Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Atheroprotective Properties of Wheat Gluten Protein Hydrolysates in Primary Human Monocytes.

Maria C. Millan-Linares,Ivan Cruz-Chamorro,Alvaro Villanueva,Francisco Millan,Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz,Noelia M. Rodriguez-Martin,Justo Pedroche

doi:10.3390/foods9070854

Maria C. Millan-Linares, Ivan Cruz-Chamorro + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9070854

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Abstract

Bioactive protein hydrolysates have been identified in several sources as possible agents in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. A wheat gluten (WG) concentrate was hydrolyzed by Alcalase under specific conditions. The resulting hydrolysates were evaluated by in vitro cell-free experiments leading to the identification of one bioactive WG protein hydrolysate (WGPH), which was used at 50 and 100 μg/mL on primary human monocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrite levels and RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques were used to analyze the functional activity of WGPH. Our results showed that WGPH hydrolyzed in 45 min (WGPH45A) down-regulated gene expression of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and Interferon gamma (IFNγ) and reduced cytokine release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes. In addition, WGPH45A down-regulated gene-related to atherosclerotic onset. Our results suggest that WGPH45A has a potent anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties, reducing the expression of gene-related inflammation and atherosclerosis that could be instrumental in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.

Highlights

IntroductionThe protein requirement in the diet is needed for several cell functions such as in the building and repairing of tissues, or such as for signaling molecules among others
Proteins are essential nutrients for the smooth operation organisms
The hydrolysis length may be assessed by the hydrolysis degree (HD), which can indicate longer or shorter lengths of the peptide chain

Summary

Introduction

The protein requirement in the diet is needed for several cell functions such as in the building and repairing of tissues, or such as for signaling molecules among others. Plant proteins are an interesting source to find new lead compounds of good-quality that are cheaper, and with a lesser environmental impact than animal proteins [1]. The substitution of animal proteins with plant proteins in the food industry or in our own diet is another important issue for health [2]. The study of their enzymatic hydrolysates is of special interest as, they have many bioactive functions, some of which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or other bioactive activities [3,4,5,6]. Wheat is consumed worldwide and is a cultivated cereal and it is the basic food in the human diet through bread consumption.

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