Seahorse-Derived Peptide Protects Skin from UV Damage by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Preserving Collagen | Research

The takeaway

An antioxidant peptide (SHP2) from seahorse hydrolysate protected skin cells from UVB damage by reducing reactive oxygen species, preventing collagen breakdown (MMP inhibition), and promoting collagen synthesis in both cell and zebrafish models.

Dual protection mechanism
SHP2 both reduces oxidative damage (antioxidant) and preserves collagen (MMP inhibition + synthesis promotion) — addressing the two main drivers of skin aging

What the researchers found

SHP2 from seahorse hydrolysate protected keratinocytes from UVB by reducing ROS and apoptosis, inhibited MMPs in fibroblasts while promoting collagen synthesis, and demonstrated anti-photoaging effects in a zebrafish model.

Why it matters

The anti-aging skincare market is massive, and consumers increasingly seek bioactive peptide ingredients with scientific backing. SHP2 addresses the two main mechanisms of skin aging — oxidative damage and collagen loss — making it a strong candidate for evidence-based cosmeceuticals.

The numbers in context

SHP2 improved cell viability, reduced ROS, attenuated apoptosis markers, and decreased inflammatory cytokines in UVB-exposed skin cells.

How the study worked

SHP2 peptide purified from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) alcalase hydrolysate. Tested on UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes (cell viability, ROS, apoptosis) and HDF fibroblasts (MMP inhibition, collagen synthesis). In vivo validation in a zebrafish photoaging model.

Who was studied

Human skin cells (HaCaT, HDF) and zebrafish UV model

What this study cannot tell us

Cell culture and zebrafish models — human skin is more complex. The specific MMP subtypes inhibited weren't detailed. Formulation stability, skin penetration, and clinical efficacy in human subjects haven't been tested. Seahorse sustainability and sourcing is an ethical concern.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary evidence from in vitro cell culture and zebrafish in vivo models. The dual mechanism is well-characterized but human clinical evidence is lacking.

When this study was published

Published in 2024; represents current marine peptide cosmeceutical research.

The bigger picture

Marine-derived bioactive peptides are a growing source of cosmeceutical ingredients. Seahorse peptides join a portfolio that includes peptides from fish collagen, sea cucumber, and marine algae. The zebrafish validation adds in vivo evidence that many cosmetic peptide studies lack.

Questions still open

Can SHP2 penetrate human skin in a topical formulation at effective concentrations?
How does SHP2's anti-photoaging efficacy compare to established cosmetic peptides like palmitoyl pentapeptide?
Can SHP2 be produced synthetically rather than from seahorse extraction for sustainability?

Common questions

Can a peptide from seahorses prevent wrinkles?

In lab tests, SHP2 from seahorse protein protected skin cells from UV damage and promoted collagen production. These are the key processes behind wrinkle formation. However, it hasn't been tested on human skin yet, so we can't confirm it prevents wrinkles in practice.

Is using seahorse-derived ingredients ethical?

Seahorse populations are under conservation pressure. For commercial use, the peptide would ideally be produced synthetically (once the exact sequence is known) rather than extracted from seahorses, which would address both sustainability and supply concerns.

Read the original research

Anti-Photoaging Effects of Antioxidant Peptide from Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) in In Vivo and In Vitro Models.

Marine drugs, 22(10)

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Yang, Fengqi; Yang, Yang; Xiao, Dandan; Kim, Poongho; Lee, Jihee; Jeon, You-Jin; Wang, Lei. (2024). Anti-Photoaging Effects of Antioxidant Peptide from Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) in In Vivo and In Vitro Models.. Marine drugs, 22(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100471