COLLAGEN HYDROLYSATES PROMOTES LONGITUDINAL BONE GROWTH OF ADOLESCENT RATS

Abstract

Collagen hydrolysates (Ch) are mixtures of peptides obtained by partial hydrolysis of gelatin that are receiving scientific attention as potential oral supplements for the recovery of osteoarticular tissues. The aim of this study was to provide the Ch which is effective on longitudinal bone growth of growing rats. Porcine skin gelatin was hydrolyzed by manipulating two reaction parameters; enzyme combination and reaction time. An in vitro study was carried out in osteoblast-like MG63 cells and the most effective Ch on bone formation was selected among 36 various Ch. The effects of selected Ch (molecular weight of < 3kda) on the rate of longitudinal bone growth of the tibia in the rat were examined. Ch dose-dependently promotes the longitudinal bone growth and height of the growth plate in adolescent male rats whereas gelatin failed to affect longitudinal bone growth. insulin-like growth factor-1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in the Ch treated group were highly expressed in the growth plate. These results suggest that Ch isolated in this study may provide beneficial effects on bone metabolism of growing animals and humans.