Genotoxicity evaluation of collagen peptide derived from skate (Raja kenojei) skin: In vitro and in vivo studies

The medicinal properties and benefits of collagen peptides (CPs) are widely recognized and utilized. However, the potential genotoxicity of CPs remains elusive.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential genotoxicity of CP derived from skate (Raja kenojei) skin (CPSS). To achieve this, we conducted a comprehensive study using three standard battery systems in accordance with the test guidelines provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, as well as the principles of Good Laboratory Practice.

We performed a bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) test using the pre-incubation method, with or without a metabolic activation system (S9 mixture). The Ames test, conducted on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537, as well as Escherichia coli strain WP2uvrA, demonstrated that CPSS did not cause gene mutations in any of the tested strains, regardless of the dose level. In addition, we performed an in vitro chromosome aberration test using cultured Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells, with and without the S9 mixture, and an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test on specific pathogen-free male ICR mice. Both the in vitro chromosomal aberration test and the in vivo micronucleus test revealed no chromosomal aberrations resulting from CPSS treatment.

Our findings demonstrate that CPSS does not exhibit mutagenic or clastogenic activity in either in vitro or in vivo test systems, supporting its potential as a safe material for medical use.