Preparation and anti-osteoporotic activities in vivo of phosphorylated peptides from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)

Extraction, identification, and molecular mechanisms of α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides from defatted Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) powder hydrolysates

The objective of this study was to explore the potential of Antarctic krill-derived peptides as α-glucosidase inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The enzymolysis conditions of α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), a statistical method that efficiently determines optimal conditions with a limited number of experiments. Gel chromatography and LC-MS/MS techniques were utilized to determine the molecular weight (Mw) distribution and sequences of the hydrolysates. The identification and analysis of the mechanism behind α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides were conducted through conventional and computer-assisted techniques. The binding affinities between peptides and α-glucosidase were further validated using BLI (biolayer interferometry) assay. The results revealed that hydrolysates generated by neutrase exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibition rate. Optimal conditions for hydrolysis were determined to be an enzyme concentration of 6 × 103 U/g, hydrolysis time of 5.4 h, and hydrolysis temperature of 45 °C. Four peptides (LPFQR, PSFD, PSFDF, VPFPR) with strong binding affinities to the active site of α-glucosidase, primarily through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. This study highlights the prospective utility of Antarctic krill-derived peptides in curtailing α-glucosidase activity, offering a theoretical foundation for the development of novel α-glucosidase inhibitors and related functional foods to enhance diabetes management.

Digestive and Absorptive Properties of the Antarctic Krill Tripeptide Phe-Pro-Phe (FPF) and Its Auxiliary Memory-Enhancing Effect

Aging and stress have contributed to the development of memory disorders. Phe-Pro-Phe (FPF) was identified with high stability by mass spectrometry from simulated gastrointestinal digestion and everted gut sac products of the Antarctic krill peptide Ser-Ser-Asp-Ala-Phe-Phe-Pro-Phe-Arg (SSDAFFPFR) which was found to have a positive impact on memory enhancement. This study investigated the digestive stability, absorption, and memory-enhancing effects of FPF using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, in vivo fluorescence distribution analysis, mouse behavioral experiments, acetylcholine function, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. FPF crossed the blood-brain barrier into the brain after digestion, significantly reduced shock time, working memory errors, and reference memory errors, and increased the recognition index. Additionally, FPF elevated ACh content; Nissl body counts; and CREB, SYN, and PSD-95 expression levels, while reducing AChE activity (P < 0.05). This implies that FPF prevents scopolamine-induced memory impairment and provides a basis for future research on memory disorders.

Phosphorylation modification of bovine bone collagen peptide enhanced its effect on mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells via improving calcium-binding capacity

This study aimed to investigate the effect of phosphorylation modification of collagen peptide on its calcium-binding capacity and pro-mineralization activity. In this study, collagen peptide (Leu-Thr-Phe, LTF) and phosphorylated LTF (P-LTF) were synthesized and further chelated with calcium ions. The results showed that phosphorylation of LTF significantly enhanced its calcium-binding capacity. Spectra analysis revealed that the calcium-binding sites of P-LTF were mainly carbonyl, carboxyl, and phosphate groups. Molecular docking further demonstrated that the phosphate group introduced by phosphorylation enhanced the calcium-binding capacity of LTF by ionic bonds and coordination bonds. The stability analysis results suggested that intestinal fluid could repair the peptide-calcium complex destroyed by gastric fluid. The cell experiment displayed that P-LTF-Ca significantly improved the mineralization activity of MC3T3-E1 cells, and the order of effective influence was P-LTF-Ca > LTF-Ca > P-LTF > LTF. This study provided the theoretical basis for the potential application of phosphorylation modification in improving bone health.

Antarctic krill peptide alleviates liver fibrosis via downregulating the secondary bile acid mediated NLRP3 signaling pathway

Liver fibrosis is a necessary process for liver disease. Recent studies have reported that the enterohepatic circulation of bile acid plays a vital role in developing liver fibrosis. The Antarctic krill peptide (AKP) has been proved to have a variety of activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, but any possible influence on liver fibrosis remains unclear. In the current study, the liver fibrosis mice were intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (2.5%, 10 mL kg^-1) and oral administration AKP (400 mg kg^-1) for 30 days. The results showed that the AKP supplement decreased the serum ALT and AST levels, reduced the content of liver TNF-α and Collagen I, and improved liver inflammation and fibrosis, which was also confirmed by H&E and Masson staining. Bile acid is an important metabolite for the gut microbiota. We found that the AKP supplement alleviated the gut microbiota dysbiosis remarkably, as indicated by increased species richness and diversity, and decreased overgrowth of genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Clostridiales and Fusicatenibacter. Furthermore, AKP mediated gut microbiota improvement decreased the intestinal bile salt hydrolase and 7α-dehydroxylation activities, resulting in the decrease of secondary bile acid taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) concentrations. Mechanistically, AKP inhibited NLRP3 signal by downregulating the secondary bile acid, decreased cleaved Caspase-1 expression to suppress IL-1β-mediated hepatic stellate cell activation. This study reports for the first time that AKP improved liver fibrosis via improving the gut microbiota mediated bile acid-NLRP3 signaling, which might provide new ideas and evidence for Antarctic krill's high-value utilization.

