Effects of collagen and collagen hydrolysate from jellyfish umbrella on histological and immunity changes of mice photoaging

Comprehensive review on collagen extraction from food by-products and waste as a value-added material

The consumption of animal products has witnessed a significant increase over the years, leading to a growing need for industries to adopt strict waste control measures to mitigate environmental impacts. The disposal of animal waste in landfill can result in diverse and potentially hazardous decomposition by-products. Animal by-products, derived from meat, poultry, seafood and fish industries, offer a substantial raw material source for collagen and gelatin production due to their high protein content. Collagen, being a major protein component of animal tissues, represents an abundant resource that finds application in various chemical and material industries. The demand for collagen-based products continues to grow, yet the availability of primary material remains limited and insufficient to meet projected needs. Consequently, repurposing waste materials that contain collagen provides an opportunity to meet this need while at the same time minimizing the amount of waste that is dumped. This review examines the potential to extract value from the collagen content present in animal-derived waste and by-products. It provides a systematic evaluation of different species groups and discusses various approaches for processing and fabricating repurposed collagen. This review specifically focuses on collagen-based research, encompassing an examination of its physical and chemical properties, as well as the potential for chemical modifications. We have detailed how the research and knowledge built on collagen structure and function will drive the new initiatives that will lead to the development of new products and opportunities in the future. Additionally, it highlights emerging approaches for extracting high-quality protein from waste and discusses efforts to fabricate collagen-based materials leading to the development of new and original products within the chemical, biomedical and physical science-based industries.

Effect of glabridin combined with bakuchiol on UVB-induced skin damage and its underlying mechanism: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Research has demonstrated the anti-photoaging properties of glabridin and bakuchiol.

METHODS

The impact of glabridin, glabridin + bakuchiol, and bakuchiol on the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in mice skin fibroblasts was observed. Furthermore, we investigated the potential roles of fibronectin (FN), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-22 (IL-22), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the tissues, and evaluated their impact on the enzymatic levels in the skin. In conjunction with transcriptomic analysis, metabolomic profiling, and network pharmacology, all samples underwent comprehensive metabolomic and principal component analysis. The Venny2.1 method was utilized to identify variances in shared metabolites between the treatment group and the UVB group, as well as between the UVB group and the control group. Subsequently, a cluster heat map was generated to forecast and analyze metabolic pathways and targets.

RESULTS

The outcomes from the hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining revealed that glabridin and bakuchiol markedly decreased dermal thickness and suppressed mast cell infiltration in photoaged mice. Immunohistochemistry and Elisa analysis revealed that glabridin and bakuchiol effectively attenuated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-22, and IFN-γ. Furthermore, an increase in the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as FN and TGF-β was also observed. The determination of the contents of superoxide dismutase, hydroxypropyltransferase and malondialdehyde in mice dorsal skin revealed that glabridin and bakuchiol not only elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase and hydroxyproline, but also reduced malondialdehyde content. Due to the limited number of shared differential metabolites exclusively within Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, comprehensive pathway enrichment analysis was not feasible.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that glabridin and bakuchiol effectively impede photoaging and alleviate skin inflammation in mice.

Native collagen sheet mask improves skin health and appearance: A comprehensive clinical evaluation

BACKGROUND

Collagen, a critical structural protein found abundantly in animal skin and bones, has become increasingly recognized for its potential therapeutic role in skincare. Despite growing interest, the scientific evidence for the efficacy of collagen sheet masks remains limited. The principal objective of our study was to provide insights into the multifaceted role of collagen in skin health, with a specific focus on its application in collagen sheet masks.

METHODS

The effects of a collagen sheet mask consisting of >92% native bovine collagen were investigated. The soluble protein components of the collagen matrix were analyzed and the influence of soluble collagen components on fibroblast regulation was examined. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis was performed for structural analysis and effect on irritated skin. Five different clinical studies were conducted, including a comparison of the diversity of the skin microbiome, the tolerance and local irritating reactions in atopic dermatitis, an evaluation of skin redness after UV radiation, wrinkle reduction, and hydration and skin roughness of the collagen mask in comparison to a pre-soaked cellulose sheet mask.

RESULTS

The collagen mask contains soluble protein components, including small collagen peptides. The mask showed potential for promoting fibroblast activity. SEM analysis showed a native collagen structure similar to human dermis. The mask maintained the skin microbiome diversity and decreased skin pH levels. It demonstrated good tolerability on both intact and lesional skin and had a significant effect in reducing erythema caused by UV radiation compared to other skincare products. It showed significant improvements in skin hydration and the volume of eye wrinkles and was more effective than pre-soaked cellulose sheet masks.

CONCLUSION

Collagen sheet masks have the potential to positively impact skin health and appearance by increasing hydration, reducing erythema, minimizing wrinkles, and maintaining a healthy skin microbiome and skin barrier.

Fish By-Product Collagen Extraction Using Different Methods and Their Application

The processing of fishery resources results in the production of a growing quantity of byproducts, including heads, skins, viscera, intestines, frames, and fillet cutoffs. These byproducts are either wasted or utilized for the production of low-value items and fish oil. Typically, fish processing industries use only 25%, while the remaining 75% is considered as waste by-products. This review presents a comprehensive review on the extraction of collagen from fish byproducts, highlighting numerous techniques including acid-soluble collagen (ASC), enzyme-soluble collagen (ESC), ultrasound extraction, deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). A detailed explanation of various extraction parameters such as time, temperature, solid to liquid (S/L) ratio, and solvent/pepsin concentration is provided, which needs to be considered to optimize the collagen yield. Moreover, this review extends its focus to a detailed investigation of fish collagen applications in the biomedical sector, food sector, and in cosmetics. The comprehensive review explaining the extraction methods, extraction parameters, and the diverse applications of fish collagen provides a basis for the complete understanding of the potential of fish-derived collagen. The review concludes with a discussion of the current research and a perspective on the future development in this research field.

Marine Bioactive Peptides: Anti-Photoaging Mechanisms and Potential Skin Protective Effects

Skin photoaging, resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, is a form of exogenous aging that not only impacts the aesthetic aspect of the skin but also exhibits a strong correlation with the onset of skin cancer. Nonetheless, the safety profile of non-natural anti-photoaging medications and the underlying physiological alterations during the process of photoaging remain inadequately elucidated. Consequently, there exists a pressing necessity to devise more secure interventions involving anti-photoaging drugs. Multiple studies have demonstrated the noteworthy significance of marine biomolecules in addressing safety concerns related to anti-photoaging and safeguarding the skin. Notably, bioactive peptides have gained considerable attention in anti-photoaging research due to their capacity to mitigate the physiological alterations associated with photoaging, including oxidative stress; inflammatory response; the abnormal expression of matrix metalloproteinase, hyaluronidase, and elastase; and excessive melanin synthesis. This review provides a systematic description of the research progress on the anti-photoaging and skin protection mechanism of marine bioactive peptides. The focus is on the utilization of marine bioactive peptides as anti-photoaging agents, aiming to offer theoretical references for the development of novel anti-photoaging drugs and methodologies. Additionally, the future prospects of anti-aging drugs are discussed, providing an initial reference for further research in this field.

