Collagen type II, alpha 1 protein: a bioactive component of shark cartilage

Int Immunopharmacol. 2013 Feb;15(2):309-15. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2012.12.001. Epub 2012 Dec 20.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that extracts of shark cartilage induce a cytokine response in human leukocytes, but the nature of the bioactive component(s) is unknown. Extracts treated with proteases lost 80% of their cytokine-inducing property, suggesting that the active component(s) was likely a complex protein. The aim of the present study was to determine the nature of the bioactive molecule(s). Solid phase extraction followed by ion exchange chromatography and electrophoretic separation were used to partially purify a bioactive preparation from commercial shark cartilage that has been identified as a small glycoprotein. LC-MS analysis yielded peptides with 100% molecular identity with collagen type II, alpha I protein from the lesser spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula. The implications for the consumption of shark cartilage as a dietary supplement are discussed given the presence of collagen type II, alpha 1 protein in extracts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Ion Exchange
  • Collagen Type I / analysis
  • Collagen Type I / chemistry
  • Collagen Type I / pharmacology*
  • Conserved Sequence
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / genetics
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptide Fragments / genetics
  • Peptide Fragments / isolation & purification
  • Tissue Extracts / chemistry
  • Tissue Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Tissue Extracts
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • shark cartilage extract