Nutrition and Food Chemistry

Statement of the Problem: Intestine, a tightly regulated barrier responsible for nutrients absorption and defense against noxious molecular and organisms, has been recognized as a key factor involved in the pathogenesis of food allergy, inflammation bowel disease, celiac disease and development of immune and organ dysfunction after burn and critical illness. Thus, the protection of intestinal barrier function is regard as a pivotal target for health and improves the prognosis of critically ill patients.  Collagen peptides (CPs) have been shown to have broad spectra of physiologic and pharmacological properties and confirmed as a safe nutritional supplement for the development of functional food by many international organizations.

Findings:Collagen peptides derived from Alaska pollock skin could attenuate TNF-α induced barrier dysfunction of Caco-2 cells and burn induced intestinal barrier disruption of mice via inhibiting the NFκB and MAPKs-mediated MLCK pathway with associated reorganization and decreases of tight junction protein ZO-1 and occludin.

 Conclusion & Significance: This study first systematically studied and elucidated the protective effect of Alaska pollock skin derived collagen peptides on intestinal mucosal barrier function and its mechanism. It not only provides a theoretical basia for the development of CPs supplemented functional foods, but also offers a new strategy for the patients suffering from intestinal barrier dysfunction.