepare than antigens of these diseases, and their clinical application is relatively simple.



3. Disease treatment: Peptides have been studied to treat some infectious diseases and help to kill pathogenic bacteria. It can also be used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, tumors and other diseases.



Three, skin care effect:

Peptides have antioxidant effects and contribute to the protection of the skin, so they are widely used in cosmetics. For example, blue copper peptide has a certain role in repairing wounds, treating scars, and restoring skin elasticity. Acetyl-hexapeptide-3 and palmitoyl-pentapeptide-3 can help tighten the skin, and acetyl-tetrapeptide-5 has the effect of assisting melanin decline and can be used to remove dark circles