Prospects of cereal protein-derived bioactive peptides: Sources, bioactivities diversity, and production

Advancements in production, assessment, and food applications of salty and saltiness-enhancing peptides: A review

Salt is important for food flavor, but excessive sodium intake leads to adverse health consequences. Thus, salty and saltiness-enhancing peptides are developed for sodium-reduction products. This review elucidates saltiness perception process and analyses correlation between the peptide structure and saltiness-enhancing ability. These peptides interact with taste receptors to produce saltiness perception, including ENaC, TRPV1, and TMC4. This review also outlines preparation, isolation, purification, characterization, screening, and assessment techniques of these peptides and discusses their potential applications. These peptides are from various sources and produced through enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, or Millard reaction and then separated, purified, identified, and screened. Sensory evaluation, electronic tongue, bioelectronic tongue, and cell and animal models are the primary saltiness assessment approaches. These peptides can be used in sodium-reduction food products to produce "clean label" items, and the peptides with biological activity can also serve as functional ingredients, making them very promising for food industry.

Recent progress in the preparation of bioactive peptides using simulated gastrointestinal digestion processes

Bioactive peptides (BAPs) represent a unique class of peptides known for their extensive physiological functions and their role in enhancing human health. In recent decades, owing to their notable biological attributes such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities, BAPs have received considerable attention. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD) is a technique designed to mimic physiological conditions by adjusting factors such as digestive enzymes and their concentrations, pH levels, digestion duration, and salt content. Initially established for analyzing the gastrointestinal processing of foods or their constituents, SGD has recently become a preferred method for generating BAPs. The BAPs produced via SGD often exhibit superior biological activity and stability compared with those of BAPs prepared via other methods. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the recent advancements in BAP production from foods via SGD, addressing the challenges of the method and outlining prospective directions for further investigation.

Unveiling the potential of African fermented cereal-based beverages: Probiotics, functional drinks, health benefits and bioactive components

Traditionally, dairy products have been the primary medium for delivering probiotics to humans. However, despite their numerous health benefits, such as nutrient supply and prevention and treatment of certain diseases, there are limitations to their use in many regions, including Africa. These limitations arise from allergens, lactose intolerance, hypercholesterolemia effects, the need for vegetarian options, cultural food taboos against milk, and religious beliefs. As a result, research efforts worldwide have focused on probiotics with health benefits. To address this issue, an integrative approach has been adopted, consolidating ideas and concepts from various studies. Researchers have explored different food matrices to determine their potential as probiotic carriers, specifically emphasizing cereals and cereal products. Studies have revealed that traditional African fermented cereal-based beverages show promise as probiotic carriers due to the presence of probiotic organisms involved in the fermentation process. This presents an opportunity to utilize African cereal beverages to deliver. This review paper provides comprehensive information on probiotics, including their sources, types, health benefits, and delivery vehicles. Specifically, it highlights the challenges and prospects for developing and consuming cereal-based probiotics in Africa. This opens up new avenues for providing probiotic benefits to a broader African population and contributes to the advancement of probiotic research and development in the region.

Bioinformatics tools for the study of bioactive peptides from vegetal sources: evolution and future perspectives

Bioactive peptides from vegetal sources have been shown to have functional properties as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive or antidiabetic capacity. For this reason, they have been proposed as an interesting and promising alternative to improve human health. In recent years, the numerous advances in the bioinformatics field for in silico prediction have speeded up the discovery of bioactive peptides, also reducing the associated costs when using an integrated approach between the classical and bioinformatics discovery. This review aims to provide an overview of the evolution, limitations and latest advances in the field of bioinformatics and computational tools, and specifically make a critical and comprehensive insight into computational techniques used to study the mechanism of interaction that allows the explanation of plant bioactive peptide functionality. In particular, molecular docking is considered key to explain the different functionalities that have been previously identified. The assumptions to simplify such a high complex environment implies a degree of uncertainty that can only be guaranteed and validated by in vitro or in vivo studies, however, the combination of databases, software and bioinformatics applications with the classical approach has become a promising procedure for the study of bioactive peptides.