Purification, identification, and molecular mechanism of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from defatted Antarctic krill powder

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors can reduce the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients by preventing the rapid decomposition of incretin hormone and prolonging its physiological effects. In this study, DPP-IV inhibitory peptides FAGDDAPR and LAPPRGSL were isolated from defatted Antarctic krill powder (DAKP) protein by the sequential purification of ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and RP-HPLC, and IC₅₀ values of the two peptides were 349.70 ± 3.66 μM and 461.14 ± 0.87 μM, respectively. The FAGDDAPR and LAPPRGSL were identified by LC-MS/MS method, and the molecular models of DPP-IV and the two peptides were further constructed by AutoDock Vina software, the results revealed that the inhibition activity of FAGDDAPR and LAPPRGSL was mainly attributed to the formation of strong hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with amino acids of DPP-IV. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: DAKP is an economical by-product produced in the production of krill oil and contains high-quality protein, but these products were mainly used as fish feed and had low utility value in the past. DPP-IV inhibitors are an efficacious drug employed in the treatment of hyperglycemia processes. However, these drugs can cause undesirable side effects. Thus, the development of new natural hypoglycemic drugs with low side effects is a valuable strategy to be applied in therapeutic interventions.

Herring egg phosphopeptides as calcium carriers for improving calcium absorption and bone microarchitecture in vivo

Phosphorylation may enhance the functional properties of proteins/peptides. Herring egg phosphopeptides (HEPPs) have been found to be more effective than the non-phosphorylated variant in calcium-binding activities due to the introduced phosphate groups. However, whether HEPPs as calcium carriers will be superior to herring egg peptides (HEPs) in improving calcium bioavailability in vivo, for the equivalent calcium intake prerequisite, remains to be clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HEPPs-calcium complex and HEPs-calcium complex on calcium absorption and bioavailability in calcium-deficient mice. Results showed that the remarkably lower calcium absorption and bone calcium deposition induced by long-term calcium deficiency were accompanied by deterioration of the trabecular bone microarchitecture (P < 0.05). The HEPPs-Ca supplements significantly improved the apparent calcium absorption, increased the serum calcium level, decreased the alkaline phosphatase activity, strengthened the bone biomechanical property, and increased bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number (Tb·N) in calcium-deficient mice (P < 0.05), as determined by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) assay. The effect of HEPPs-Ca on calcium absorption and bioavailability was comparable to that of CPPs-Ca, but better than that of HEPs-Ca and CaCO₃. This study brings new insights into the potential of HEPPs as an alternative to CPPs for use in calcium supplements.

Recent advances in seafood bioactive peptides and their potential for managing osteoporosis

Marine biodiversity provides a range of diverse biological resources, including seafoods that are rich in protein and a well-balanced amino acid composition. Previous studies have shown that peptides can improve bone formation and/or inhibit bone resorption, suggesting the potential for seafood bioactive peptides (SBPs) in development of food and pharmaceuticals for management of osteoporosis. In this review, we provided an up-to-date overview of the anti-osteoporosis activity of SBPs and describe their underlying molecular mechanisms. We focus on SBPs' development, broadening the scope and depth of research, as well as strengthening in vivo and clinical research. In vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal osteoporosis models have demonstrated the potential for seafood-derived SBPs, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, seaweed and microalgae, in preventing osteoporosis. These peptides may act by activating the signaling pathways, such as BMP/Smads, MAPK, OPG/RANKL/RANK, and NF-κB, which are associated with modulation bone health.

Effects of different drying methods on the structures and functional properties of phosphorylated Antarctic krill protein

