PDRN is a biocompatible, highly purified nucleic acid complex with a defined DNA fragment length. In the skin, PDRN acts as a regeneration signal and a modulator of cellular responses. It activates the body's own repair and regeneration processes, stabilizes irritated skin environments, and supports the restoration of the structure surrounding skin cells, the extracellular matrix. PDRN is not incorporated into DNA; rather, the DNA fragments send biological signals that stimulate skin regeneration.
According to current knowledge, PDRN triggers some of its effects via the activation of the A2A adenosine receptor. The A2A adenosine receptor is a signal receiver on the cell surface that is normally activated by the body's own messenger substance, adenosine. When activated, cAMP levels rise in the cell, and regenerative and anti-inflammatory processes are initiated. The A2A receptor acts like an antenna on skin cells. When the natural signal adenosine encounters this receptor, the cell switches to "calm and repair" mode.
The A2A adenosine receptor is found on these cells: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells such as macrophages and mast cells—in other words, the most important skin and vascular cells, as well as the skin's defense cells. Its activation also modulates inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory messengers such as TNF-α and IL-6, and inhibiting NF-κB. This activation promotes microcirculation and angiogenesis, among other things via VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and, through the growth factor TGF-β, supports repair and matrix regeneration by promoting fibroblast migration (the migration of connective tissue cells) and the regeneration of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Thus, activation contributes to a more resilient and soothing barrier in irritated skin. Simply put: PDRN stands for improved nutrient supply, calming of stress responses, and activation of regeneration.
PDRN activates skin-regenerative signaling pathways. When applied topically, it contributes to a visible improvement in elasticity and skin appearance and supports the recovery of stressed skin under environmental stress. The regenerative effect of PDRN has also been demonstrated in other applications, such as in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Italy involving patients with slow-healing diabetic foot ulcers. Injected PDRN was associated with faster and more frequent complete wound closure; however, these results were obtained in a therapeutic setting and are not applicable to topical application.
A board supported by three Italian professional societies published a consensus on the use of highly purified polynucleotides (PN-HPT) as biostimulating injectable skin boosters, achieving recommendations for several areas with over 80% approval; predominantly mild, transient side effects were reported. These injection guidelines refer to medical devices but support the biostimulatory mechanism of action of polynucleotides and are thus consistent with the concept behind PDRN.