Study Suggests Bovine Sialoglycoproteins Could Be Effective in Anti-Aging, Wound Healing

Bovine sialoglycoproteins may be effective agents in several dermatologic indications, including skin aging, scarring, and wounds.

Supak/AdobeStock

In one study,¹ researchers sought to investigate the effects of sialoglycoproteins on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), citing the role of fibroblasts in contributing to aging and potential for chronic wounds, particularly in the elderly.

Using bovine milk, researchers purified sialoglycoproteins. Additionally, they cultured some of the NHDF cells in a combination fetal bovine serum/penicillin/streptomycin medium; other NHDF cells were cultured in a control medium not containing the serum.

Researchers then conducted a cell viability assay and calculated the doubling time of the cells. Afterwards, they performed a scratch wound healing assay on NHDF cells by making a scratch in the cellular monolayer at confluence. Using microscopic viewing and image software, researchers measured the scratch area and calculated wound closure.

They also calculated the contraction rate of fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) and conducted a reverse transcription-quantitative real time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, lectin histochemistry assay, SDS-PAGE and lectin blotting, western blot assay, and a statistical analysis.

As a result of the study, researchers found that the viability of NHDF cells was enhanced through increased concentrations of bovine sialoglycoproteins, leading to statistically significant shortening of NHDF cell doubling time when compared to the control, and ultimately to the proliferation and migration of NHDF cells.

Through significant differences in FPCL contraction rates between control and serum NHDF cells, as well as stronger growth states in cells treated with bovine sialoglycoproteins, researchers noted the capability of bovine sialoglycoproteins to aid in skin wound healing.

“The present study showed that bovine sialoglycoproteins promoted the proliferation and migration of NHDF cells, accelerated FPCL contraction, increased FGF-2 expression but suppressed TGF-β1 and COL-I production in NHDF cells, and also enhanced α2,6-sialylation on the cell surface,” study authors wrote. “These results suggested that bovine sialoglycoproteins may be a candidate for anti-skin aging and scarless wound healing.”

Reference

1. Wang X, Yue L, Zhang F, Bao X, Song W, Li Z. Roles of bovine sialoglycoproteins for anti‐skin aging and accelerating skin wound healing. J Cosmet Dermatol. Published online June 13, 2023. doi:10.1111/jocd.15859