Wheat peptide alleviates DSS-induced colitis by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is difficult to cure, and formulating a dietary plan is an effective means to prevent and treat this disease. Wheat peptide contains a variety of bioactive peptides with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. The results of this study showed that preventive supplementation with wheat peptide (WP) can significantly alleviate the symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. WP can increase body weight, alleviate colon shortening, and reduce disease activity index (DAI) scores. In addition, WP improved intestinal microbial disorders in mice with colitis. Based on LC-MS, a total of 313 peptides were identified in WP, 4 of which were predicted to be bioactive peptides. The regulatory effects of WP and four bioactive peptides on the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway were verified in Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that WP alleviates DSS-induced colitis by helping maintain gut barrier integrity and targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 axis; these results provided a rationale for adding WP to dietary strategies to prevent IBD.

Cyperus peptide SFRWQ inhibits oxidation and inflammation in RAW264.7 cell model

Oxidative stress can induce many diseases. Antioxidant peptides from food sources have the advantages of good safety, high activity, and good absorbability. In this study, a pentapeptide (SFRWQ; SER-PHE-ARG-TRP-GLN) was identified in a protein hydrolysate of Cyperus (Cyperus esculentus L.). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time quantitative (qPCR), immunofluorescence and other techniques were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of SFRWQ. SFRWQ was found to have 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging ability, help increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in RAW264.7 cells, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression and secretion. The binding score of SFRWQ to recombinant Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) was greater than that of TX6. These findings suggest that SFRWQ activates the Keap1-Nrf2 cellular antioxidant signaling pathway. According to metabolomics studies, SFRWQ increased glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and γ-glutamylcysteine levels and decreased the levels of Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and Prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), which are involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, to protect cells from LPS-induced damage. By elucidating the mechanism of action of SFRWQ, we provide a reference for the development of dietary antioxidant peptides.

Cell culture models for assessing the effects of bioactive compounds in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum): a systematic review

Common buckwheat (CBW) is grown and consumed worldwide. In addition to its already established reputation as an excellent source of nutrients, CBW is gaining popularity as a possible component of functional foods. Whereas human studies remain the gold standard for evaluating the relationship between nutrition and health, the development of reliable in vitro or ex vivo models has made it possible to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CBW effects on human health. Herein is a systematic review of studies on the biological effect of CBW supplementation, as assessed on various types of cellular models. Although the studies reported here have been conducted in very different experimental conditions, the overall effects of CBW supplementation were found to involve a decrease in cytokine secretion and oxidation products, related mainly to CBW polyphenols and protein or peptide fractions. These chemical species also appeared to be involved in the modulation of cell signaling and hormone secretion. Although further studies are undoubtedly necessary, as is their extension to in vivo systems, these reports suggest that CBW-based foods could be relevant to maintaining and/or improving human health and the quality of life.

Xanthan gum and pectin as beverage stabilizers reduce the digestive enzyme hydrolysis of antioxidant and antihypertensive peptides obtained from a brewery byproduct

An acidic beverage was formulated with xanthan gum (XG), pectin (P) and brewer spent grain (BSG) peptides with antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. The impact of hydrocolloids levels on peptide bioaccessibility was studied. Peptides were obtained from BSG using Purazyme and Flavourzyme enzymes. BSG peptides were fractionated by ultrafiltration (UF) and four fractions were obtained: F1 (>10 kDa), F2 (10-5 kDa), F3 (1-5 kDa), and F4 (<1 kDa). F3 showed the highest protein purity, ferulic acid content, proportion of amphipathic peptides, and bioactive properties (ABTS+ radical scavenging and ACE-I inhibitory activity). The identified peptides from F3 by tandem mass spectrometry were 138. In silico analysis showed that 26 identified peptides had ABTS+ inhibitory activity, while 59 ones presented good antihypertensive properties. The effect of XG and P levels on bioaccessibility of F3 peptides in the formulated beverages was studied by a central composite experimental design. It was observed that F3 peptides interacted with hydrocolloids by electrostatic forces at pH of formulated beverages. The addition of hydrocolloids to formulation modulated the release of the antioxidant peptides and protected the degradation of ACE-I inhibitory peptides from F3 during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Finally, the level of hydrocolloids that produced intermediate viscosities in the formulated beverages improved the bioaccessibility of the F3 peptides.