A study on the delayed effect of tilapia skin collagen on skin aging for mice and its possible mechanism

OBJECTIVE

Study the possible mechanism and delayed effect of tilapia skin collagen on skin aging for mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Kunming (KM) mice were randomly divided into the aging model group, the normal group, the positive control group (vitamin E) and the low, medium, high dose tilapia skin collagen groups (2.0, 4.0, 8.0 mg/g). The normal group was only injected with saline at the back and the neck. The other groups were injected subcutaneously with 5% D-galactose and ultraviolet light jointly to establish the aging model. After modeling, the positive control group was treated with a dose of 10% vitamin E once a day, and the low, medium, high dose tilapia skin collagen group was separately applied 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 mg/g of tilapia skin collagen for 40 days. The changes of skin tissue morphology, water content, hydroxyproline (Hyp) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice were studied at the day 10, 20, 30, 40, 50.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal group, the skin of mice in the aging model group was thinner, looser, and the skin moisture content, Hyp content, SOD activity were all decreased. For mice of the low, medium, high dose tilapia skin collagen group, the thickness of dermis increased, possessing close arrangement, and the moisture content, Hyp content, SOD activity were up-regulated significantly, which effectively alleviated the aging process of skin. The dose of tilapia skin collagen was directly proportional to the anti-aging effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Tilapia skin collagen has an obvious effect on improving skin aging.

Dendrobium nobile Lindl Polysaccharides Attenuate UVB-induced Photodamage by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and MMPs Expression in Mice Model

Acute ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation predominantly leads to various skin disorders caused by photodamage. The major causes of UVB-induced photodamage include oxidative stress, inflammatory infiltration and collagen degradation. The aim of the study was to elucidate whether DNP had protective effect on the skin of KM mice when exposed to UVB irradiation. The DNP protective properties to skin appearance and histopathological alterations in KM mice were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining, toluidine blue staining, Gomori staining and Masson's trichrome staining and mast cell staining. In this study, DNP pretreatment promoted the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, while decreased malondialdehyde level in UVB-irradiated skin, along with downregulation of proteins expression of matrix metalloproteinases and reduction in the level of the proinflammatory cytokines. Based on these findings, we demonstrated that DNP displayed strong ameliorative effects on UVB-induced acute photodamage for the first time, indicating that it would be a promoting ingredient candidate that could be used in antiphotodamage.

Current Trends in Gelatin-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Gelatin is a highly versatile natural polymer, which is widely used in healthcare-related sectors due to its advantageous properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low-cost, and the availability of exposed chemical groups. In the biomedical field, gelatin is used also as a biomaterial for the development of drug delivery systems (DDSs) due to its applicability to several synthesis techniques. In this review, after a brief overview of its chemical and physical properties, the focus is placed on the commonly used techniques for the development of gelatin-based micro- or nano-sized DDSs. We highlight the potential of gelatin as a carrier of many types of bioactive compounds and its ability to tune and control select drugs' release kinetics. The desolvation, nanoprecipitation, coacervation, emulsion, electrospray, and spray drying techniques are described from a methodological and mechanistic point of view, with a careful analysis of the effects of the main variable parameters on the DDSs' properties. Lastly, the outcomes of preclinical and clinical studies involving gelatin-based DDSs are thoroughly discussed.

Marine Natural Products as Innovative Cosmetic Ingredients

Over the course of the last 20 years, numerous studies have identified the benefits of an array of marine natural ingredients for cosmetic purposes, as they present unique characteristics not found in terrestrial organisms. Consequently, several marine-based ingredients and bioactive compounds are under development, used or considered for skin care and cosmetics. Despite the multitude of cosmetics based on marine sources, only a small proportion of their full potential has been exploited. Many cosmetic industries have turned their attention to the sea to obtain innovative marine-derived compounds for cosmetics, but further research is needed to determine and elucidate the benefits. This review gathers information on the main biological targets for cosmetic ingredients, different classes of marine natural products of interest for cosmetic applications, and the organisms from which such products can be sourced. Although organisms from different phyla present different and varied bioactivities, the algae phylum seems to be the most promising for cosmetic applications, presenting compounds of many classes. In fact, some of these compounds present higher bioactivities than their commercialized counterparts, demonstrating the potential presented by marine-derived compounds for cosmetic applications (i.e., Mycosporine-like amino acids and terpenoids’ antioxidant activity). This review also summarizes the major challenges and opportunities faced by marine-derived cosmetic ingredients to successfully reach the market. As a future perspective, we consider that fruitful cooperation among academics and cosmetic industries could lead to a more sustainable market through responsible sourcing of ingredients, implementing ecological manufacturing processes, and experimenting with inventive recycling and reuse programs.

Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Marine Organisms: Focus on the Future Perspectives for Pharmacological, Biomedical and Regenerative Medicine Applications of Marine Collagen

Marine environments cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are among the richest and most complex ecosystems. In terms of biodiversity, the ocean represents an important source, still not widely exploited, of bioactive products derived from species of bacteria, plants, and animals. However, global warming, in combination with multiple anthropogenic practices, represents a serious environmental problem that has led to an increase in gelatinous zooplankton, a phenomenon referred to as jellyfish bloom. In recent years, the idea of "sustainable development" has emerged as one of the essential elements of green-economy initiatives; therefore, the marine environment has been re-evaluated and considered an important biological resource. Several bioactive compounds of marine origin are being studied, and among these, marine collagen represents one of the most attractive bio-resources, given its use in various disciplines, such as clinical applications, cosmetics, the food sector, and many other industrial applications. This review aims to provide a current overview of marine collagen applications in the pharmacological and biomedical fields, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy.

Anti-Inflammatory Activation of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex is Mediated by Berberine Erythrocytes Self-Assembly Targeted Delivery System

Background

Berberine (BBR) is the primary active component of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC), which has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the discrepancy between its low bioavailability and significant therapeutic effect remains obscure. The purpose of this study was to explore the previously unsolved enigma of the low bioavailability of BBR and its appreciable anti-inflammatory effect to reveal the action mechanism of BBR and PCC.

Methods

The quantitative analysis of BBR and its metabolite oxyberberine (OBB) in blood and tissues was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography to investigate the conversion and distribution of BBR/OBB mediated by erythrocytes. Routine blood tests and immunohistochemical staining were used to explore the potential relationship between the amounts of monocyte/macrophage and the drug concentration in erythrocytes and tissues (liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, intestine, muscle, brain and pancreas). To comparatively explore the anti-inflammatory effects of BBR and OBB, the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability mice model and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were employed.

