Abstract

IN VIVO AND IN VITRO STUDIES ON JOINT REGENERATIVE POTENTIAL OF FISH SKIN DERIVED COLLAGEN PEPTIDES

Hema G. Sukumaran*, Shyni K., Ganesan B., Joshy C.G., Manu Prasad M., Suseela Mathew

Abstract

Marine fish skin derived bioactive peptides, based on their structural properties with specific sequence of amino acids represent an important group of molecules having various biological functions. This study was designed to investigate the joint regenerative potential of fish skin derived collagen peptides (FCP) using animal models and in vitro studies with human osteoblast cells. In vivo studies, arthritis was induced in male Wistar albino rats by intradermal injection of Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA). CFA induced rats were treated with oral administration of FCP developed from grouper fish skin. During treatment period, the parameters like paw oedema, arthritic index were measured. The results showed that treatment with FCP markedly reduced paw swelling and arthritis index. The external healing effects were supported by the biochemical analysis after the treatment. The anti arthritic effect of peptide was confirmed by the analysis of bone histopathology and X-ray radiographs of affected paws. In this scenario, it is hypothesized that the antiarthritic effect of collagen peptide is related to the stimulating effect on collagen biosynthesis in arthritic joints. For elucidating the effect, in vitro cell line studies were conducted. Human osteoblast cell lines (HOS) were treated with FCP in both time and dose dependent manner. Quantification of collagen by chromogenic precipitation with Sirius red showed increased collagen production in FCP treated cells. Western blot and immunocytochemistry analysis further confirmed the FCP-mediated stimulatory action on collagen biosynthesis in cell culture. In vivo and in vitro studies concluded the bone regenerative potential of FCP.

Keywords: Fish collagen peptide, Freund’s complete adjuvant, Human osteoblast cell lines, Confocal imaging.