Effect of Fish Scale Collagen on the Healing Process of Rat Bone Defect

Abstract

Collagen used clinically is generally derived from either cows or pigs, thus there is a risk of zoonosis. On the other hand, there is no danger of animal-to-human disease transmission with scale collagen derived from fish scales, a possible alternative to bovine or porcine collagen.

In the present study, fish scale collagen was applied using sponges to bone defects with a diameter of 8 mm and thickness of approximately 2 mm formed in the skullcaps of rats. Samples were obtained at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, and examined with micro-computed tomography. Using those images, we determined the ratio of new bone to bone defects, as well as bone volume, mineral content, and mineral density, and then compared the results with images from the control group.

New bone area ratio, bone volume, and bone mineral content tended to be greater in the experimental group. Bone mineral density showed an increasing tendency at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, with a significant difference noted between that at 4 and 8 weeks. Furthermore, bone mineral density in the experimental group was lower at 4 weeks than in the control group, while it reached nearly the same level at 8 weeks.

Fish scale collagen is thought to offer superior levels of cell proliferation, and initial differentiation and promotion of osteoblasts. We consider that the present findings may have been related to promotion of proliferation of cells involved in osteogenesis. Accordingly, fish scale collagen may be an effective alternative to conventional bovine and porcine collagen materials for promoting osteogenesis.