Results

Nearly 92% of BBR existed in the erythrocytes in rats. The partition coefficient of BBR between plasma and erythrocytes (Kp/b) decreased with time. OBB was found to be the oxidative metabolite of BBR in erythrocytes. Proportion of BBR/OBB in erythrocytes changed from 9.38% to 16.30% and from 13.50% to 46.24%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the BBR/OBB concentration in blood and monocyte depletion after a single administration of BBR. BBR/OBB was transported via erythrocytes to various tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart, etc), with the liver achieving the highest concentration. OBB exhibited similar anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo as BBR with much smaller dosage.

Conclusion

BBR was prodominantly found in erythrocytes, which was critically participated in the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, metabolism and target delivery of BBR and its metabolite. The anti-inflammatory activity of BBR and PCC was intimately associated with the metabolism into the active congener OBB and the targeted delivery to monocytes/macrophages mediated by the erythrocytes.

Benefits of Circulating Human Metabolites from Fish Cartilage Hydrolysate on Primary Human Dermal Fibroblasts, an Ex Vivo Clinical Investigation for Skin Health Applications

Due to its significant exposure to stressful environmental factors, the skin undergoes a high remodeling rate over time, which alters not only its appearance but also its functionality. This alteration of the skin, namely photoaging, is characterized by dryness and a loss of elasticity that mainly originates from the dysregulation of dermal fibroblast activities. In order to overcome such tissue outcome, cosmetic products have evolved toward nutricosmetics, thus promoting beauty from within. Among bio-actives of interest, bio-peptides deriving from plant or animal sources may exert various biological activities beyond their nutritional value. However, studies remain mostly descriptive and the mode of action at the cellular level in clinic remains a concern. In a recent clinical trial, it was showed that supplementation with a fish cartilage hydrolysate (FCH) improved signs of chronological and photoaging-induced skin changes in healthy women. Here, using an original ex vivo clinical approach adapted to nutricosmetic purpose, we further demonstrated that this fish cartilage hydrolysate was absorbed and that the circulating metabolites produced in humans following FCH intake stimulate human dermal fibroblast growth, promote specific hyaluronan production, up-regulate elastin synthesis and inhibit MMP-1 and 3 expression along with the enhancement of TGF-β release. Altogether, these data provide clues on the mechanisms likely contributing to the beneficial impact of FCH on human skin functionality by supporting hydration, elasticity and limiting the expression of catabolic factors involved in photoaging onset.

Jellyfish Collagen Hydrolysate Alleviates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress and Improves Gut Microbe Composition in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

The collagen from jellyfish has many beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory activities. However, whether jellyfish collagen hydrolysate (JCH) has any effects on high-fat diet-induced obesity remains unknown. Consequently, we in the present study orally administrated JCH in high-fat diet-fed mice to explore its effects on body weight gain, inflammatory and oxidative status, and cecum microbe composition. The results showed that oral administration of JCH prevented the body weight gain in high-fat diet-treated mice. Meanwhile, glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol level in serum were maintained by JCH administration. Furthermore, JCH administration alleviated oxidative stress by increasing the GSH content and decreasing the level reactive oxygen species in the liver and improved inflammatory response by decreasing the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 gene in the liver and ileum. Importantly, JCH administration helps recover the alteration of microbiota composition induced by high-fat diet, and the genus Romboutsia may critically involve in the beneficial effects of JCH administration. In conclusion, our results indicated that JCH could be potentially used for the prevention and treatment of diet-induced obesity.

In-situ oligomerization of lactic acid within broiler skin extracted elastin/collagen matrix for the efficacy of ointment base

Elastin and collagen were isolated from waste broil skin and modified with l-lactic acid oligomer for the efficacy of substituting petroleum based ointment base matrix. Paraffin wax, which is one of the most extensively used petroleum ointment derivative is well known for its incompatibility with the skin. Chronically it clogs the skin pores, which subsequently affects the release of moisture. To mitigate this problem, a novel approach has been followed to synthesize a fully green and biocompatible ointment base matrix. The extracted Elastin and Collagen (which exists naturally in our skin) and lactic acid monomer (commonly known as a part of a body fluid) mixed at different proportion and used to synthesize a lactic acid modified elastin/collagen (OLLA-m-ELN/COL) bioconjugate matrix with lubricating characteristics via in-situ polycondensation reaction. The macromolecular interaction between Amide I group of elastin/collagen and C=O of a lactic acid oligomer was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Organoleptic analysis, spreadability, pH, and viscosity were analyzed. The six-mass loss stages which was observed in the ELN/COL matrix was changed into a single mass loss for the synthesized bioconjugate with improved thermal stability. The thermal stability improvement can be correlated with the formation of secondary macromolecular interaction.

Effects of Collagen Hydrolysate From Large Hybrid Sturgeon on Mitigating Ultraviolet B-Induced Photodamage

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation leads to the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently promote inflammation, degradation of the extracellular matrix, and photoaging in skin. Thus antioxidant activity is particularly important when screening for active substances to prevent or repair photodamage. Marine fish-derived bioactive peptides have become a trend in cosmetics and functional food industries owing to their potential dermatological benefits. In this study, 1-diphenyl- 2-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity was selected to optimize the hydrolysis conditions of sturgeon skin collagen peptides with antioxidant activity. The optimal hydrolysis conditions for sturgeon skin collagen hydrolysate (SSCH) were determined by response surface methodology, which comprised an enzyme dosage of flavorzyme at 6,068.4 U/g, temperature of 35.5°C, pH of 7, and hydrolysis time of 6 h. SSCH showed good radical-scavenging capacities with a DPPH scavenging efficiency of 95%. Then, the effect of low-molecular-weight SSCH fraction (SSCH-L) on UVB irradiation-induced photodamage was evaluated in mouse fibroblast L929 cells and zebrafish. SSCH-L reduced intracellular ROS levels and the malondialdehyde content, thereby alleviating the oxidative damage caused by UVB radiation. Moreover SSCH-L inhibited the mRNA expression of genes encoding the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and Cox-2. SSCH-L treatment further increased the collagen Ⅰα1 content and had a significant inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase expression. The phosphorylation level of JNK and the expression of c-Jun protein were significantly reduced by SSCH-L. Additionally, SSCH-L increased the tail fin area at 0.125 and 0.25 mg/ml in a zebrafish UVB radiation model, which highlighted the potential of SSCH-L to repair UVB-irradiated zebrafish skin damage. Peptide sequences of SSCH-L were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the 3D-QSAR modeling prediction, six total peptides were selected to test the UVB-protective activity. Among these peptides, DPFRHY showed good UVB-repair activity, ROS-scavenging activity, DNA damage-protective activity and apoptosis inhibition activity. These results suggested that DPFRHY has potential applications as a natural anti-photodamage material in cosmetic and functional food industries.

