Anti-Colon Cancer Activity of Novel Peptides Isolated from In Vitro Digestion of Quinoa Protein in Caco-2 Cells

Grains in a Modern Time: A Comprehensive Review of Compositions and Understanding Their Role in Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer

Globally, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Cancer are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and are considered to be two of the most significant public health concerns of the 21st century. Over the next two decades, the global burden is expected to increase by approximately 60%. Several observational studies as well as clinical trials have demonstrated the health benefits of consuming whole grains to lower the risk of several chronic non-communicable diseases including T2D and cancer. Cereals grains are the primary source of energy in the human diet. The most widely consumed pseudo cereals include (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) and cereals (wheat, rice, and corn). From a nutritional perspective, both pseudo cereals and cereals are recognized for their complete protein, essential amino acids, dietary fibers, and phenolic acids. The bran layer of the seed contains the majority of these components. Greater intake of whole grains rather than refined grains has been consistently linked to a lower risk of T2D and cancer. Due to their superior nutritional compositions, whole grains make them a preferred choice over refined grains. The modulatory effects of whole grains on T2D and cancer are also likely to be influenced by several mechanisms; some of these effects may be direct while others involve altering the composition of gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and lowering harmful bacteria, increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering solubility of free bile acids, breaking protein down into peptides and amino acids, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and other beneficial metabolites that promote the proliferation in the colon which modulate the antidiabetic and anticancer pathway. Thus, the present review had two aims. First, it summarized the recent knowledge about the nutritional composition and bioactive acids in pseudo cereals (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) and cereals (wheat, rice, and corn); the second section summarized and discussed the progress in recent human studies, such as observational (cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies) and intervention studies to understand their role in T2D and cancer including the potential mechanism. Overall, according to the scientific data, whole grain consumption may reduce the incidence of T2D and cancer. Future studies should carry out randomized controlled trials to validate observational results and establish causality. In addition, the current manuscript encourages researchers to investigate the specific mechanisms by which whole grains exert their beneficial effects on health by examining the effects of different types of specific protein, dietary fibers, and phenolic acids that might help to prevent or treat T2D and cancer.

A novel peptide derived from Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes exhibits anticancer activity against the colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) via the induction of intrinsic apoptosis signaling

This paper presents the initial exploration of the free radical scavenging capabilities of peptides derived from protein hydrolysates (PPH) obtained from Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes (Phlai). To replicate the conditions of gastrointestinal digestion, a combination of pepsin and pancreatin proteolysis was employed to generate these hydrolysates. Subsequently, the hydrolysate underwent fractionation using molecular weight cut-off membranes at 10, 5, 3, and 0.65 kDa. The fraction with a molecular weight less than 0.65 kDa exhibited the highest levels ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and NO radical scavenging activity. Following this, RP-HPLC was used to further separate the fraction with a molecular weight less than 0.65 kDa into three sub-fractions. Among these, the F5 sub-fraction displayed the most prominent radical-scavenging properties. De novo peptide sequencing via quadrupole-time-of-flight-electron spin induction-mass spectrometry identified a pair of novel peptides: Asp-Gly-Ile-Phe-Val-Leu-Asn-Tyr (DGIFVLNY or DY-8) and Ile-Pro-Thr-Asp-Glu-Lys (IPTDEK or IK-6). Database analysis confirmed various properties, including biological activity, toxicity, hydrophilicity, solubility, and potential allergy concerns. Furthermore, when tested on the human adenocarcinoma colon (Caco-2) cell line, two synthetic peptides demonstrated cellular antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. These peptides were also assessed using the FITC Annexin V apoptosis detection kit with PI, confirming the induction of apoptosis. Notably, the DY-8 peptide induced apoptosis, upregulated mRNA levels of caspase-3, -8, and -9, and downregulated Bcl-2, as confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis indicated increased pro-apoptotic Bax expression and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression in Caco-2 cells exposed to the DY-8 peptide. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the DY-8 peptide exhibited binding affinity with Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1, suggesting potential utility in combating colon cancer as functional food ingredients.