Food-derived peptides as novel therapeutic strategies for NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases: a systematic review

NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3), a member of the nucleotide-binding domain (NOD) and leucine-rich repeat sequence (LRR) protein (NLR) family, plays an essential role in the inflammation initiation and inflammatory mediator secretion, and thus is also associated with many disease progressions. Food-derived bioactive peptides (FDBP) exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity in both in vivo and in vitro models. They are encrypted in plant, meat, and milk proteins and can be released under enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation conditions, thereby hindering the progression of hyperuricemia, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, neurological disorders, lung injury and periodontitis by inactivating the NLRP3. However, there is a lack of systematic review around FDBP, NLRP3, and NLRP3-related diseases. Therefore, this review summarized FDBP that exert inhibiting effects on NLRP3 inflammasome from different protein sources and detailed their preparation and purification methods. Additionally, this paper also compiled the possible inhibitory mechanisms of FDBP on NLRP3 inflammasomes and its regulatory role in NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases. Finally, the progress of cutting-edge technologies, including nanoparticle, computer-aided screening strategy and recombinant DNA technology, in the acquisition or encapsulation of NLRP3 inhibitory FDBP was discussed. This review provides a scientific basis for understanding the anti-inflammatory mechanism of FDBP through the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and also provides guidance for the development of therapeutic adjuvants or functional foods enriched with these FDBP.

Plant Protein-Derived Active Peptides: A Comprehensive Review

Active peptides are a class of physiologically active protein fragments, which can be prepared from different sources. In the past few decades, the production of peptides with various effects from different plant proteins continues to receive academic attention. With advances in extraction, purification, and characterization techniques, plant protein-derived active peptides continue to be discovered. They have been proven to have various functional activities such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antithrombotic, and so on. In this review, we searched Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for relevant articles published in recent years. There are 184 articles included in this manuscript. The current status of plant protein-derived active peptides is systematically introduced, including their sources, preparation, purification and identification methods, physiological activities, and applications in the food industry. Special emphasis has been placed on the problems of active peptide exploration and the future trend. Based on these, it is expected to provide theoretical reference for the further exploitation of plant protein-derived active peptides, and promote the healthy and rapid development of active peptide industry.

Isolation, Identification, Activity Evaluation, and Mechanism of Action of Neuroprotective Peptides from Walnuts: A Review

As human life expectancy increases, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults has increased in parallel. Walnuts contain bioactive peptides with demonstrated neuroprotective effects, making them a valuable addition to the diet. We here present a comprehensive review of the various methods used to prepare, isolate, purify, and identify the neuroprotective peptides found in walnuts. We further summarise the different approaches currently used to evaluate the activity of these peptides in experimental settings, highlighting their potential to reduce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and promote autophagy, as well as to regulate the gut microflora and balance the cholinergic system. Finally, we offer suggestions for future research concerning bioavailability and improving or masking the bitter taste and sensory properties of final products containing the identified walnut neuroprotective peptides to ensure successful adoption of these peptides as functional food ingredients for neurohealth promotion.

RNA-seq analysis reveals an immunomodulatory peptide from highland barley activating RAW264.7 macrophages via TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway

Highland barley (HB) is an important cereal crop distributed in the plateau region. Bioactive peptides (BAPs) derived from cereal proteins have shown biological functions. However, the knowledge of highland barley peptide (HBP) is limited. This study aims to explore the immunomodulatory activity of HBP and the relationship between immunomodulatory activity and related gene expression through RNA-seq. Firstly, HBP is isolated from protease hydrolysates of HB protein, yielding 12.04% of crude HB protein. The molecular weight of HBP is about 1702 Da analyzed by gel filtration chromatography, and HBP has a specific amino acid sequence as Gln-Pro-Gln-Gln-Pro-Phe-Pro-Gln (QPQPFPQ) analyzed by LC-MS. Besides, HBP contains 42.20% hydrophobic amino acids and 10.86% basic amino acids. Next, the immunomodulatory activity of HBP in vitro shows that HBP enhances the phagocytosis of RAW264.7 macrophages, promotes nitric oxide (NO) production and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory genes including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and decreases the mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory gene, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). RNA-seq analysis reveals TNF and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways are upregulated, and RT-qPCR is performed to verify RNA-seq analysis. In conclusion, HBP activates RAW264.7 macrophages via TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway. HBP, as a significant immunomodulatory peptide, might be a promising resource for future functional foods.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Immunoregulatory Activity of Rice Seed-Derived Peptide PEP1 on Dendritic Cells

