QSAR-aided in silico approach in evaluation of food proteins as precursors of ACE inhibitory peptides

An increasing prevalence of hypertension in the world implies the necessity of further study of antihypertensive peptides as an alternative means for hypertension management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate systematically the potential of major food proteins as precursors of ACE inhibitory peptides using QSAR-aided in silico approach, and thus to establish the rationale for choosing the appropriate substrate proteins in preparing ACE inhibitory peptides. In silico digestion of proteins from 15 common food commodities by thermolysin generated 5709 peptides ranging from 2 to 6 amino acid residues. Peptides were divided into three categories based on the potency of their predicted activities. Our results showed that meat proteins from pork, beef and chicken contain the largest number of potent peptides (IC₅₀ < 10 ??M), followed by proteins from milk, egg, soybean and canola, whereas proteins from fish (with the exception of salmon) and cereals (oat and barley) contain the least number of potent peptides. This study demonstrated that proteins from livestock meat, milk, egg, soybean and canola are good sources of ACE inhibitory peptides.     

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) by proline containing casein-derived peptides

Dipeptides with a C terminal Pro inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), a key enzyme in incretin hormone processing. It was hypothesised that tri- and tetrapeptides with a proline at the C-terminus may also be DPP-IV inhibitors. Therefore, an in silico hydrolysis approach was used to release short (4 ? amino acids) C terminal Pro peptides from the individual caseins which constitute Pro rich substrates. This was achieved using theoretical digestion of caseins with a prolyl oligopeptidase activity. Fifteen peptides were subsequently selected for in vitro DPP-IV inhibitory analysis. Stability of these peptides to gastrointestinal enzymes was also evaluated in silico and the predicted breakdown peptides were assessed for their DPP-IV inhibitory and antioxidant potential. New DPP-IV inhibitors were identified, the most potent being Phe-Leu-Gln-Pro (IC₅₀ 65.3 ± 3.5 μM). A low in vitro antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging) activity was also associated with the peptides studied. The strategy presented highlights the utility of employing an in silico approach for the prediction of food-derived peptides with a potential role in glycaemic management for subsequent development of functional foods.     

A new approach for identification of novel antihypertensive peptides from egg proteins by QSAR and bioinformatics

Many protein-derived bioactive peptides were identified after extensive activity-guided purification, which is labor-intensive and costly. Furthermore, the rationale behind the selection of a substrate protein and a protease over others has not been justified in literature. The purpose of the study was to explore the rationale behind the selection of conditions for the production of potent angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from egg proteins. Based on in silico digestion and quantitative structure and activity relationship (QSAR) model prediction, thermolysin-pepsin digestion of ovotransferrin was chosen as the best condition due to the presence of three potent peptides, Ile-Arg-Try, Leu-Lys-Pro and Ile-Gln-Try. To our surprise, sequences of Ile-Arg-Try-Cys-Thr, Leu-Lys-Pro-Ile and Ile-Gln-Try-Cys-Ala, but not Ile-Arg-Try, Leu-Lys-Pro and Ile-Gln-Try, were present in the hydrolysate. Further study showed that sonication or reducing agent pre-treatments could improve the activity of hydrolysates over 20 times and the predicted peptides were successfully released from sonication-treated ovotransferrin hydrolysate.     

The impact of fermentation and in vitro digestion on formation angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from pea proteins

Pea seeds were fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum 299v in monoculture under different time and temperature conditions and the fermented products were digested in vitro under gastrointestinal conditions. After fermentation and digestion ACE inhibitory activity was determined. In all samples after fermentation no ACE inhibitory activity was noted. Potentially antihypertensive peptides were released during in vitro digestion. The highest DH (68.62%) were noted for control sample, although the lowest IC₅₀ value (0.19 mg/ml) was determined for product after 7 days fermentation at 22 °C. The hydrolysate characterised by the highest ACE inhibitory activity was separated on Sephadex G10 and two peptides fractions were obtained. The highest ACE inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 64.04 μg/ml) for the first fraction was noted. This fraction was separated by HPLC and identified by LC–MS/MS and the sequence of peptide derived from pea proteins was determined as KEDDEEEEQGEEE.     