Formulation of quinoa oil-alginate loaded nanoemulsion and its anticancer efficacy as a therapy for chemically induced breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) have gained interest due to their naturally occurring phytochemicals and antioxidants. They possess potent anticancer properties against human colorectal cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fatty acids in quinoa oil were studied using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Rats were used to test the acute oral toxicity of the nanoemulsion loaded with sodium alginate. The DPPH radical scavenging method was employed to assess the nanoemulsion's ability to scavenge free radicals. It was examined the in vivo anticancer potential of quinoa oil nanoemulsion on rats with breast cancer induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA). DMBA-breast cancer models received daily quinoa oil nanoemulsions for 30 days. The anticancer effect of the nanoemulsion was assessed by measuring ROS, protein carbonyl, gene expression of anti-oncogenes, and histopathological analysis. Supplying quinoa oil nanoemulsion significantly reduced the increase in serum ROS and PC levels induced in breast cancer tissue. The expression levels of antioncogenes in breast cancer tissue were decreased by the quinoa oil nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsions also improved the cellular morphology of breast tumors.

CONCLUSION

The study results indicate that quinoa oil nanoemulsion has anticancer activity against breast cancer, effectively modulating oxidative stress markers, anti-oncogene expressions, and tissue architecture. It can be inferred from the results that quinoa oil nanoemulsion is a chemoprotective medication that may hinder breast cancer progression in rats.

A quinoa peptide protects impaired mucus barriers in colitis mice by inhibiting NF-κB-TRPV1 signaling and regulating the gut microbiota

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that lead to the disruption of the colonic mucus barrier. Quinoa has a well-balanced profile of essential amino acids and exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory effects. We recently explored the beneficial effects and relevant mechanisms of a novel quinoa peptide TPGAFF on impaired mucus barriers in mice with chemically induced colitis. Our findings demonstrated that TPGAFF, administered in low and high doses for 28 days, effectively attenuated the pathological phenotype and reduced intestinal permeability in colitis mice. TPGAFF demonstrated its protective abilities by restoring the impaired mucus barrier, inhibiting the activation of inflammatory signaling and reducing inflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, TPGAFF positively influenced the composition of the gut microbiota by reducing inflammation-related microbes. Additionally, TPGAFF inhibited the activation of TRPV1 nociceptor and decreased the levels of neuropeptides. Conclusively, our results indicated that oral administration of TPGAFF may be an optional approach for the treatment of mucus barrier damage.

Anticancer Properties of Saccharomyces boulardii Metabolite Against Colon Cancer Cells

Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii has been used as a probiotic yeast in the medical and food industries. Colon cancers have been known as the third most common cancer type worldwide. Nowadays, cell-free extract and metabolites of probiotics have been employed for the treatment or prevention of different cancer diseases. This study investigates the anticancer properties of S. boulardii metabolites against human colon carcinoma. We evaluated cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and suppression of survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB gene expression effects of SBM against caco-2 cells after 24 and 48 h. IC50 concentrations of SBM were measured at 815 and 1411 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h treatments, respectively. The total proportion of apoptotic caco-2 cells treated with SBM after 24 and 48 h were calculated at 62.23 and 88.7%, respectively. Also, relative expression of survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB genes were significantly suppressed in caco-2 cells treated with SBM after 24 and 48 h. In conclusion, we found that SBM induced apoptosis, inhibited the growth rate, and suppressed the expression of the survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB genes in human colorectal cancer cells and it can be considered as a perspective supplement or drug for the treatment or prevention of colon cancer in humans.

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and Amaranthus hybridus L.: Ancestral Andean Food Security and Modern Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity

The species Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and Amaranthus hybridus L. are Andean staples, part of the traditional diet and gastronomy of the people of the highlands of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina and Chile, with several ethnopharmacological uses, among them anticancer applications. This review aims to present updated information on the nutritional composition, phytochemistry, and antimicrobial and anticancer activity of Quinoa and Amaranth. Both species contribute to food security due to their essential amino acid contents, which are higher than those of most staples. It is highlighted that the biological activity, especially the antimicrobial activity in C. quinoa, and the anticancer activity in both species is related to the presence of phytochemicals present mostly in leaves and seeds. The biological activity of both species is consistent with their phytochemical composition, with phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and peptides being the main compound families of interest. Extracts of different plant organs of both species and peptide fractions have shown in vitro and, to a lesser degree, in vivo activity against a variety of bacteria and cancer cell lines. These findings confirm the antimicrobial and anticancer activity of both species, C. quinoa having more reported activity than A. hybridus through different compounds and mechanisms.

