Endar Marraskuranto, Fajar Shodiq Permata, Ekowati Chasanah, Pujoyuwono Martosuyono, Farida Ariyani
Introduction: Fish protein hydrolysate (FPH), in particular, contains small, crucial peptides that offer beneficial health effects. However, research on its immunological effects remains limited. This study investigates the impact of fish hydrolysate on immune-related tissues (blood and spleen) and visceral organs (liver and kidneys) in rats. Methods: FPH was produced from the hydrolysis of Clarias catfish-minced meat using Alcalase. In vivo evaluation was conducted using freeze-dried FPH. Thirty male Wistar rats (150–200 g) were divided into five groups: placebo, three FPH doses (0.125, 0.250, and 0.500 mg/g BW), and one commercial product (0.125 mg/g BW). Treatments were given orally by gavage, diluted in 1 mL of distilled water, once daily for 14 days. On day 15, rats were euthanized, and blood, spleen, liver, and kidneys were collected. Blood parameters were analyzed using an automatic hematology analyzer. Organ weight and size were measured morphometrically. White pulp area, glomerular width, and liver sinusoid size were measured using a microruler in ImageJ. Splenic IgM expression was assessed via immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and quantified using the ImmunoRatio plugin in ImageJ. A docking study was conducted between two peptides with the Mas receptor and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Results: Studies confirmed that catfish-derived FPH does not cause pathological changes in the spleen, liver, or kidneys, aside from liver sinusoid dilation. Additionally, it significantly increases (p < 0.05) circulating leukocytes, differential leukocyte counts, and IgM expression in the spleen. Two peptides from catfish-derived FPH showed good affinity for the Mas receptor and TLR4. Conclusion: These findings indicate that catfish-derived FPH can improve immune function without causing damage to organs. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.
Research Center for Marine and Land Bioindustry, Research Organization for Earth Sciences and Maritime, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Serpong, Indonesia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Center for Standardization and Certification of Marine and Fisheries Human Resources, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia
