304 Collagent tripeptide may modulate inflammation in atopic dermatitis

Purpose: Collagen tripeptide (CTP) is a collagen fraction that is known to have various biological effects. Previously we reported CTP improved dryness and pruritus in a dry skin model in mice. In this study, we examined the effects of CTP for inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: Levels of cytokines/chemokines were evaluated in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) in the presence or absence of CTP under AD-like inflammation by qPCR, ELISA, and Immunoblotting. To examine the functional effect of CTP, a migration assay was performed using the supernatants of cultured NHEKs with CTP. The signaling pathway on inhibitory activity of CTP was also determined. Additionally, we conducted a clinical trial for 17 AD patients, who were randomly assigned to take daily either 3.9g of CTP or normal collagen peptide (CP) for 12 weeks. SCORAD, hydration, and TEWL were evaluated at the start, week 8 and 12. The levels of eosinophil counts, total IgE, LDH, and TARC in blood samples at week 12 were compared with those at the start. Results: mRNA and protein levels of TARC and TSLP were significantly inhibited by CTP in NHEKs stimulated with TNF-α/IFN-γ and IL-13. Supernatants gained from CTP-treated NHEKs inhibited cell migration. STAT1 phosphorylation was obviously reduced by CTP. In the clinical trial, 13 (7 for CTP, 6 for CP) patients finalized this study. Significant reductions of SCORAD score and TARC level were observed in CTP group at week 12. The partial improvement in TEWL was also seen in CTP group. Conclusion: CTP may modulate AD inflammation.