Study on the transport and internalisation mechanism of dietary supplement nattokinase in the small intestine using animal and Caco-2 cell monolayer models

Maintaining proper blood flow is critical to promoting good health. Nattokinase is a serine protease from Bacillus subtilis that has significant in vitro thrombolytic activity, but its mechanism as a dietary supplement to prevent thrombosis through intestinal absorption and transport is still unclear.The purpose of this study is to study the transport and internalisation mechanism of NK in the small intestine using animal models and Caco-2 cell monolayer models.This study first evaluated the preventive effect of supplementing low dose (4000 FU (Fibrin Unit)/kg, n = 6), medium dose (8000 FU/kg, n = 6), and high dose (12000 FU/kg, n = 6) of nattokinase on carrageenan induced thrombosis in mice. Subsequently, we used the rat gut sac model, ligated intestinal loop model, and Caco-2 cell uptake model to study the intestinal transport mechanism of NK.Results indicate that NK is a moderately absorbed biomolecule whose transport through enterocytes is energy- and time-dependent. Chlorpromazine, nystatin and EIPA all inhibited the endocytosis of NK to varying degrees, indicating that the endocytosis of NK in Caco-2 cells involves macropinocytosis, clathrin-mediated and caveolae-mediated pathway. These findings offer a theoretical basis for investigating the mechanism of oral NK supplementation in greater depth.

Supplementation of quinoa peptides alleviates colorectal cancer and restores gut microbiota in AOM/DSS-treated mice

Quinoa protein hydrolysate has been previously reported to exert anti-cancer effects in cultured colon cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of quinoa protein and its hydrolysate on an azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC) and examined its underlying mechanism using gut microbiota analysis and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production analysis. Our results showed that quinoa protein or its hydrolysate mitigated the clinical symptoms of CRC and increased SCFAs contents in colon tissues. Moreover, administration of quinoa protein or its hydrolysate partially alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis in CRC mice by decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria and increasing the abundance of probiotics. Additionally, PICRUSt analysis revealed that the functional profile of gut microbiota in the quinoa protein treated groups was more similar to that of the control group. These findings indicated that the modulation of gut microbiota by quinoa protein diet intervention may ameliorate AOM/DSS-induced CRC.

Antioxidant capacity and antitumor activity of the bioactive protein prepared from orange peel residues as a by-product using fungal protease

Agricultural and industrial residues (AIR) are renewable biomass sources present in large quantities causing pollution. Converting AIR to eco-friendly products (bioactive materials) reduces their quantity and impact on the environment, in addition to reducing production costs. Therefore, orange peel (OP) protein degradation, antioxidant capacity, and antitumor activity were investigated using Aspergillus niger WA 2017 protease. The highest value of the protein hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant using the DPPH method was obtained after 24 h. The single-factor method boosted the protein hydrolysate and the DPPH antioxidant activity by 3.7 and 1.7-fold, respectively. Statistical optimized conditions (Central Composite Method) increased the hydrolysate value and the DPPH antioxidant activity by 1.6 and 1.1-fold, respectively. The central trial samples exhibited the highest DPPH antioxidant activity (62.37 %), while the control sample recorded 20 %. All antioxidant tests in vitro (DPPH, reducing power, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed the superiority of the potent hydrolysate as a good antioxidant. In vitro antitumor activity, the potent hydrolysate exhibited the highest effect on the Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells viability as it recorded 60.62 % dead cells. In vivo antitumor activity, the volume of the untreated tumor mice was found to be 1.4-fold bigger than the volume obtained from the potent hydrolysate. The increase in life span (ILS %) for oral treatment and intraperitoneal injection treatment with the potent hydrolysate increased by 13.91 and 19.42 %, respectively, compared to the untreated tumor.

Nutritional Evaluation of Quinoa Genetic Resources Growing in the Climatic Conditions of Central Europe

Quinoa displays huge genetic variability and adaptability to distinct climatic conditions. Quinoa seeds are a good source of nutrients; however, the overall nutritional composition and nutrient content is influenced by numerous factors. This study focused on the nutritional and morphologic evaluation of various quinoa genotypes grown in the Czech Republic. Significant differences between years were observed for morphological traits (plant height, inflorescence length, weight of thousand seeds). The weather conditions in the year 2018 were favorable for all the morphological traits. The protein content of quinoa accessions ranged between 13.44 and 20.01% and it was positively correlated to mauritianin. Total phenolic content varied greatly from year to year, while the antioxidant activity remained relatively stable. The most abundant phenolic compounds were the flavonoids miquelianin, rutin, and isoquercetin. Isoquercetin, quercetin, and N-feruoloyl octopamine showed the highest stability under variable weather conditions in the analyzed years. A total of six compounds were detected and quantified in quinoa for the first time. Most varieties performed well under Central European conditions and can be considered a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. These data can be used as a source of information for plant breeders aiming to improve the quality traits of quinoa.