Protein and Sport: Alternative Sources and Strategies for Bioactive and Sustainable Sports Nutrition

Nutrition and sport play an important role in achieving a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the intake of nutrients derived from the normal diet, some sport disciplines require the consumption of supplements that contribute positively to improved athletic performance. Protein intake is important for many aspects related to health, and current evidence suggests that some athletes require increased amounts of this nutrient. On the other hand, society's demand for more environmentally friendly products, focus on the search for alternative food sources more sustainable. This review aims to summarize the latest research on novel strategies and sources for greener and functional supplementation in sport nutrition. Alternative protein sources such as insects, plants or mycoproteins have proven to be an interesting substrate due to their high added value in terms of bioactivity and sustainability. Protein hydrolysis has proven to be a very useful technology to revalue by-products, such as collagen, by producing bioactive peptides beneficial on athletes performance and sport-related complications. In addition, it has been observed that certain amino acids from plant sources, as citrulline or theanine, can have an ergogenic effect for this target population. Finally, the future perspectives of protein supplementation in sports nutrition are discussed. In summary, protein supplementation in sports nutrition is a very promising field of research, whose future perspective lies with the search for alternatives with greater bioactive potential and more sustainable than conventional sources.

Photoprotective effects of sweet potato leaf polyphenols and caffeic acid against UV-induced skin-damage in BALB/C nude mice

This study aimed at clarifying the mechanism by which sweet potato leaf polyphenols (SPLPs) ameliorate ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, using the BALB/c hairless female mouse model. The moisture and hydroxyproline (HYP) contents of the model mouse skin and the thickness of the epidermis and dermis were determined by staining and histological examination. Anti-oxidative enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and protein carbonyl content in skin tissue and serum were investigated. Expression of inflammatory markers and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were evaluated. Topical caffeic acid at 30 mg kg^-1 most strongly inhibited the decrease in skin moisture, HYP content, and the thickening of the epidermis. Topical SPLP at 100 mg kg^-1 most significantly inhibited the dermal thickening, increased the activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase as well as glutathione peroxidase, and decreased the content of serum MDA and protein carbonyls markedly. Furthermore, the topical SPLP suppressed the UV-induced rise in the inflammatory markers MMP-1, TNF-α, and NF-κB, and alleviated phosphorylation levels of the stress-signaling proteins JNK and p38. Thus, topical SPLP provided the best overall protection for mouse skin from UV-induced damage.

Structure of type II collagen from sturgeon cartilage and its effect on adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats

The purpose of this paper was to extract and characterize type II collagen of sturgeon cartilage (SC-CII), and to explore the effects of taking SC-CII orally on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats. SC-CII showed a triple-helix structure (RPN = 0.12), with d1 of 11.82 Å and d2 of 4.08 Å, which was analyzed by FT-IR, CD, XRD, and MS. It was constructed of the repeating tripeptide unit Gly-X-Y, where X and Y are generally Pro or Hyp, proved by amino acid composition and peptide mass fingerprinting. Furthermore, the effects of SC-CII on RA were evaluated. Ankle thickness was significantly decreased in SC-CII groups, with changes in lymphocyte proliferation also observed. Compared with the model control group, there was an evident decrease in TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, MCP-1, and TLR-4 mRNA levels, but no remarkable differences in APF, MMP-3, and MyD88 mRNA levels in the SC-CII groups. In addition, TNF-α, IL-1β, RF, Anti-CII Ab were significantly reduced in the SC-CII groups, proved by ELISA. Therefore, SC-CII showed alleviating effects on RA through the TLR4/MyD88-NFκB pathway.

Bamboo Leaf Flavonoids Suppress Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence of HaCaT Cells and UVB-Induced Photoaging of Mice through p38 MAPK and Autophagy Signaling

With the global escalation of the aging process, the research on aging mechanisms and anti-aging strategies has become a hot spot. As the most external organ of the human body, skin can be used as an ideal organ for the study of endogenous and exogenous aging. Bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) possess a variety of biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, anti-radiation, and anti-aging. However, it is still unclear whether they can delay skin aging. This study aimed to analyze the inhibitory effect of BLF on skin aging and explore their molecular mechanisms. We found that 10–40 μg/mL BLF significantly inhibited the senescence of HaCaT cells induced by AAPH, which might be related to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. Further mechanism studies showed that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), especially the p38 MAPK pathway, was the key to BLF to alleviate the senescence of HaCaT cells. In addition, autophagy was also involved in the anti-senescence effect of BLF. The results were also verified in UVB-induced photoaging mice. Therefore, BLF can be used as a potential therapeutic agent to intervene skin aging in vitro and in vivo.

Preventive effect of swim bladder hydrolysates on cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian injury in mice

AIMS

This study aimed to prepare swim bladder hydrolysate (SBH) with M_n  < 4000 Da, and investigate its effects on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-mediated ovarian injury in mice.

METHODS

Hydrolysates were prepared by heating extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration. M_n and distribution of SBH were analyzed via gel filtration chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Changes in the mouse oestrus cycle were determined by cytological examination. The number of follicles was examined using histopathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to determine the serum sex hormone levels.

RESULTS

The M_n of SBH, prepared by heating extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, and from different batches, was below 4000 Da, and the preparation process was stable. Compared with the control group, the low-, middle-, and high-dose SBH treatment groups showed different trends in oestrus duration, serum sex hormone levels, and the number of primordial and secondary follicles. The oestrus cycle duration of the high-dose SBH group was longer than that of the model group. The serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and anti-Müllerian hormone levels in the middle-dose group were the closest to those of control group. The number of primordial and secondary follicles in the medium-dose group was significantly higher than that in the model group and closest to those of control group.

CONCLUSION

After heating extraction, trypsin/Flavourzyme hydrolysis and ultrafiltration, a hydrolysate with M_n below 4000 Da could be prepared. We found that a moderate (400 mg/kg) SBH dose resulted in the greatest effect on ovarian injury remission in mice.

Antiaging Potential of Peptides from Underused Marine Bioresources

Aging is a biological process that occurs under normal conditions and in several chronic degenerative diseases. Bioactive natural peptides have been shown to improve the effects of aging in cell and animal models and in clinical trials. However, few reports delve into the enormous diversity of peptides from marine organisms. This review provides recent information on the antiaging potential of bioactive peptides from underused marine resources, including examples that scavenge free radicals in vitro, inhibit cell apoptosis, prolong the lifespan of fruit flies and Caenorhabditis elegans, suppress aging in mice, and exert protective roles in aging humans. The underlying molecular mechanisms involved, such as upregulation of oxidase activity, inhibition of cell apoptosis and MMP-1 expression, restoring mitochondrial function, and regulating intestinal homeostasis, are also summarized. This work will help highlight the antiaging potential of peptides from underused marine organisms which could be used as antiaging foods and cosmetic ingredients in the near future.