Some food-derived bioactive peptides exhibit prominent immunoregulatory activity. We previously demonstrated that the rice-derived PEP1 peptide, GIAASPFLQSAAFQLR, has strong immunological activity. However, the mechanism of this action is still unclear. In the present study, full-length transcripts of mouse dendritic cells (DC2.4) treated with PEP1 were sequenced using the PacBio sequencing platform, and the transcriptomes were compared via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The characteristic markers of mature DCs, the cluster of differentiation CD86, and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II), were significantly upregulated after the PEP1 treatment. The molecular docking suggested that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions played important roles in the binding between PEP1, MHC-II, and the T-cell receptor (TCR). In addition, the PEP1 peptide increased the release of anti-inflammatory factors (interleukin-4 and interleukin-10) and decreased the release of pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α). Furthermore, the RNA-seq results showed the expression of genes involved in several signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB, MAPK, JAK-STAT, and TGF-β pathways, were regulated by the PEP1 treatment, and the changes confirmed the immunomodulatory effect of PEP1 on DC2.4 cells. This findings revealed that the PEP1 peptide, derived from the byproduct of rice processing, is a potential natural immunoregulatory alternative for the treatment of inflammation.

Cereal bran proteins: recent advances in extraction, properties, and applications

The projected global population is expected to reach around 9.7 billion by 2050, indicating a greater demand for proteins in the human diet. Cereal bran proteins (CBPs) have been identified as high-quality proteins, with potential applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. In 2020, global cereal grain production was 2.1 billion metric tonnes, including wheat, rice, corn, millet, barley, and oats. Cereal bran, obtained through milling, made up 10-20% of total cereal grain production, varying by grain type and milling degree. In this article, the molecular composition and nutritional value of CBPs are summarized, and recent advances in their extraction and purification are discussed. The functional properties of CBPs are then reviewed, including their solubility, binding, emulsifying, foaming, gelling, and thermal properties. Finally, current challenges to the application of CBPs in foods are highlighted, such as the presence of antinutritional factors, low digestibility, and allergenicity, as well as potential strategies to improve the nutritional and functional properties by overcoming these challenges. CBPs exhibit nutritional and functional attributes that are similar to those of other widely used plant-based protein sources. Thus, CBPs have considerable potential for use as ingredients in food, pharmaceutical, and other products.

Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Investigation of Cardioprotective Effects of Myricetin after 1-Week High-Intensity Exercise

Cardiovascular adverse effects caused by high-intensity exercise (HIE) have become a public health problem of widespread concern. The therapeutic effect and metabolic regulation mechanism of myricetin, a phytochemical with potential therapeutic effects, have rarely been studied. In this study, we established mice models of different doses of myricetin intervention with 1 week of HIE after intervention. Cardiac function tests, serology, and pathological examinations were used to evaluate the protective effect of myricetin on the myocardium. The possible therapeutic targets of myricetin were obtained using an integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology and verified using molecular docking and RT-qPCR experiments. Different concentrations of myricetin improved cardiac function, significantly reduced the levels of myocardial injury markers, alleviated myocardial ultrastructural damage, reduced the area of ischemia/hypoxia, and increased the content of CX43. We obtained the potential targets and regulated metabolic network of myricetin by combined network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis and validated them by molecular docking and RT-PCR. In conclusion, our findings suggest that myricetin exerts anti-cardiac injury effects of HIE through the downregulation of PTGS2 and MAOB and the upregulation of MAP2K1 and EGFR while regulating the complicated myocardial metabolic network.

Emerging plant proteins as nanocarriers of bioactive compounds

The high prevalence of chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases has become a growing concern for modern society. Recently, various bioactive compounds (bioactives) are shown to have a diversity of health-beneficial impacts on a wide range of disorders. But the application of these bioactives in food and pharmaceutical formulations is limited due to their poor water solubility and low bioaccessibility/bioavailability. Plant proteins are green alternatives for designing biopolymeric nanoparticles as appropriate nanocarriers thanks to their amphiphilic nature compatible with many bioactives and unique functional properties. Recently, emerging plant proteins (EPPs) are employed as nanocarriers for protection and targeted delivery of bioactives and also improving their stability and shelf-life. EPPs could enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactives by different types of delivery systems. In addition, the use of EPPs in combination with other biopolymers like polysaccharides was found to make a favorable wall material for food bioactives. This review article covers the various sources and importance of EPPs along with different encapsulation techniques of bioactives. Characterization of EPPs for encapsulation is also investigated. Furthermore, the focus is on the application of EPPs as nanocarriers for food bioactives.