Physicochemical, functional and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory properties of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) 7S globulin

BACKGROUND: Amaranth 7S globulin is a minor globulin component and its impact on the properties of an amaranth protein ingredient depends on its proportion in the variety of amaranth being considered. Some physicochemical, functional and angiotesin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties of amaranth vicilin were studied in this work and compared with the 11S globulin. RESULTS: Fluorescence spectroscopy results indicated that 7S globulin tryptophans were more exposed to the solvent and, by calorimetry, the 7S globulin denaturation temperature (T_d) was found lower than the 11S globulin T_d, suggesting a more flexible structure. The 7S globulin surface hydrophobicity was higher than that of the 11S globulin, which is in agreement with the better emulsifying properties of the 7S globulin. The solubility in neutral buffer of the 7S globulin (851 ± 25 g kg^?1) was also higher than that of the 11S globulin (195 ± 6 g kg^?1). Bioinformatic analyses showed the presence of ACE inhibitory peptides encrypted in 7S tryptic sequences and peptides released after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed a high ACE‐inhibitory capacity (IC₅₀ = 0.17 g L^?1), similar to that of 11S globulin peptides. CONCLUSION: Compared with the 11S globulin, the 7S globulin presents similar ACE inhibitory activity and some functional advantages, better solubility and emulsifying activity, which suits some food requirements. The functional behavior has been related with the structural properties. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Proteolytic action of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CRL 656 reduces antigenic response to bovine β-lactoglobulin

The whey protein β-lactoglobulin (BLG) is highly allergenic. Lactic acid bacteria can degrade milk proteins. The capacity of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CRL 656 to hydrolyse the major BLG epitopes (V41–K60; Y102–R124; L149–I162) and decrease their recognition by IgE of allergic patients was evaluated. The intensity of BLG degradation was analysed by Tricine SDS–PAGE and RP-HPLC. Peptides released were identified by LC–MS/MS and the hydrolysates were tested for their capacity to inhibit IgE binding by ELISA test. L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CRL 656 degraded BLG (35%, 8 h). The sequence analysis of the released peptides indicated that this strain degraded three main BLG epitopes. BLG-positive sera (3–5 year old children) were used for testing IgE binding inhibition of BLG hydrolysates from the Lactobacillus strain. The hydrolysates were less immuno-reactive (32%) than the heated BLG. L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CRL 656 could be used for developing hypoallergenic dairy products.     

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides derived from arachin by simulated gastric digestion

In silico analysis of the sequences of arachin, the major storage protein of peanut suggests that it is laden with antihypertensive peptides. Physiological proteases pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin and pancreatin were used to release these peptides. The degree of proteolysis and in vitro angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition was maximum with pepsin. The ACE inhibitor index of human gastric juice catalysed digestion was similar to pepsin demonstrating that such peptides can be produced in vivo following ingestion of arachin. Three peptides purified from the simulated gastric fluid digests were synthesized. Among them, the pentapeptide, NAQRP was the most potent with an IC₅₀ of 32 ± 2 μM. Molecular docking simulation with human tACE indicate that in addition to a favourable C-terminal Pro residue, the length of the peptides advocate ACE inhibitor potency. These results further potentiate the use of arachin/peanut proteins as functional ingredients in auxiliary therapeutic foods toward blood pressure management.     

Inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme by wheat gliadin hydrolysates

A tryptic gliadin hydrolysate was fractionated into peptide fractions, which were assigned to either the central domain (CD) or terminal domains (TD) of gliadins. The domains were expected to contain amino acid (AA) sequences which, when released from the parent protein, inhibit the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. A proline (Pro) poor TD related fraction, containing the smallest peptides, showed the highest ACE inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.33 mg/ml). Additional peptidases were selected based on their in silico predicted ability to release ACE inhibitory peptides. Further hydrolysis of the tryptic hydrolysate fractions with thermolysin, Clarex, Alcalase and Esperase increased ACE inhibitory activities. Immobilised Ni²⁺-ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) purification of a TD related peptide fraction obtained by sequential hydrolysis with trypsin and thermolysin yielded a fraction with an IC₅₀ value of 0.02 mg/ml. This IMAC fraction was enriched in histidine and hydrophobic AA (Pro, Val, Ile, Leu and Phe).     

