Collagen and soy peptides attenuate contractile loss from UVA damage and enhance the antioxidant capacity of dermal fibroblasts

Abstract Background Wrinkles and extracellular matrix (ECM) loss are common signs of skin aging and are thought to be the result of damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS); ROS induces an imbalance between ECM degradation and production. Objectives In this study, we evaluate soy peptides (SP) and collagen peptides (CP), alone and in combination, for their ability to inhibit ROS formation and increase ECM gene expression in order to ameliorate the signs of skin aging. Methods Using tert ‐Butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BuOOH)–treated dermal fibroblasts, we explored the potential of CP and SP to inhibit ROS formation by flow cytometry, as well as their effect on ECM component genes by real‐time quantitative PCR. In addition, we examined the effect of CP and SP on UVA irradiated fibroblasts in a 3D collagen lattice model that measured contractility. Results The results showed that the combination of CP and SP synergistically reduces ROS formation. This combination also increased expression of collagen I, collagen II, elastin, and fibronectin in t‐BuOOH‐treated or untreated dermal fibroblasts. In the UVA‐treated 3D collagen lattice model, the results show that CP and SP significantly improved fibroblast contractility when compared to UVA control ( P < 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, CP and SP attenuate the loss of contractility due to UVA damage, inhibit t‐BuOOH‐induced ROS formation, and improve expression of ECM component genes.