Protective effect of polypeptide from Chlamys farreri on hairless mice damaged by ultraviolet A.

AIM: To study the protective effect of the polypeptide isolated from Chlamys farreri (PCF) on hairless mice skin damaged by ultraviolet A. METHODS: Enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by biochemical methods; the expressions of Bcl-2 protein and NOS protein were examined by immunohistochemical technique. The ultra-structure of the skin was observed through electronic microscope. RESULTS: PCF could enhance the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC). Also PCF could reduce the amount of MDA, increase the expression of Bcl-2 protein, and inhibit the expression of NOS protein. The ultra-structure of epidermis and fibroblasts remained normal in 20 % PCF groups; there were vacuoles in smooth endoplasm reticulum in epidermis of mice and the number of rough endoplasm reticulum in fibroblasts was decreased in model group. CONCLUSION: PCF had the protective effects on hairless mice skin damaged by ultraviolet A via its anti-oxidative mechanisms.