Impact of hydrolyzed collagen from defatted sea bass skin on proliferation and differentiation of preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells

Osteoporosis is a serious problem affecting health of the elderly. Drugs (bisphosphonates) applied for treatment are often accompanied by adverse side effects. Thus, fish byproduct-derived peptides, particularly hydrolyzed collagen (HC) from defatted sea bass skin, could be a safe source of anti-osteoporosis agents. This study aimed to examine the effects of HC on proliferation and differentiation of preosteoblast cells. HC prepared using papain before Alcalase hydrolysis was determined for molecular weight (MW) distribution. Thereafter, the resulting HC (50–800 µg/mL) was added to the cell. Proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity (AP-A) and mineralization of cells were investigated. Moreover, the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and the p-Akt/Akt pathway were also determined using Western blot. The results showed that HC had an MW < 3 kDa. HC (50–200 µg/mL) could promote cell proliferation. Nevertheless, HC at 100 µg/mL (HC-100) had enhanced AP-A and increased mineralization during the first 7 days of culture. Moreover, HC-treated cells had higher calcium depositions than the control (p < 0.05). Additionally, cells treated with HC-100 had higher levels of RUNX2 and p-Akt expressions than control (p < 0.05). Therefore, HC could be a promising functional ingredient to promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, which could enhance bone strength.