GLGPGVG derived from bovine elastin repairs UV-induced photoaging in human foreskin fibroblasts and its potential bioavailability

Studies have indicated the potential of oral elastin hydrolysates in repairing photoaging skin. To reveal the underlying mechanism, this study examined how two elastin-derived peptides (Gly-Leu-Gly-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly [GLGPGVG] and Pro-Tyr [PY]) repair ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and explored their digestive stability using UPLC-MS/MS. Results showed that UV-damaged HFFs treated with GLGPGVG showed higher superoxide dismutases (SOD) activity and cell viability compared with PY treatment. Furthermore, GLGPGVG even reversed UV-induced increase in reactive oxygen species, MMP-12 (elastase), elastin mRNA and intercellular Ca²⁺ levels, and decrease in elastin content. Intriguingly, in vitro digestion products from GLGPGVG retained approximately 60% of elastase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a portion of GLGPGVG was observed to pass through the Caco-2 monolayer intact. These findings revealed that elastin-derived peptide GLGPGVG holds promise for passing through the gastrointestinal tract and exerting protective effects against photoaging through increasing SOD activity and inhibiting MMP-12 expression.