A Food Supplement of Hydrolyzed Collagen Improves Compositional and Biodynamic Characteristics of Vertebrae in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

Collagen hydrolysates (CHs) are mixtures of peptides obtained by partial hydrolysis of gelatins that are receiving scientific attention as potential oral supplements for the recovery of osteoarticular tissues. The effect of supplementing the diets with a CH was assessed in 48 ovariectomized rats by analyzing the compositional and biomechanical characteristics of the bone. Six groups of rats (three ovariectomized, one sham-operated, and two intact) were fed a standard diet, supplemented with either CH or gelatin (Control), at two levels: a dose equivalent to five times the amount suggested for humans (10 g/day) or another 10 times greater. After 8 weeks, the femora and vertebrae were excised, the blood was collected, and serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were determined. Bone weight, total protein, and biomechanical strength were also determined. The vertebrae of the ovariectomized group that received the higher dosage of CH withstood a load four times greater and exhibited higher levels of protein and osteocalcin content than those receiving either gelatin or no supplement. CH supplementation at the higher level in the ovariectomized rat had an unequivocal contribution in the conservation or preservation of vertebral mass, protein content, and mechanical strength not seen when gelatin was used as a supplement. Similar treatment of the intact rat with the CH, however, appeared to have the opposite effect.

Daily oral consumption of hydrolyzed type 1 collagen is chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory in murine posttraumatic osteoarthritis

“…Specifically, collagen peptides enhance skin hydration and elasticity and stimulate the production of dermal matrix [17, 45]. In the skeleton, collagen peptides have been shown to increase bone strength and mineral density, supporting their potential disease modifying capability in osteoporosis [16, 46, 47]. Since collagen is a major component of the matrix in key joint structures including the articular cartilage, collagen peptides have also been proposed as potential disease modifiers in arthritic conditions [20].…”

Collagen hydrolysates increased osteogenic gene expressions via a MAPK signaling pathway in MG-63 human osteoblasts

“…4,[7][8][9][10][11] The effect of CHs on osteoblasts is likely due to its anabolic action, including proliferation and promotion of osteoblastic differentiation. 4,10 The signaling mechanisms of CHs action remain elusive.…”

Biological Effect of Hydrolyzed Collagen on Bone Metabolism

“…The beneficial effect was partly attributed to a significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) and a decreased urinary excretion of resorption markers (NTX, C telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX) and deoxypyridinoline). As mentioned above, HC ingestion can increase the content of organic substance in bone (Watanabe-Kamiyama et al, 2010). In OVX rats, HC supplementation at a level 10 times higher than the human recommendations (i.e.…”