Insights into Ultrasonication Treatment on the Characteristics of Cereal Proteins: Functionality, Conformational and Physicochemical Characteristics

BACKGROUND

It would be impossible to imagine a country where cereals and their byproducts were not at the peak of foodstuff systems as a source of food, fertilizer, or for fiber and fuel production. Moreover, the production of cereal proteins (CPs) has recently attracted the scientific community's interest due to the increasing demands for physical wellbeing and animal health. However, the nutritional and technological enhancements of CPs are needed to ameliorate their functional and structural properties. Ultrasonic technology is an emerging nonthermal method to change the functionality and conformational characteristics of CPs. Scope and approach: This article briefly discusses the effects of ultrasonication on the characteristics of CPs. The effects of ultrasonication on the solubility, emulsibility, foamability, surface-hydrophobicity, particle-size, conformational-structure, microstructural, enzymatic-hydrolysis, and digestive properties are summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that ultrasonication could be used to enhance the characteristics of CPs. Proper ultrasonic treatment could improve functionalities such as solubility, emulsibility, and foamability, and is a good method for altering protein structures (including surface hydrophobicity, sulfhydryl and disulfide bonds, particle size, secondary and tertiary structures, and microstructure). In addition, ultrasonic treatment could effectively promote the enzymolytic efficiency of CPs. Furthermore, the in vitro digestibility was enhanced after suitable sonication treatment. Therefore, ultrasonication technology is a useful method to modify cereal protein functionality and structure for the food industry.

Peptides Isolated from Amphibian Skin Secretions with Emphasis on Antimicrobial Peptides

The skin of amphibians is a tissue with biological functions, such as defense, respiration, and excretion. In recent years, researchers have discovered a large number of peptides in the skin secretions of amphibians, including antimicrobial peptides, antioxidant peptides, bradykinins, insulin-releasing peptides, and other peptides. This review focuses on the origin, primary structure, secondary structure, length, and functions of peptides secreted from amphibians' skin. We hope that this review will provide further information and promote the further study of amphibian skin secretions, in order to provide reference for expanding the research and application of amphibian bioactive peptides.

Comprehensive Identification of Short and Medium-Sized Peptides from Pixian Broad Bean Paste Protein Hydrolysates Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UHPLC-Q Exactive HF-X

Pixian broad bean paste (PBBP) is an indispensable food widely used in many East Asian countries, yet the knowledge about bioactive peptides released from parent proteins by enzymatic hydrolysis is limited. A total of 5867 low-molecular weight peptides were identified in the highly bioactive subfractions of the PBBP alcalase hydrolysates using traditional and peptidomics approaches. 19 short peptides (3-5 amino acids) were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, including 5 tripeptides, 8 tetrapeptides, and 6 pentapeptides. 5848 medium-sized peptides (6-10 amino acids) were characterized using the peptidomics approach, including 1484 hexapeptides, 1217 heptapeptides, 1634 octapeptides, 927 nonapeptides, and 586 decapeptides. The comprehensive method can be used for the investigation of bioactive peptides in complex food matrices.

Antimicrobial bioactive peptides from goat Milk proteins: In silico prediction and analysis

The main goal of this study was to assess the potential proteins of goat milk (i.e. α-s1-casein, α-s2-casein, β-casein, κ-casein, α-lactoglobulin and β-lactalbumin) as precursors of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Bioinformatics tools such as BIOPEP-UWM (enzyme action) were used for the in silico gastrointestinal digestion via a cocktail of pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin A. The antimicrobial activity of peptides was predicted by using four algorithms, including Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, Artificial Neural Network and Discriminant Analysis on CAMPR3 online server, which works on Hidden Markov Models. Different online tools predicted the physiochemical properties, allergenicity, and toxicity of peptides as well. In silico gastrointestinal digestion simulation of proteins by enzymes cocktail yielded a total of 83 potential AMPs, with thirteen peptides being confident by all four algorithms. More AMPs were released from β-casein (21) than from β-lactoglobulin (16), α-s1-casein (15), α-s2-casein (12), κ-casein (11) and α-lactalbumin (9). A total of 17 peptides were cationic, and the majority of the peptides were extended AMPs. These peptides were released from α-s1-casein (SGK, IQK), α-s2-casein (SIR, AIH, TQPK), β-casein (GPVR, AVPQR, AIAR, GVPK, SQPK, PVPQK, IH, VPK), k-casein (AIPPK, QQR, IAK, TVPAK). All of the AMPs were anticipated to be non-toxic, and 54 of the 83 peptides were confirmed to be non-allergic, with the remaining 29 suspected of being allergenic and 31 to be predicted to have good water solubility. Further the molecular docking was used to evaluate the potent dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) inhibitors. On the basis of ligand binding energy, 17 predicted AMPs were selected and then analyzed by AutoDock tools. Among the 17 AMPs, 3 AMPs were predicted as high-potent antimicrobial. Based on these findings, in silico investigations reveal that proteins of goat milk are a potential source of AMPs. These peptides can be synthesized and improved for use in the food sector. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Goat milk is regarded as a high-quality milk protein source. According to this study, goat milk protein is a possible source of AMPs, and therefore, most important AMPs can be synthesized and developed for use in the food sector.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Three Peptides Derived from the Byproduct of Rice Processing