Biochemical Characterization of Cassiopea andromeda (Forsskål, 1775), Another Red Sea Jellyfish in the Western Mediterranean Sea

Increasing frequency of native jellyfish proliferations and massive appearance of non-indigenous jellyfish species recently concur to impact Mediterranean coastal ecosystems and human activities at sea. Nonetheless, jellyfish biomass may represent an exploitable novel resource to coastal communities, with reference to its potential use in the pharmaceutical, nutritional, and nutraceutical Blue Growth sectors. The zooxanthellate jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda, Forsskål, 1775 (Cnidaria, Rhizostomeae) entered the Levant Sea through the Suez Canal and spread towards the Western Mediterranean to reach Malta, Tunisia, and recently also the Italian coasts. Here we report on the biochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of C. andromeda specimens with a discussion on their relative biological activities. The biochemical characterization of the aqueous (PBS) and hydroalcoholic (80% ethanol) soluble components of C. andromeda were performed for whole jellyfish, as well as separately for umbrella and oral arms. The insoluble components were hydrolyzed by sequential enzymatic digestion with pepsin and collagenase. The composition and antioxidant activity of the insoluble and enzymatically digestible fractions were not affected by the pre-extraction types, resulting into collagen- and non-collagen-derived peptides with antioxidant activity. Both soluble compounds and hydrolyzed fractions were characterized for the content of proteins, phenolic compounds, and lipids. The presence of compounds coming from the endosymbiont zooxanthellae was also detected. The notable yield and the considerable antioxidant activity detected make this species worthy of further study for its potential biotechnological sustainable exploitation.

Bioactive Compounds of Nutraceutical Value from Fishery and Aquaculture Discards

Seafood by-products, produced by a range of different organisms, such as fishes, shellfishes, squids, and bivalves, are usually discarded as wastes, despite their possible use for innovative formulations of functional foods. Considering that “wastes” of industrial processing represent up to 75% of the whole organisms, the loss of profit may be coupled with the loss of ecological sustainability, due to the scarce recycling of natural resources. Fish head, viscera, skin, bones, scales, as well as exoskeletons, pens, ink, and clam shells can be considered as useful wastes, in various weight percentages, according to the considered species and taxa. Besides several protein sources, still underexploited, the most interesting applications of fisheries and aquaculture by-products are foreseen in the biotechnological field. In fact, by-products obtained from marine sources may supply bioactive molecules, such as collagen, peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant compounds, and chitin, as well as catalysts in biodiesel synthesis. In addition, those sources can be processed via chemical procedures, enzymatic and fermentation technologies, and chemical modifications, to obtain compounds with antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and anti-coagulant effects. Here, we review the main discards from fishery and aquaculture practices and analyse several bioactive compounds isolated from seafood by-products. In particular, we focus on the possible valorisation of seafood and their by-products, which represent a source of biomolecules, useful for the sustainable production of high-value nutraceutical compounds in our circular economy era.

Developments for Collagen Hydrolysate in Biological, Biochemical, and Biomedical Domains: A Comprehensive Review

The collagen hydrolysate, a proteinic biopeptide, is used for various key functionalities in humans and animals. Numerous reviews explained either individually or a few of following aspects: types, processes, properties, and applications. In the recent developments, various biological, biochemical, and biomedical functionalities are achieved in five aspects: process, type, species, disease, receptors. The receptors are rarely addressed in the past which are an essential stimulus to activate various biomedical and biological activities in the metabolic system of humans and animals. Furthermore, a systematic segregation of the recent developments regarding the five main aspects is not yet reported. This review presents various biological, biochemical, and biomedical functionalities achieved for each of the beforementioned five aspects using a systematic approach. The review proposes a novel three-level hierarchy that aims to associate a specific functionality to a particular aspect and its subcategory. The hierarchy also highlights various key research novelties in a categorical manner that will contribute to future research.

Optimization of the saffron compound essence formula and its effect on preventing skin photoaging

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study was to optimize the formula of saffron compound essence (SCE) and investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of SCE against skin photoaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The formula of SCE was optimized using single factor and orthogonal experiments. The optimized SCE was then applied on the back skin of mice under ultraviolet irradiation. The protective effect and possible mechanism of SCE on skin photoaging were investigated using macroscopic and histological evaluation, skin thickness tests, determination of skin microcirculation, and the skin content determination of type I and III collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK1/2) on the skin of each group of photoaging mice model.

RESULTS

The SCE prepared using the optimal formula was golden yellow, uniform, fine, and viscous. The obtained results in the SCE high dose group indicated that SCE can inhibit the generation of wrinkles, decrease the skin thickness, reduce the microcirculation blood flow of the back skin of mice, alleviate the proliferation and abnormal accumulation of collagen fibers and elastic fibers, increase the content of skin type I and III collagen, up-regulate the expression MMP-2 protein, and down-regulate the expression ERK1/2 protein, when compared with the shave control group.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in this study have indicated that the optimized SCE has the effect of preventing skin photoaging, and its mechanism may be associated with the ERK1/2 pathway. Therefore, SCE should be regarded as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing photoaging.

AP Collagen Peptides Prevent Cortisol-Induced Decrease of Collagen Type I in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Cortisol is an endogenous glucocorticoid (GC) and primary stress hormone that regulates a wide range of stress responses in humans. The adverse effects of cortisol on the skin have been extensively documented but the underlying mechanism of cortisol-induced signaling is still unclear. In the present study, we investigate the effect of cortisol on collagen type I expression and the effect of AP collagen peptides, collagen tripeptide-rich hydrolysates containing 3% glycine-proline- hydroxyproline (Gly-Pro-Hyp, GPH) from the fish skin, on the cortisol-mediated inhibition of collagen type I and the cortisol-induced signaling that regulates collagen type I production in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). We determine that cortisol downregulates the expression of collagen type I. AP collagen peptides or GC receptor (GR) inhibitors recover the cortisol-mediated inhibition of collagen type I and GR activation. AP collagen peptides or GR inhibitors also prevent the cortisol-dependent inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling. AP collagen peptides or GR inhibitors are effective in the prevention of collagen type I inhibition mediated by cortisol in senescent HDFs and reconstituted human skin models. Taken together, GR signaling might be responsible for the cortisol-mediated inhibition of TGF-β. AP collagen peptides act as GR-mediated signaling blockers, preventing the cortisol-dependent inhibition of collagen type I. Therefore, AP collagen peptides have the potential to improve skin health.

Nutraceuticals: Transformation of Conventional Foods into Health Promoters/Disease Preventers and Safety Considerations

Nutraceuticals are essential food constituents that provide nutritional benefits as well as medicinal effects. The benefits of these foods are due to the presence of active compounds such as carotenoids, collagen hydrolysate, and dietary fibers. Nutraceuticals have been found to positively affect cardiovascular and immune system health and have a role in infection and cancer prevention. Nutraceuticals can be categorized into different classes based on their nature and mode of action. In this review, different classifications of nutraceuticals and their potential therapeutic activity, such as anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid activity in disease will be reviewed. Moreover, the different mechanisms of action of these products, applications, and safety upon consumers including current trends and future prospect of nutraceuticals will be included.

