Recently, scientific studies have found that the snail’s fluid secretion has complex glycoconjugates, such as glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. These molecules are composed mainly of sulfated sugar or carbohydrate sequences (sugar= glyco), globular soluble proteins, uronic acids and oligoelements (copper, zinc, calcium and iron).

Glycosaminoglycans and Proteoglycans are continual regulators of cell function, act in cell-matrix interactions and play an important biological role in fibroblasts production, specialization and migration by effectively modulating the cellular phenotype.

The major glycoconjugate of snail mucus is a glycosaminoglycan which is secreted from granules within the snail’s tissues and is localized on the outer surface. It has a novel structure when compared to other studied glycosaminoglycans.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or mucopolysaccharides are long unbranched polysaccharides, composed of iterating disaccharides that can be sulphated (e.g. iduronic acid, glucosamine, galactose, glucuronic acid, galactosamine). GAGs form an important part of connective tissues.

Glycosaminoglycans are carbohydrates and are usually overlooked as the third major type of biological polymers. Though they have received less attention than nucleic acids or proteins, they are just as basic for life, in general, and skin care, in particular.

Proteoglycans are complex macromolecules made of a central protein and one or more covalently attached glycosaminoglycan sequences. The organic functions of proteoglycans primarily result from the structurally dominant glycosaminoglycans emanating from the protein core of the molecule. A large number of animal species contain GAGs and mollusks are a specially rich source of these polysaccharides. GAGs are commonly located in the extracellular matrix of vertebrate and invertebrate tissues. A structural investigation revealed that GAGs in invertebrate species often contain unusual proportions of sulfate distribution and uronic acids.

Dermatan sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan located mainly in skin, but also in tendons, heart valves, blood vessels, and lungs. Dermatan sulfate can have roles in cardiovascular disease, wound repair, coagulation, infection, carcinogenesis, and fibrosis.

Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) made of a chain of intercalated sugars (N-acetyl-galactosamine and glucuronic acid). It is commonly found attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan. A chondroitin chain can have over 100 individual sugars, each of which can be sulfated in several positions and proportions. Understanding the functions of this diversity in chondroitin sulfate and other glycosaminoglycans is a major goal of glycobiology. Chondroitin sulfate is a crucial structural part of cartilage and gives much of its resistance to pressure.

Intricate sugars, or glycans, which are generally linked to proteins, cover the outsides of cells and fill the spaces between them. Crucial in normal animal development and in avoiding many diseases, glycans appear to act as scaffolds that mediate interactions between proteins.

Because of its components, the snail and the biological components it produces has gained importance in the skin care industry. Besides, divulging the make-up of snail mucus, studies have also shown that a product containing snail-derived components repairs damaged skin. By choosing products containing snail serum, your skin will be healthy and more beautiful.

Damaged skin can now be quickly eliminated thanks to a biological skin care solution that embodies a biological substance that regenerates and soothes your skin.

- Linda Gladhill

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