Antarctic krill protein (AKP) was extracted from Antarctic krill by an alkali dissolution-isoelectric precipitation method and then it was phosphorylated with sodium tripolyphosphate. The phosphorylated Antarctic krill protein (P-AKP) powder was obtained by spray-drying (SD), freeze-drying (FD), and hot-air drying (AD), and the effects of these drying methods on the structures and functional properties of proteins were investigated. The P-AKP powder dried by SD had the best sensory performance, and its particle size was much smaller than that of FD and AD. Scanning electron microscope displayed a uniform particle size of SD powder and the particles were uniformly dispersed. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a higher crystallinity of SD sample than AD and FD. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis revealed that SD sample had the best thermal stability and less protein denaturation (ΔH = 210.80 J/g), followed by FD (ΔH = 80.48 J/g) and AD (ΔH = 73.94 J/g; P < 0.05). Fourier transform infrared showed that SD sample contained more protein secondary structure. Compared with SD, the phosphorylated group-related chemical bonds in FD and AD samples were partially destroyed. SD sample had the highest protein solubility, oil absorption capacity, emulsifying, and foaming activities than FD and AD (P < 0.05). Although FD had the highest water absorption capacity, sample prepared with AD had the worst functional performance. Therefore, different drying methods used for preparation of the P-AKP can affect its physicochemical and associated functional properties, and SD could be an appropriate drying method for the industrial mass production of P-AKP powders with better functionalities. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The optimal drying method for preparing the phosphorylated Antarctic krill protein (P-AKP) powder was proved to be spray-drying (SD), because the physicochemical and functional properties were better for P-AKP dried by SD than the other drying methods. Hence, SD was recommended for the industrial mass production of P-AKP powders with better functionalities. This research can provide theoretical guidance for the further processing and utilization of P-AKP, and offer technical reference for food processing and preservation.

Chitin from Antarctic krill shell: Eco-preparation, detection, and characterization

Antarctic krill is a nutrient-rich crustacean that is one of the main species in the Antarctic ecosystem. Antarctic krill shell (AKS) can be used as raw materials to prepare chitin. In this study, lactic acid and dispase were used to prepare Antarctic krill chitin (AKC-1). Amino-monosaccharide contents of chitin samples were detected by pre-column PMP-HPLC method. Analytical instruments were conducted to determine characteristics of chitin samples. Results showed that the amino-monosaccharide content of AKS was 4.62 g/100 g (measured in D-glucosamine). The yield of AKC-1 was 5.49 g/100 g, and the amino-monosaccharide content was 80.90 g/100 g. AKC-1 showed smooth flakes, a porous surface, and α-chitin structural characteristics. The maximum degradation temperature (DTG_max) was 318.3 °C. The yield of deacetylated chitin (AKC-2) was 4.74 g/100 g, with deacetylation degree of 80.8%, viscosity average molecular weight of approximately 145.7 kDa, and amino-monosaccharide content of 97.06 g/100 g. The surface morphology of AKC-2 was similar to that of AKC-1, and the DTG_max was 311.5 °C. A mild, eco-friendly chitin preparation method and an amino-monosaccharide content detection method of raw material before chitin preparation are described in this study, which can provide technical support for comprehensive utilization of Antarctic krill resources.

Functional Calcium Binding Peptides from Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus) Bone: Calcium Bioavailability Enhancing Activity and Anti-Osteoporosis Effects in the Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis Rat Model

Calcium binding peptides from Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) bone have attracted attention due to their potential effects on bone health. In this study, calcium binding peptides (CBP) were prepared from Pacific cod bone by trypsin and neutral protease. Ultraviolet spectra, circular dichroism (CD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that carboxyl and amino groups in CBP could bind to Ca²⁺, and form the peptide-calcium complex (CBP-Ca). Single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) experiments indicated that the intestinal calcium absorption was significantly enhanced (p < 0.01) in CBP-Ca treated Wistar rats. The anti-osteoporosis activity of CBP-Ca was investigated in the ovariectomized (OVX) Wistar rat model. The administration of CBP-Ca significantly (p < 0.01) improved the calcium bioavailability, trabecular bone structure, bone biomechanical properties, bone mineral density, and bone mineralization degree. CBP-Ca notably (p < 0.01) increased serum calcium, however, it remarkably (p < 0.01) reduced the levels of osteocalcin (OCN), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b), and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) in serum. Results suggested that the cod bone derived CBP could bind with calcium, improve the intestinal calcium absorption, calcium bioavailability, and serum calcium, then reduce the bone turnover rate, and thus ameliorate osteoporosis.

Phosphorylated Peptides from Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Prevent Estrogen Deficiency Induced Osteoporosis by Inhibiting Bone Resorption in Ovariectomized Rats

In the current study, we investigated the improvement of phosphorylated peptides from Antarctic krill Euphausia superba (PP-AKP) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. PP-AKP was supplemented to ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days. The results showed that PP-AKP treatment remarkably prevented the reduction of bone mass and improved cancellous bone structure and biochemical properties. PP-AKP also significantly decreased serum contents of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), cathepsin K (Cath-k), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), C-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (CTX-1), Ca, and P. Mechanism investigation revealed that PP-AKP significantly increased the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) ratio in mRNA expression, protein expression, and serum content. Further research suggested that NF-κB signaling pathways were inhibited by suppressing the mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), diminishing the mRNA expression and phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65), three key transcription factors in NF-κB pathways. These results suggest that PP-AKP can improve osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption via suppressing the activation of osteoclastogenesis related NF-κB pathways.