Topical compositions comprising extracts of Rhizomucor miehei that are substantially devoid of acid-protease activity and their use in treating dermatologic conditions, including reducing the appearance of signs of skin aging.
1. A dermatocosmetic composition for increasing levels of collagen in the skin comprising:
a therapeutically-effective amount of a proteinaceous extract of Rhizomucor miehei substantially devoid of acid-protease activity, wherein the overall acid protease specific activity within the composition is less than about 500 HUT units/mg;
one or more surfactants; and
a dermatologically-acceptable carrier.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 50 HUT units/mg.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 10 HUT units/mg.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the dermatologically-acceptable carrier is an emulsion.
5. A composition for stimulating collagen synthesis comprising:
a therapeutically-effective amount of a proteinaceous extract of Rhizomucor miehei substantially devoid of acid-protease activity, wherein the overall acid protease specific activity within the composition is less than about 500 HUT units/mg;
one or more surfactants; and
a dermatologically-acceptable carrier.
6. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 50 HUT units/mg.
7. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 10 HUT units/mg.
8. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the dermatologically-acceptable carrier is an emulsion.
9. A composition for modulating the expression of one or more genes that code for collagen synthesis comprising:
a therapeutically-effective amount of a proteinaceous extract of Rhizomucor miehei substantially devoid of acid-protease activity, wherein the overall acid protease specific activity within the composition is less than about 500 HUT units/mg;
one or more surfactants; and
a dermatologically-acceptable carrier.
10. The composition of claim 9 , wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 50 HUT units/mg.
11. The composition of claim 9 , wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 10 HUT units/mg.
12. The composition of claim 9 , wherein the expression is increased or decreased.