Ingestion of collagen hydrolysates alleviates skin chronological aging in an aged mouse model by increasing collagen synthesis

Although the use of collagen hydrolysates (CHs) as nutraceutical agents to protect skin against photoaging has been widely investigated, little is known about their effects on skin chronological aging and the underlying mechanism. Nutritional supplementation, such as collagen and related hydrolysates, might have beneficial effects on chronologically aged skin just as on photoaged skin. Hence, 13-month-old female Kunming mice ingested CHs for eight weeks to evaluate the effects of CHs on ameliorating skin chronological aging. CHs were enzymatically prepared using alcalase or collagenase, named ACH and CCH, respectively. The results showed that CHs or proline intake had no obvious effects on skin moisture and hyaluronic acid contents. However, ACHs significantly decreased skin laxity, increased collagen I content, normalized the ratio of collagen I/III and repaired dermal collagen fibers in a dose-dependent manner. At an identical dose, ACH showed an advantage over CCH or proline in significantly increasing collagen I content. Further study indicated that CHs mainly improved skin condition by activating the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway to promote the synthesis of collagen I rather than inhibiting collagen I degradation by deregulating activator protein-1 (AP-1). The results indicated that CHs could benefit skin in both extrinsic and intrinsic aging as active dietary supplements.

Novel Hyp-Gly-containing antiplatelet peptides from collagen hydrolysate after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal absorption

Bioactive components causing the antiplatelet activity upon collagen hydrolysate (CH) ingestion have not been clarified yet. This study aimed to identify antiplatelet peptides from CH after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal absorption. Four antiplatelet peptides containing the Hyp-Gly (OG) sequence including OG, Hyp-Gly-Glu (OGE), Pro-Gly-Glu-Hyp-Gly (PGEOG) and Val-Gly-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Pro-Ala (VGPOGPA) were successfully identified. All four peptides exhibited antiplatelet activity, but OGE and PGEOG exerted stronger activity than OG and VGPOGPA. The IC50 value of OGE and PGEOG was 1.076 mM and 1.167 mM, respectively. These four antiplatelet peptides could survive simulated gastrointestinal digestion and be absorbed intact by Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, plasma stability experiments showed that OG and OGE showed a good stability in human plasma, but PGEOG and VGPOGPA showed a relatively poor stability. In vivo studies indicated that OG and OGE were present in blood after the oral administration of CH. Meanwhile, OGE exerted significant in vivo anti-thrombotic activity after its ingestion. The present study clarifies the antiplatelet components causing the CH activity and highlights the potential application of CH or these four peptides as functional foods to combat thrombosis by inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Bioactive Composite Scaffolds for Hemostasis and Wound Healing

Fabrication of 3D composite scaffolds was carried out by lyophilization of variable concentrations of collagen and chitosan gel solutions. Fibrinogen and thrombin aerosol were deposited over the surface of scaffolds to enhance hemostasis and wound healing. Composite scaffolds were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer to ascertain the aerosol deposition and stability. Scanning electron microscope showed multilayered porosity with pore size of ~30 μm and mushroom-like fibril growth of aerosol. A detailed investigation by surface plasmon resonance confirmed higher binding affinity of collagen toward the human blood platelets and erythrocytes in comparison to chitosan and was found to increase with the increase in blood cell concentration from 480.8 to 886.4 RU for erythrocytes. Scaffolds showed higher binding response for platelets than erythrocytes, while fibrinogen and thrombin showed no or limited interaction. Highest blood sorption of 83 ± 4% was observed in case of aerosol deposited scaffolds. Aerosol deposited scaffolds showed minimum clotting time of 20 ± 3 s and bleeding time of 38 ± 4 s, which was significantly lower compared to the scaffolds without aerosol treatment. Aerosol deposited composite scaffolds with 2:1 concentration of chitosan/collagen showed complete wound contraction by day 14, while 50% was observed in case of the control group. In vivo studies revealed that chitosan had a crucial role in the inflammatory phase, while collagen played an important role in the proliferation and maturation phase. The present study suggests that the fabricated 3D composite scaffolds with bioactive moieties may be a potential candidate for enhanced hemostasis and wound healing applications.

Cloning and Expression of N-CFTX-1 Antigen from Chironex fleckeri in Escherichia coli and Determination of Immunogenicity in Mice

Background:

Most jellyfish species are poisonous. Human victims of jellyfish sting each year are 120 million. Chironex fleckeri is a venomous box jellyfish that inflicts painful and potentially fatal stings to humans. The CfTX-1 is one of the antigenic proteins of venom that is suggested to stimulate the immune system for treatment and vaccine. This study aimed to clone and express the CfTX-1 antigen in E. coli and then to determine the synthesis of related antibody in the mice.

Methods:

The study was performed in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecology Research Center, Bandar Abbas, Iran in autumn 2016. The synthetic CfTX-1 gene in PUC57 plasmid was purchased from Nedaye Fan Company. The 723 bp fragment of N-CfTX-1 was amplified by PCR, PUC57 plasmid containing CfTX-1 with BamHI SalI restriction enzyme sites were subcloned in pET28a [+] expression vector and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). The CfTX-1 gene expression was induced by IPTG. Then antibody produced from the mice serum were isolated and confirmed by ELISA. After protein purification, resulted antigen was injected to mice in 4 repeats and then evaluated the rate of antibody in mice serum. Mice were challenged by the Carybdea alata.

Results:

The 726 bp of N-CfTX-1 were cloned in a vector of expression pET28a [+] and confirmed by PCR, sequencing and enzymatic analysis. Moreover, the recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Then the antibody was isolated from mice serum and confirmed by ELISA test. The results showed that immunized mice tolerated 50x LD50¹ of jellyfish venom.

Conclusion:

The CfTX-1 recombinant protein was able to protect the BALB/c mice against jellyfish venom. The produced protein can be used as a candidate for vaccine against jellyfish venom.

Isolation, characterization and cytoprotective effects against UV radiation of exopolysaccharide produced from Paenibacillus polymyxa PYQ1

A novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Paenibacillus polymyxa PYQ1 was extracted, well purified and characterized. This EPS was homogeneous glucomannan-type polysaccharide with the average molecular weight of 4.38 × 10⁶ Da. Structural characterization indicated that the monosaccharides of EPS were pyranoses connected by β-glycosidic linkages. Furthermore, our results showed the protective benefits of EPS against UVC induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells through scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species, mitigating the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, improving catalase activity and maintaining membrane integrity. Taken together, this study qualified EPS from P. polymyxa PYQ1 was a promising natural polymer which worth further investigation as a skin-care agent.