Inhibiting enzymatic starch digestion by hydrolyzable tannins isolated from Eugenia jambolana

Slowing down starch digestion is one method of controlling postprandial hyperglycaemia of diabetes, for which naturally occurring α-amylase inhibitors from edible botanicals have a great potential. We reported herein that Eugenia jambolana, a traditional herbal tea for the treatment of diabetes in South Asia, contains potent α-amylase inhibitors because of monomeric and polymeric hydrolyzable tannins (HT). These compounds demonstrated a dose dependent inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 1.1 ± 0.4 μg/mL), which was significantly stronger than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 19.0 ± 2.0 μg/mL). Kinetic studies revealed that the HT were mixed non-competitive inhibitors against α-amylase. Using an in vitro human starch digestion model, incorporation of 0.125 mg/mL HT into a real food system (wheat flour) was effective in delaying enzymatic starch digestion moderately, with a significantly stronger inhibitory effect in the absence of proteins in the food matrix. Pre-incubation of HT with α-amylase prior to substrate addition also significantly enhanced their inhibitory activity. These results provide useful knowledge on HT as potential α-amylase inhibitors, which could potentially alleviate postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients.     

Characteristics of Bellamya purificata snail foot protein and enzymatic hydrolysates

The foot muscle protein of Bellamya purificata (mud snail, named Luosi in Chinese) was investigated. Its conformation change and increase in solubility were researched during enzymatic hydrolysis. The protein conformation was looser following an increase in pH (from 10 to 12), while the β-sheet was the main conformation at pH 12. Blending, ultrasonic extraction, ultradispersing and alkaline treatment increased the solubility of the foot muscle protein. The effects of several proteases on its hydrolysis were compared and Proleather FG-F was chosen. The relative molecular mass distribution, the free amino acids (FAA) content and the angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates were quantitatively analyzed and compared. In the Proleather FG-F hydrolysates, the percentage of the peptides with molecular weight between 150 and 2000 Da were 84.65%, much more than that in the Alcalase 2.4L hydrolysates (68.44%). Proleather FG-F released much less FAA (5.80%), than Alcalase 2.4L (17.01%). The IC₅₀ of the Proleather FG-F hydrolysate was 0.69 mg/ml, whereas for the Alcalase 2.4L hydrolysate the value was 3.30 mg/ml. Finally, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the factors (pH, enzyme: substrate ratio- E/S- and temperature) affecting Proleather FG-F hydrolysis.     

The effects of Caulerpa microphysa enzyme-digested extracts on ACE-inhibitory activity and in vitro anti-tumour properties

The aim of this study was to determine the ACE inhibitory activity and its anti-cancer properties of Caulerpa microphysa extracts. C. microphysa samples were digested with Flavourzyme, Alcalase, and pepsin. The ACE inhibitory activity of enzyme-digested C. microphysa decreased in the order of digestion with pepsin > Flavourzyme > Alcalase; that is, pepsin-extracted samples had significantly higher activity than the other enzyme extractions. To test its anti-tumour effects in vitro C. microphysa pepsin-digested extracts were applied to BALB/c mice with transplanted myelomonocytic leukaemia (WEHI-3) and Human promyelocytic leukaemia (HL-60) cell lines. The growth of both cell lines was inhibited, and extracts induced DNA damage, evaluated with a comet assay. The data demonstrate that C. microphysa pepsin-digested extract had the ability to anti-tumour effects. Further application as a health food is worthy of investigation.     

Antioxidative and ACE inhibitory activities in enzymatic hydrolysates of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis

The larvae of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, were used as a source of food proteins exerting possible biological activities. A simulated gastrointestinal digestion (IC₅₀ = 320 μg/ml) and digestion by mucosal enzymes (IC₅₀ = 211 μg/ml) reveals a significantly higher in vitro ACE inhibitory activity compared to hydrolysis using thermolysin (IC₅₀ = 1392 μg/ml) and alcalase (IC₅₀ = 827 μg/ml) as pretreatment. This indicates that the choice of enzymes to generate ACE inhibitory peptides is important. All hydrolysates were also tested for antioxidant activity using two tests: a radical scavenging test using DPPH and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and they showed a similar antioxidant activity which was relatively low compared to the standard antioxidants BHT and vitamin C. As a conclusion, the data obtained suggest that insect protein can be used to generate hydrolysates, exerting both ACE inhibitory and antioxidant activity, which might be incorporated as multifunctional ingredient into functional foods.     