Effects of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) on inflammatory mediators: a systematic review of preclinical studies

The aim of the current systematic review was to gather the researches about the effect of quinoa (chenopodium quinoa) on inflammatory parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, WOS, ProQuest, and Google scholar databases without any restriction on language or publication date until July 2022 and search alert services were used to detect novel papers published after the initial search. Only 20 animal and in vitro investigations were eligible for this systematic review. According to in vitro researches and 8 of 14 animal investigations, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α level decreased remarkably after quinoa administration, which indicates the capability of quinoa in alleviating inflammatory factors. Quinoa is favorable but not yet a confirmed agent for alleviating systemic inflammation in inflammatory diseases.

Targeting colon cancer via antimicrobial RT2 peptide: a system biology study

Aim

This study aims to investigate the anticancer molecular mechanism of RT2 through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. For this aim, a bioinformatics evaluation of the proteome profile of colon cancer is carried out.

Background

Antimicrobial peptides such as RT2 showed anticancer properties against various tumors. The molecular mechanism of the anticancer effect of RT2 is a challenging subject.

Methods

By applying Cytoscape V.3.9.1 and integrated apps, the profile of the interaction network and related centrality is analyzed. An enrichment analysis of hub bottlenecks was also performed, and highlighted biological processes were visualized and determined.

Results

Several 207 differentially expressed proteins were retrieved by PPI network analysis, and 10 hub bottlenecks were introduced. Among these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), only AKT1 is from the queried DEPs. Key biological processes contributing to RT2 targeting mechanism include "Regulation of fibroblast proliferation", "Positive regulation of cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity", "positive regulation of miRNA transcription", and "fungiform papilla formation".

Conclusion

In conclusion, central proteins Tp53, MYC, EGFR, AKT1, HDAC1, and SRC can be introduced as a targeted biomarker panel of bioactive peptide treatments. However, extensive research is required to establish this claim before clinical application.

Screening for α-Glucosidase-Inhibiting Saponins from Pressurized Hot Water Extracts of Quinoa Husks

The present study extracted total saponins from quinoa husks with pressurized hot water extraction and optimized the extraction conditions. The response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to investigate the effects of extraction flow rate, extraction temperature and extraction time on the extraction yield of total saponins. A maximal yield of 23.06 mg/g was obtained at conditions of 2 mL/min, 210 °C and 50 min. The constituents of the extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A total of twenty-three compounds were identified, including five flavonoids, seventeen triterpenoid saponins and a phenolic acid. Moreover, we performed an in vitro assay for the α-glucosidase activity and found a stronger inhibitory effect of the quinoa husk extracts than acarbose, suggesting its potential to be developed into functional products with hypoglycemic effect. Finally, our molecular docking analyses indicated triterpenoid saponins as the main bioactive components.

The Role of Amaranth, Quinoa, and Millets for the Development of Healthy, Sustainable Food Products-A Concise Review

The selection of sustainable crops adaptable to the rapidly changing environment, which also cater to the dietary needs of the growing population, is a primary challenge in meeting food security. Grains from ancient crops such as amaranth, quinoa, and millets are positioned to address this challenge and hence have gained dietary predominance among cereals and pseudocereals due to their nutritional value and energy efficiency. From a nutritional perspective, they are recognized for their complete protein, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, prebiotic fibers, and essential micronutrients, including minerals and vitamins. Bioactive peptides from their proteins have shown antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The nutritional diversity of these grains makes them a preferred choice over traditional cereals for developing healthy, sustainable food products such as plant-based dairy, vegan meats, and gluten-free products. With growing consumer awareness about sustainability and health, the categories mentioned above are transitioning from ‘emerging’ to ‘mainstream’; however, there is still a significant need to include such healthy grains to fulfill the nutritional gap. This review article emphasizes the health benefits of amaranth, quinoa, and millet grains and discusses the recent research progress in understanding their application in new sustainable food categories. The challenges associated with their incorporation into novel foods and future research directions are also provided.