Oral Collagen Drink for Antiaging: Antioxidation, Facilitation of the Increase of Collagen Synthesis, and Improvement of Protein Folding and DNA Repair in Human Skin Fibroblasts

This work unveils a fish collagen drink for improvement of skin aging. Previous studies frequently discussed the skin aging from the angle of the representative characteristics of collagen loss and the oxidative-induced expression of proteolytic enzymes matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), but few groups comprehensively investigated the efficacy of oral hydrolyzed collagen for enhancing protein folding and DNA repair as well as improving notable cell behaviors. To delineate the broad perspective on delaying skin aging, we inspected the collagen drink-treated fibroblast cells from the molecular and cellular aspects. The results show that the collagen drink could perform the compact antiaging effects on ROS inhibition, the facilitation of the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, the increase of mitochondrial activity, and improvement of the gene expression regarding correct protein folding, DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and base excision repair (BER). Although the experimental results are built on the cellular models, we believe that the positive outcomes can provide more details on the influence of oral hydrolyzed collagen supplement for antiaging. In short, we have successfully proved that the synergistic effect of the collagen drink could not only reduce the oxidative damage but also ameliorate the cell functionality to compensate the harmful effects induced by UVA.

Neferine prevents ultraviolet radiation-induced skin photoaging

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-photoaging effect of neferine upon exposure of mice to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An in vivo photoaging model was established by repeatedly exposing mouse dorsal skin to UV-A and UV-B radiation for 12 weeks. Through skin photographs, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy, skin wrinkles, epidermal thickness and dermal collagen were analyzed in the UV-irradiated mouse skin. Furthermore, the levels of endogenous antioxidants, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were measured to determine the extent of UV-induced oxidative stress that was associated with photoaging. The results demonstrated that the topical application of neferine following UV irradiation reduced oxidative stress by increasing SOD and GPx activities, and attenuated the photoaging process. Histological and ultrastructural examination revealed that neferine delayed skin wrinkle formation by inhibiting epidermal hypertrophy and collagen loss and degradation. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that neferine effectively prevents UV-induced skin photoaging and photodamage.

Protective Effect of L-Hexaguluroic Acid Hexasodium Salt on UVA-Induced Photo-Aging in HaCaT Cells

This study aimed to show the α-L-Hexaguluroic acid hexasodium salt (G6) protective effect against UVA-induced photoaging of human keratinocyte cells. We found that G6 localized to the mitochondria and improved mitochondrial functions. G6 increased respiratory chain complex activities, which led to increased cellular ATP content and NAD+/NADH ratio. Thus, G6 alleviated the oxidative stress state in UVA-irradiated cells. Moreover, G6 can regulate the SIRT1/pGC-1α pathway, which enhanced the cells' viability and mitochondria energy metabolism. Notably, the anti-photoaging potential of G6 was directly associated with the increased level of MMP and SIRT1, which was followed by the upregulation of pGC-1α, D-LOOP, and Mt-TFA, and with the transcriptional activation of NRF1/NRF2. Taking all of the results together, we conclude that G6 could protect HaCaT cells from UVA-induced photo-aging via the regulation of mitochondria energy metabolism and its downstream signaling pathways.

Low molecular polypeptide from oyster hydrolysate recovers photoaging in SKH-1 hairless mice

When the human skin is chronically exposed to external stimuli such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the skin tissue suffers damage and the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the skin is disrupted. This eventually causes symptoms such as wrinkles loss of elasticity, skin sagging, and skin cancer. We previously found that hydrolysate extracted from pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is effective in improving wrinkle formation. In this study, we selected a pentapeptide that was expected to have the most wrinkle reduction effect among the various peptides in oyster hydrolysate through preliminary in vitro screening and examined whether the pentapeptide derived from oyster hydrolysate (OHP) is effective in reducing wrinkles in vivo. We investigated the wrinkle-reducing effect of the OHP through 18-week SKH-1 hairless mice model. Our results showed that the OHP reduces wrinkles lengths, depths, and epidermal thickness which were increased by UVB radiation, and restores the amount of collagen. The OHP recovered the activity of antioxidant enzymes and regulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. We also found that OHP increases the expression of type I collagen through stimulating the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway and inhibits the MMPs expression by regulating the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway. This study has shown that the OHP plays crucial roles in collagen production and wrinkle reduction in hairless mice and we proved the possibility of the OHP as a component for inhibiting wrinkle formation which was induced by photoaging.

Effect of Peptides from Alaska Pollock on Intestinal Mucosal Immunity Function and Purification of Active Fragments

The intestinal mucosal barrier plays an important role in systemic immune functions. This study aimed to find the mechanism of peptide from Alaska Pollock (APP) on intestinal mucosal immunity in mice induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy). Cy-induced decreases of body weight and index of immune organ were significantly improved by APP as compared with Cy group (p < 0.05). APP could promote the secretion of SIgA and IgA on intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05) and mainly had an impact on the final differentiation of IgA⁺ B cell, thereby promoting the secretion of plasma cells, which can be corroborated by the increases of IL-6 and IL-10 (p < 0.05). APP with high immune activity was separated and two peptides were purified and identified as Gly–Val–Ile–Lys and Ala–Cys–Asn–Gly–Arg. Therefore, APP can be considered as beneficial ingredients to protect the intestinal barrier disruption induced by Cy.

A Peptide YGDEY from Tilapia Gelatin Hydrolysates Inhibits UVB-mediated Skin Photoaging by Regulating MMP-1 and MMP-9 Expression in HaCaT Cells

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of a peptide (YGDEY, Tyr-Gly-Asp-Glu-Tyr) isolated from tilapia skin gelatin hydrolysates (TGHs), against UVB-induced photoaging in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. Results showed that YGDEY significantly decreased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased antioxidant factors (Superoxide Dismutase, SOD and Glutathione, GSH) expression and maintained balance between GSH and GSSG in HaCaT cells. Comet assay shows that YGDEY can protect DNA from oxidative damage. Furthermore, it significantly inhibited MMP-1 (collagenase) and MMP-9 (gelatinase) expression and increased Type I procollagen production. In addition, the molecular docking study showed that YGDEY may form active sites with MMP-1 and MMP-9. Moreover, Western blot analysis was utilized to measure the protein levels of UVB-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Therefore, these results suggested that YGDEY has a therapeutic effectiveness in prevention of UVB-induced cellular damage, and it is a candidate worthy of being developed as a potential natural antioxidant and food additive.

Transdermal permeation effect of collagen hydrolysates of deer sinew on mouse skin, ex vitro, and antioxidant activity, increased type I collagen secretion of percutaneous proteins in NIH/3T3 cells

BACKGROUND

The collagen hydrolysates as a cosmetic material have already been wide application. At present, few studies concern with transdermal behavior of collagen hydrolysates in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

Deer sinew contains rich collagen with a content of 82.12%. Thus, this article mainly studies the transdermal effect of collagen hydrolysates of deer sinew (DSCH) on mouse skin, ex vitro, and to explore skincare protection of percutaneous proteins.

METHODS

Collagen hydrolysates of deer sinew were extracted by 0.2% HCl and a two-step enzymatic method of pepsin-trypsin. The content of 17 amino acids of DSCH was detected by precolumn derivatization RP-HPLC. Using Franz diffusion cell systems studied the transdermal effect of DSCH and then examined the percutaneous rate and molecular weight distribution of percutaneous proteins (PP). Further, we studied the bioactivity of PP in vitro, such as the total antioxidant capacity and collagen secretion in NIH/3T3 cells.