Inflammation is a contributing factor to the initiation and progression of many diseases, and some food-derived biofunctional peptides show high anti-inflammatory activity. In our previous study, we demonstrated that peptides derived from trypsin hydrolysis of rice protein show good immunological activity. In the present study, proteins of broken rice were extracted and identified by macroporous resin fractionation and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Subsequently, a bioinformatics prediction and in silico simulation approach was used to screen for peptides showing anti-inflammatory activity, including inhibition of the production of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 mice macrophages. Three peptides (DNIQGITKPAIR, IAFKTNPNSMVSHIAGK, and IGVAMDYSASSKR) that demonstrated the highest binding affinity were synthesized, and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was investigated. This is the first study that integrates LC-MS/MS identification and bioinformatics prediction for reporting the anti-inflammatory activity of anti-inflammatory peptides derived from broken rice protein. The study findings revealed that the peptides derived from the byproduct of rice milling could be potentially used as natural anti-inflammatory alternativities.

Novel nonthermal food processing practices: Their influences on nutritional and technological characteristics of cereal proteins

Cereals, as the main crops cultivated and consumed in the world, are a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fiber, and minerals. Despite the nutritional importance, their technological applicability in food matrices is also considerably important to be determined. Cereal processing is done to achieve goals as increasing the shelf‐life, obtaining the desired technological function, and enhancing the nutritional value. Nonthermal processing is preferred regarding its potential to provide beneficial impacts with minimum adverse effect. Technological functionality and nutritional performance are considered as the most basic challenges through cereal processing, with proteins as the main factor to take part in such roles. Technological and nutritional functionalities of proteins have been found to be changed through nonthermal processing, which is generally attributed to conformational and structural changes. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the impact of nonthermal processing on nutritional and technological characteristics of cereal proteins.

Coarse cereals modulating chronic low-grade inflammation: review

Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) is closely associated with various chronic diseases. Researchers have paid attention to the comprehensive application and development of food materials with potential anti-inflammatory activity. Owing to their abundant nutrients and biological activities, coarse cereals have emerged as an important component of human diet. Increasing evidence has revealed their potential protective effects against CLGI in chronic conditions. However, this property has not been systematically discussed and summarized. In the present work, numerous published reports were reviewed to systematically analyze and summarize the protective effects of coarse cereals and their main active ingredients against CLGI. Their current utilization state was investigated. The future prospects, such as the synergistic effects among the active compounds in coarse cereals and the biomarker signatures of CLGI, were also discussed. Coarse cereals show promise as food diet resources for preventing CLGI in diseased individuals. Their active ingredients, including β-glucan, resistant starch, arabinoxylan, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols and lignans, function against CLGI through multiple possible intracellular signaling pathways and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, coarse cereals play a crucial role in the food industry due to their health effects on chronic diseases and are worthy of further development for possible application in modulating chronic inflammation.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its association with environmental footprints among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates

PURPOSE

To examine the association of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) with Environmental Footprints (EFPs) among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

METHODS

Data belonging to a nationally representative sample of 482 women (19-50 years) were derived from a previous survey in the UAE. In face-to-face interviews, participants completed questionnaires addressing sociodemographic, physical activity, and dietary intake characteristics; the latter assessed using a multiple pass 24-h recall. The composite Mediterranean (c-MED) index was used to examine the adherence to the MD. Metrics for the EFPs (water use, energy use, and GHG emissions) were calculated using Life Cycle Analyses. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were used in data analysis.

