DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Collagen is the amplest animal protein polymer and makes up about 30% of the total protein in the animal body. Collagen extracted from fish waste is not associated with serious infectious diseases nor is there religious objection. Here, we investigated the collagen genes relative expression (col 1a2 and col 1a1) in the skin of Nile tilapia at 5, 7, 9 and 12 months of age as well as the effect of infection with Aeromonas hydrophila on regulating collagen genes to study the correlation between the transcription levels of collagen genes (col 1a1 and col 1a2) and the immune-related genes (IL-1 β, IFN- γ and TGF-β) in order to demonstrate the association between them. Additionally, the immune-related genes regulation levels in control and infected groups (P<0.05) were tested to comprehend that association. The highest regulation levels of collagen genes had been noticed in 9 months age group. Noticeably the infection triggered a response which significantly reduced collagen genes expression that was indicated with the significant upregulation of both of IL-1β, INF-γ. However, TGF-β transcription was downregulated. For collagen industry and research purposes, collagen protein is isolated from 9 months age un-infected Nile tilapia fish is recommended for the best quality and quantity.