RESULTS

About 8.0% DSCH could penetrate skin of mouse, the molecular weight of PP mainly distributed in 5 ~ 13 kDa, accounted for 91.55%. Compared with the antioxidant activity of DSCH, PP had obvious antioxidant activity of scavenging radical cation. Meanwhile, PP promoted cell proliferation and collagen I secretion in fibroblast cells; however, level of type III collagen has no change.

CONCLUSION

Collagen hydrolysates of deer sinew may be used as cosmetic material to protect the skin from oxidative stress, to prevent premature skin aging.

Ameliorative effects of snake (Deinagkistrodon acutus) oil and its main fatty acids against UVB-induced skin photodamage in mice

The effects of topically administered snake (Deinagkistrodon acutus) oil and its main fatty acid components on skin photodamage were explored. Epidermal thickness, mice body weight, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase), inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6), skin histology, collagen content, and metalloproteinase-1 indicators were analyzed. The results show that topical application of both snake oil and its main fatty acids recovered ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induced antioxidant enzymes depletion, prevented metalloproteinase-1. Snake oil and its main fatty acids suppressed dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduced inflammatory cytokines levels. Notably, there was no significant difference in the antioxidant activity but a significant difference in the anti-inflammatory activity between fatty acids and snake oil under the same dose. Finally, snake oil and its main fatty acids inhibited UVB-induced histological damage such as epidermal thickening, collagen fiber and elastic fiber destruction. Our study demonstrated for the first time in KM mice that snake oil exhibited prominent photoprotection activity by protecting the activity of antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting inflammatory factors, as well as reducing the generation of MMP-1. What's more, the main fatty acids in snake oil play an important role in preventing photo-damage especially in protecting antioxidant enzyme activity.

Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) as Source of Antioxidant Peptides

The jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo, Macrì 1778 (Cnidaria, Rhizostomae) undergoes recurrent outbreaks in the Mediterranean coastal waters, with large biomass populations representing a nuisance or damage for marine and maritime activities. A preliminary overview of the antioxidant activity (AA) of R. pulmo proteinaceous compounds is provided here based on the extraction and characterization of both soluble and insoluble membrane-fractioned proteins, the latter digested by sequential enzymatic hydrolyses with pepsin and collagenases. All jellyfish proteins showed significant AA, with low molecular weight (MW) proteins correlated with greater antioxidant activity. In particular, collagenase-hydrolysed collagen resulted in peptides with MW lower than 3 kDa, ranging 3⁻10 kDa or 10⁻30 kDa, with AA inversely proportional to MW. No cytotoxic effect was detected on cultured human keratinocytes (HEKa) in a range of protein concentration 0.05⁻20 μg/mL for all tested protein fractions except for soluble proteins higher than 30 kDa, likely containing the jellyfish venom compounds. Furthermore, hydrolyzed jellyfish collagen peptides showed a significantly higher AA and provided a greater protective effect against oxidative stress in HEKa than the hydrolyzed collagen peptides from vertebrates. Due to a high reproductive potential, jellyfish may represent a potential socioeconomic opportunity as a source of natural bioactive compounds, with far-reaching beneficial implications. Eventually, improvements in processing technology will promote the use of untapped marine biomasses in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical fields, turning marine management problems into a more positive perspective.

The wound healing potential of collagen peptides derived from the jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum

PURPOSE

Wound represents a major health challenge as they consume a large amount of healthcare resources to improve patient's quality of life. Many scientific studies have been conducted in search of ideal biomaterials with wound-healing activity for clinical use and collagen has been proven to be a suitable candidate biomaterial. This study intended to investigate the wound healing activity of collagen peptides derived from jellyfish following oral administration.

METHODS

In this study, collagen was extracted from the jellyfish--Rhopilema esculentum using 1% pepsin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were used to identify and determine the molecular weight of the jellyfish collagen. Collagenase II, papain and alkaline proteinase were used to breakdown jellyfish collagen into collagen peptides. Wound scratch assay (in vitro) was done to determine migration potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) covering the artificial wound created on the cell monolayer following treatment with collagen peptides. In vivo studies were conducted to determine the effects of collagen peptides on wound healing by examining wound contraction, re-epithelialization, tissue regeneration and collagen deposition on the wounded skin of mice. Confidence level (p < 0.05) was considered significant using GraphPad Prism software.

RESULTS

The yield of collagen was 4.31%. The SDS-PAGE and FTIR showed that extracted collagen from jellyfish was type I. Enzymatic hydrolysis of this collagen using collagenase II produced collagen peptides (CP₁) and hydrolysis with alkaline proteinase/papain resulted into collagen peptides (CP₂). Tricine SDS-PAGE revealed that collagen peptides consisted of protein fragments with molecular weight <25 kDa. Wound scratch assay showed that there were significant effects on the scratch closure on cells treated with collagen peptides at a concentration of 6.25 μg/mL for 48 h as compared to the vehicle treated cells. Overall treatment with collagen peptide on mice with full thickness excised wounds had a positive result in wound contraction as compared with the control. Histological assessment of peptides treated mice models showed remarkable sign of re-epithelialization, tissue regeneration and increased collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry of the skin sections showed a significant increase in β-fibroblast growth factor (β-FGF) and the transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) expression on collagen peptides treated group.

CONCLUSION

Collagen peptides derived from the jellyfish-Rhopilema esculentum can accelerate the wound healing process thus could be a therapeutic potential product that may be beneficial in wound clinics in the future.

A gelatin/collagen/polycaprolactone scaffold for skin regeneration

Background

A tissue-engineered skin substitute, based on gelatin (“G”), collagen (“C”), and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL; “P”), was developed.

Method

G/C/P biocomposites were fabricated by impregnation of lyophilized gelatin/collagen (GC) mats with PCL solutions, followed by solvent evaporation. Two different GC:PCL ratios (1:8 and 1:20) were used.

Results

Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that all G/C/P biocomposites had characteristic melting point of PCL at around 60 °C. Scanning electron microscopy showed that all biocomposites had similar fibrous structures. Good cytocompatibility was present in all G/C/P biocomposites when incubated with primary human epidermal keratinocytes (PHEK), human dermal fibroblasts (PHDF) and human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro. All G/C/P biocomposites exhibited similar cell growth and mechanical characteristics in comparison with C/P biocomposites. G/C/P biocomposites with a lower collagen content showed better cell proliferation than those with a higher collagen content in vitro. Due to reasonable mechanical strength and biocompatibility in vitro, G/C/P with a lower content of collagen and a higher content of PCL (GC_LP_H) was selected for animal wound healing studies. According to our data, a significant promotion in wound healing and skin regeneration could be observed in GC_LP_H seeded with adipose-derived stem cells by Gomori’s trichrome staining.

Conclusion

This study may provide an effective and low-cost wound dressings to assist skin regeneration for clinical use.