Sericin is an orally active globular protein produced by silkworm cocoons. Sericin inhibits the expression of COX2, iNOS, TLR4, MAPK and NF-κB; reduces the levels of IL-18, IL-1 and CCL2; antagonizes the activity of AChE; and downregulates the expression of Bcl-2. Sericin enhances the PI3K / AKT -mediated insulin signaling pathway. Sericin inhibits the activity of tyrosinase ( Tyrosinase ), scavenges ROS, chelates metal ions, and increases the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Sericin induces apoptosis and arrests the cell cycle. Sericin exhibits antibacterial, moisturizing, cardioprotective and anticoagulant properties. Sericin can be used in research related to type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, colon cancer, peripheral nerve injury and ischemic myocardial infarction [1] [2].
In Vivo, A sericin hydrogel reduces wound size, granulation tissue, and inflammatory cell presence in diabetic mice with skin wounds over 21 days[2]. Sericin (p.o.) reduces blood glucose levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances antioxidative activity in type 2 diabetic mice[2]. Sericin treatment improves cardiac mitochondrial structure, metabolism, and protein expression profiles in hypercholesterolaemic rats[2].
In Vitro, Sericin promotes the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in monocytes and alveolar macrophage cell lines without activating other inflammatory cascades[1]. Sericin reduces the expression of c-fos, c-myc and COX-2 in normal epidermal cells stimulated by TPA, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects[1]. Sericin exhibits anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest in SW480 colon cancer cells, which is achieved by enhancing Caspase-3 activity and reducing Bcl-2 expression[1]. Sericin acts as an efficient substitute for bovine serum albumin, and promotes the proliferation of hybridoma cells 2E3-O, HepG2, HeLa, 293, Balb3T3 and RC4 corneal cells in serum-free medium[2]. 0.5% Sericin increases the blastocyst development rate of prepubertal lamb oocytes cultured in vitro, and when combined with FLI, their developmental capacity reaches a level comparable to that of adult follicular fluid[2]. Sericin (80 µg/mL) enhances the amplification of ZIKV in C6/36 insect cells and Vero mammalian cells in vitro, while also providing cryoprotection for C6/36 cells[2].
References:
[1]. Rahimpour S, et al. Regulatory effect of sericin protein in inflammatory pathways; A comprehensive review. Pathol Res Pract. 2023;243:154369.
[2]. Aad R, et al. Sericin Protein: Structure, Properties, and Applications. J Funct Biomater. 2024;15(11):322. Published 2024 Oct 29.
In Vivo, A sericin hydrogel reduces wound size, granulation tissue, and inflammatory cell presence in diabetic mice with skin wounds over 21 days[2]. Sericin (p.o.) reduces blood glucose levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances antioxidative activity in type 2 diabetic mice[2]. Sericin treatment improves cardiac mitochondrial structure, metabolism, and protein expression profiles in hypercholesterolaemic rats[2].
In Vitro, Sericin promotes the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in monocytes and alveolar macrophage cell lines without activating other inflammatory cascades[1]. Sericin reduces the expression of c-fos, c-myc and COX-2 in normal epidermal cells stimulated by TPA, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects[1]. Sericin exhibits anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest in SW480 colon cancer cells, which is achieved by enhancing Caspase-3 activity and reducing Bcl-2 expression[1]. Sericin acts as an efficient substitute for bovine serum albumin, and promotes the proliferation of hybridoma cells 2E3-O, HepG2, HeLa, 293, Balb3T3 and RC4 corneal cells in serum-free medium[2]. 0.5% Sericin increases the blastocyst development rate of prepubertal lamb oocytes cultured in vitro, and when combined with FLI, their developmental capacity reaches a level comparable to that of adult follicular fluid[2]. Sericin (80 µg/mL) enhances the amplification of ZIKV in C6/36 insect cells and Vero mammalian cells in vitro, while also providing cryoprotection for C6/36 cells[2].
References:
[1]. Rahimpour S, et al. Regulatory effect of sericin protein in inflammatory pathways; A comprehensive review. Pathol Res Pract. 2023;243:154369.
[2]. Aad R, et al. Sericin Protein: Structure, Properties, and Applications. J Funct Biomater. 2024;15(11):322. Published 2024 Oct 29.