RESULTS

In the study sample, the distribution of the c-MED scores was skewed to the right, indicating a low adherence to the MD. The lowest contributions to the total c-MED score were observed for legumes (2.9%) and olive oil (1.8%). The EFPs associated with food consumption per 1000 kcal were: water use: 1256.89 ± 544.95 L/day; energy use: 18.01 ± 7.85 MJ/day, and GHG: 2.46 ± 1.46 kg CO_{2 eq}/day. After adjustment for age, energy intake, and potential confounders, being adherent to the MD was associated with 540.57 [95% CI (- 726.6; - 354.54)] units decrease in water use and 0.94 units decrease in GHG emissions [95% CI (- 1.45; - 0.43)].

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study revealed an inverse association between adherence to the MD and EFPs. As such, the MD may represent a promising dietary strategy to improve health outcomes and reduce the environmental impact. Public health programs addressing the low adherence to the MD among women of childbearing age in the UAE are warranted.

Exogenous Bioactive Peptides Have a Potential Therapeutic Role in Delaying Aging in Rodent Models

In recent years, some exogenous bioactive peptides have been shown to have promising anti-aging effects. These exogenous peptides may have a mechanism similar to endogenous peptides, and some can even regulate the release of endogenous active peptides and play a synergistic role with endogenous active peptides. Most aging studies use rodents that are easy to maintain in the laboratory and have relatively homogenous genotypes. Moreover, many of the anti-aging studies using bioactive peptides in rodent models only focus on the activity of single endogenous or exogenous active peptides, while the regulatory effects of exogenous active peptides on endogenous active peptides remain largely under-investigated. Furthermore, the anti-aging activity studies only focus on the effects of these bioactive peptides in individual organs or systems. However, the pathological changes of one organ can usually lead to multi-organ complications. Some anti-aging bioactive peptides could be used for rescuing the multi-organ damage associated with aging. In this paper, we review recent reports on the anti-aging effects of bioactive peptides in rodents and summarize the mechanism of action for these peptides, as well as discuss the regulation of exogenous active peptides on endogenous active peptides.

Exploration on bioactive properties of quinoa protein hydrolysate and peptides: a review

Quinoa is an excellent source of nutritional and bioactive components. Protein is considered a key nutritional advantage of quinoa grain, and many studies have highlighted the nutritional and physicochemical properties of quinoa protein. In addition, quinoa protein is a good precursor of bioactive peptides. This review focused on the biological properties of quinoa protein hydrolysate and peptides, and gave a summary of the preparation and functional test of quinoa protein hydrolysate and peptides. A combination of milling fractionation and solvent extraction is recommended for the efficient production of quinoa protein. The biological functionalities of quinoa protein hydrolysate, including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities, and so on, have been extensively investigated based on in vitro studies and limited animal models. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis, including proteolysis simulation, virtual screening, and molecular docking, provides an alternative or assistive approach for exploring the potential bioactivity of quinoa protein and peptides. Nevertheless, further research is required for industrial production of bioactive quinoa peptides, verification of health benefits in humans, and mechanism interpretation of observed effects.

The Antihypertensive Effects and Potential Molecular Mechanism of Microalgal Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Like Peptides: A Mini Review

Hypertension causes many deaths worldwide and has shown an increasing trend as a severe non-communicable disease. Conventional antihypertensive drugs inevitably cause side effects, and great efforts have been made to exploit healthier and more-available substitutes. Microalgae have shown great potential in this regard and have been applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Some compounds in microalgae have been proven to have antihypertensive effects. Among these natural compounds, peptides from microalgae are promising angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors because an increasing number of peptides show hypertensive effects and ACE inhibitory-like activity. In addition to acting as ACE inhibitors for the treatment of hypertension, these peptides have other probiotic properties, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, that are important for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. Numerous studies have revealed the important bioactivities of ACE inhibitors and their mechanisms. This review discusses the antihypertensive effects, structure-activity relationships, molecular docking studies, interaction mechanisms, and other probiotic properties of microalgal ACE inhibitory peptides according to the current research related to microalgae as potential antihypertensive drugs. Possible research directions are proposed. This review contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of microalgal antihypertensive peptides.