Novel probiotic-fermented milk with angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides produced by Bifidobacterium bifidum MF 20/5

In previous research, we have demonstrated that Bifidobacterium bifidum MF 20/5 fermented milk possessed stronger angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity than other lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus helveticus DSM 13137, which produces the hypotensive casokinins Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP) and Val-Pro-Pro (VPP). The aim of this study is to investigate the ACE-inhibitory peptides released in B. bifidum MF 20/5 fermented milk. The novel ACE-inhibitory peptide LVYPFP (IC₅₀ = 132 μM) is reported here for the first time. Additionally, other bioactive peptides such as the ACE-inhibitor LPLP (IC₅₀ = 703 μM), and the antioxidant VLPVPQK were identified. Moreover, the peptide and amino acid profiles, the ACE-inhibitory activity (ACEi), pH, and degree of hydrolysis of the fermented milk were determined and compared with those obtained in milk fermented by L. helveticus DSM 13137. The sequences of the major bioactive peptides present in fermented milk of B. bifidum and L. helveticus were identified and quantified. B. bifidum released a larger amount of peptides than L. helveticus but no IPP or VPP were detected in B. bifidum fermented milk. Also the lactotripeptide concentrations and ACEi were higher in L. helveticus fermented milk when the pH was maintained at 4.6. This may represent a technical advantage for B. bifidum that reduces the pH at a slow enough rate to facilitate the peptide generation without the need for pH control. Thus these findings show the potential for the use of this probiotic strain to produce fermented milk with a wider range of health benefits including reduction of blood pressure.     

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis and Passiflora alata) extracts on stimulated neutrophils and myeloperoxidase activity assays

The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from Passiflora edulis and Passiflora alata pulp, and P. edulis rinds, healthy or infected with the passion fruit woodiness virus (PWV), was investigated using the oxidant activities of the neutrophil and the neutrophil granule enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), both playing key roles in inflammation. The reactive oxygen species produced by stimulated neutrophils were evaluated by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) and the activity of purified MPO was measured by SIEFED (Specific Immunological Extraction Followed by Enzymatic Detection), a technique for studying the direct interaction of a compound with the enzyme. The rind extracts of P. edulis possessed higher and dose-dependent inhibitory effects on CL response and on the peroxidase activity of MPO than total pulp extracts from both passion fruit species. The quantification of isoorientin in the extracts showed a correlation with their antioxidant activity, suggesting the potential of P. edulis rinds as functional food or as a possible source of natural flavonoids.     

Short communication: Bovine κ-casein variants result in different angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides

Proteins in bovine milk are a common source of bioactive peptides. The peptides are released by the digestion of caseins and whey proteins. Peptides derived from the different genetic variants A, B, C, E, F1, F2, G1, G2, H, I, and J of bovine κ-casein (CSN3) were investigated for their inhibitory activities against angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE). Amino acid sequences of the CSN3 variants were analyzed in silico to detect potential ACE inhibitory peptides. Besides known biologically active peptides, exclusive peptides were identified in some CSN3 variants and their biological activity was determined: within CSN3*B and CSN3*C, the ACE inhibitory peptide ASP (IC₅₀ = 242.3; the IC₅₀ value is equivalent to the micromolar concentration of peptide mediating a 50% inhibition of ACE activity) and within CSN3*C the peptide AHHP (IC₅₀ = 847.6) was detected. Furthermore, the peptides VSP (IC₅₀ = 21.8) and ACHP (IC₅₀ = 360.7) were identified in CSN3*F1 and CSN3*G2, respectively.     

仿刺参胶原蛋白源二肽基肽酶抑制肽虚拟筛选及分子对接研究

目的 采用生物信息学和分子对接方法筛选仿刺参胶原蛋白来源的二肽基肽酶(dipeptidyl peptidase-Ⅳ,DPP-Ⅳ)抑制肽。方法 以仿刺参胶原蛋白序列为对象,进行生物信息学分析和计算机辅助虚拟酶解,基于生物毒性、致敏性、水溶性及吸收、分配、代谢、排泄及毒性(absorption,distribution,metabolism,excretion,toxicity,ADMET)预测,筛选得到6条具有潜在生物活性的寡肽,氨基酸序列分别为CD、CQ、CS、GR、SM、MDG,进一步通过分子对接分析肽段与DPP-Ⅳ的结合活性,并分析其结合位点及方式。结果 生物信息学分析表明仿刺参胶原蛋白是生物活性肽的潜在优良来源,经木瓜蛋白酶、碱性蛋白酶及模拟胃肠道虚拟水解后能够释放出DPP-Ⅳ抑制肽;分子对接表明俩条新肽段CS、SM通过氢键、疏水相互作用分别与DPP-Ⅳ的S1、S2活性口袋结合。结论 本研究提供了一种快速筛选刺参胶原蛋白中DPP-Ⅳ抑制肽的方法。     

