Extracted Marine Collagen From Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) Skin Accelerates Burn Healing: Histopathological, Immunohistochemical and Gene Expression Analysis | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences | ||
| Article 14, Volume 56, Issue 10, October 2025, Pages 2449-2465 PDF (1.66 M) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejvs.2024.290709.2100 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Aml Abdelnaby1; Doaa Hosny Assar2; Abdallah Salah3; Ayman Atiba4; Asmaa M. El-Nokrashy5; Ahmed E. Elshafey6; Ali El-Far7; Zizy Ibrahim Elbialy* 8 | ||
| 1Fish processing and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt | ||
| 2Faculty of Veterinary MEdicine, 33516 Al Geish Street, Kafrelsheikh University, | ||
| 3Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt | ||
| 4Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt | ||
| 5Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt. | ||
| 6Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-sheikh 33516, Egypt | ||
| 7Department of Biochemistry, Fac. of Vet. Med., Damanhour University, Egypt | ||
| 833516 Al Geish street, Kafrelsheikh University, | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Healthy skin protects our bodies from environmental harm. Burns, however, can lead to infections and delayed healing, often with poor cosmetic results. Therefore, promoting efficient wound healing is crucial to restore normal skin function while minimizing scarring. This study investigated the potential benefits of tilapia skin collagen in accelerating burn repair and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Analysis using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the extracted tilapia collagen (TC) possessed a triple helical structure characteristic of type I collagen. Histopathological examination revealed that TC treatment promoted collagen deposition, epithelization (skin resurfacing), and complete reconstruction of connective tissue compared to the collagen control group (CG). Masson's trichrome staining further supported these findings. The tilapia collagen group (TCG) displayed dense and organized collagen fibers, indicating a more complete remodeling process compared to CG. Notably, TCG exhibited increased expression of growth factors Basic-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), while showing a decrease in Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA), suggesting a potential shift towards wound healing and reduced scarring. Topical application of tilapia collagen (TC) appears to promote burn wound healing through several mechanisms. TC may accelerate the healing process by rapidly reducing wound size and increasing the rate of epithelization (skin resurfacing). It may also stimulate collagen production and deposition, leading to a thicker dermis (skin layer). Additionally, TC may promote new blood vessel formation (neovascularization) in granulation tissue, potentially reducing scar formation. Interestingly, studies suggest that collagen interacts with alpha-SMA, but not TGF-β1, potentially explaining the reduced scarring effect. These findings position tilapia-derived collagen as a promising, safe, and cost-effective alternative to existing wound care products. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Tilapia collagen; Burn; Histopathology; Gene expression | ||
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