Validation of syngeneic mouse models of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer for investigating the anticancer effects of the soy-derived peptide Lunasin

Lunasin and Its Epigenetic Impact in Cancer Chemoprevention

Cancer diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, it is pivotal to search for bioactive dietary compounds that can avert tumor development. A diet rich in vegetables, including legumes, provides chemopreventive substances, which have the potential to prevent many diseases, including cancer. Lunasin is a soy-derived peptide whose anti-cancer activity has been studied for over 20 years. The results of the previous research have shown that lunasin inhibits histone acetylation, regulates the cell cycle, suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis of cancer cells. Thus, lunasin seems to be a promising bioactive anti-cancer agent and a potent epigenetic modulator. The present review discusses studies of the underlying molecular mechanisms and new perspectives on lunasin application in epigenetic prevention and anti-cancer therapy.

Lunasin as a Promising Plant-Derived Peptide for Cancer Therapy

Cancer has become one of the main public health problems worldwide, demanding the development of new therapeutic agents that can help reduce mortality. Lunasin is a soybean peptide that has emerged as an attractive option because its preventive and therapeutic actions against cancer. In this review, we evaluated available research on lunasin’s structure and mechanism of action, which should be useful for the development of lunasin-based therapeutic products. We described data on its primary, secondary, tertiary, and possible quaternary structure, susceptibility to post-translational modifications, and structural stability. These characteristics are important for understanding drug activity and characterizing lunasin products. We also provided an overview of research on lunasin pharmacokinetics and safety. Studies examining lunasin’s mechanisms of action against cancer were reviewed, highlighting reported activities, and known molecular partners. Finally, we briefly discussed commercially available lunasin products and potential combination therapeutics.

Bioactive peptides derived from plant origin by-products: Biological activities and techno-functional utilizations in food developments - A review

Agro-industrial by-products containing considerable amounts of protein (10-50%) such as soybean meal, rice bran and coconut pulp are promising bioactive peptide sources with annual disposal rate of 800 million tons in the world. More recently, plant by-products rich in protein content have been studied under various prisms that include recovery techniques, peptide production methods, determination of technological benefits and functional properties, and their applications in foods. The researches in bioactive peptides provide evidence over the techno-functional properties and the health benefits are highly dependent upon their amino acid sequences, molecular weights, conformations and surface properties. Research findings compared bioactive properties of the obtained peptides with respect to their amino acid sequences and also reported that hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties have direct effect on both functional and health effects. In addition, the resultant properties of the peptides could be affected by the conducted extraction method (alkaline, enzymatic, ultrasound assisted, microwave assisted, etc.), extraction solvent, precipitation and purification techniques and even by the final drying process (spray, freeze, vacuum, etc.) which may alter molecular weights, conformations and surface properties. Latest studies have investigated solubility, emulsifying, foaming, water/oil holding capacity and surface properties and also antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory and opioid activities of bioactive peptides obtained from plant by-products. Moreover, the application of the bioactive peptides into different food formulations has been a recent trend of functional food development. These bioactive peptides' bitter taste and toxicity are possible challenges in some cases that need to be resolved before their wider utilization.

Updating the research on the chemopreventive and therapeutic role of the peptide lunasin

Chronic diseases have become the medical challenge of the 21st century because of their high incidence and mortality rates. Modulation of diet and lifestyle habits is considered as the best strategy for the prevention of these disorders. Health promoting benefits beyond their nutritional effects have been described for multiple dietary compounds. Among these compounds, the peptide lunasin is considered as one of the most promising. Naturally present in soybean, lunasin has been extensively studied in the last two decades because of its potential against chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and immunological disorders. The purpose of this article is to summarise the evidence on the presence of lunasin in soybean and derived foods, and its bioavailability once it is orally ingested. The protective and therapeutic effects of this peptide against cancer, oxidative stress, inflammation, and high cholesterol levels as well as the molecular mechanisms of action involved in these effects are also described in this review. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.