Enhancing the thermostability of α-glucosidase from Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis MB4 by single proline substitution

Thermostability can be increased by introducing prolines at suitable sites in target proteins. In this study, we compared five thermostable α-glucosidases and the moderate thermostable α-glucosidase (TtGluA) from Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis MB4. Based on the amino acid sequence alignment, four sites (Leu152, Asn208, Lys285, and Thr430) of TtGluA were chosen for proline substitution to improve its thermostability. Thermostability of mutants L152P, K285P, and T430P increased evidently, but no thermostability improvement was observed for N208P. Compared to the wild-type enzyme, T₅₀¹⁵ of T430P had a rise of 2 °C without distinct loss of activity. However, T₅₀¹⁵ values of L152P and K285P increased 2 °C and 10.5 °C, respectively, while retaining activity of only 26.6% and 24.9% of wild-type enzyme. The K_m of L152P, K285P, T430P and wild-type enzyme was 1.61, 0.32, 1.64, and 1.08 mM, respectively. These indicate that the selected sites are not only important for the thermostability but also related to the substrate binding and catalytic activity of TtGluA. The CD spectra analysis of the improved mutants and wild-type enzyme showed no distinct changes in their secondary structures. Combining analysis of secondary structure prediction and 3D structure modeling, the proline substitution at the three sites stabilized TtGluA possibly by reducing the flexibility of loop and random coil or (and) increasing the hydrophobic effect at these strategic regions with no evident structure change.     

Purification and identification of novel antioxidant peptides from enzymatic hydrolysates of sardinelle (Sardinellaaurita) by-products proteins

In order to utilise sardinelle (Sardinellaaurita) protein by-products, which is normally discarded as industrial waste in the process of fish manufacturing, heads and viscera proteins were hydrolysed by different proteases to obtain antioxidative peptides. All hydrolysates showed different degrees of hydrolysis and varying degrees of antioxidant activities. Hydrolysate generated with crude enzyme extract from sardine (Sardinapilchardus) displayed high antioxidant activity, and the higher DPPH radical-scavenging activity (87 ± 2.1% at 2 mg/ml) was obtained with a degree of hydrolysis of 6%. This hydrolysate was fractionated by size exclusion chromatography on a Sephadex G-25 into eight major fractions (P₁–P₈). Fraction P₄, which exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity, was then fractionated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Seven antioxidant peptides were isolated. The molecular masses and amino acids sequences of the purified peptides were determined using ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS, respectively. Their structures were identified as Leu-His-Tyr, Leu-Ala-Arg-Leu, Gly-Gly-Glu, Gly-Ala-His, Gly-Ala-Trp-Ala, Pro-His-Tyr-Leu and Gly-Ala-Leu-Ala-Ala-His. The first peptide displayed the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity (63 ± 1.57%; at 150 μg/ml) among these peptides.     

Studies on the inhibitory effect of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther extracts on the angiotensin converting enzyme

This study was aimed at evaluating the kinetic properties and capacities of water (GWE), 50% ethanolic (GE50) and 95% ethanolic (GE95) extracts from Graptopetalum paraguayense for the potential to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The results showed that GWE, GE50 and GE95 showed potent inhibitory effects on ACE. It was found that the ACE inhibitory activities of all the tested extracts increased with the increase of their concentrations. In addition, the ACE inhibition of the tested extracts of G. paraguayense were significantly reduced after the addition of 1.5 mM ZnCl₂, suggesting the inhibitory action of the extracts may have resulted from the chelation of the ACE zinc cofactor. The inhibition kinetics, analyzed by Lineweaver–Burk plots, revealed that G. paraguayense extracts showed a mixed-type inhibition. A comparison of the 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) and K_i values showed that the ethanolic extracts, including GE50 and GE95 exhibited the more effective ACE inhibitory activity than the water extracts of G. paraguayense.