Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibition Research Articles

Oat-Protein-Based Diet Lowers Blood Pressure and Prevents Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background/Objectives: Hypertension and its associated complications, such as cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, continue to impose a significant burden on global healthcare. Nutritional interventions have been recognized as playing a crucial role in addressing this devastating condition termed a ‘silent killer’. Plant-based proteins could potentially be utilized as a non-pharmacological strategy to combat hypertension and its related risk factors. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of an oat protein diet in managing hypertension and cardiac abnormalities. Methods: Four-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were fed a regular diet with casein as a protein source or an oat-protein-based diet for 16 weeks. Twenty-week-old male SHRs showed high blood pressure (BP), cardiac remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, higher levels of markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and inflammation [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], as well as lower levels of a marker of vascular function (nitric oxide). Results: The oat protein diet was able to significantly lower high BP, prevent cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, improve the levels of nitric oxide, and reduce the levels of TNF-α. Oat protein, after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, also exhibited angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and significantly higher antioxidant activity than casein when assessed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the iron-chelating assays in vitro. Conclusions: oat protein lowers BP and prevents cardiac remodeling and dysfunction partly via improving the levels of nitric oxide and TNF-αin SHRs. Its high antioxidant potential could contribute to the observed cardiovascular effects.

Ultrasonication coupled to enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean okara proteins for producing bioactive and bioavailable peptides

This work was aimed to explore the antioxidative properties, bioavailability and the safety of bioactive peptides obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of ultrasound-treated (UO) and untreated (nUO) soybean okara proteins. Particularly, the peptidomic profiles of both hydrolysates were examined using an untargeted metabolomics technique for suspect screening that was specifically designed for the profiling of short-chain peptides and relied on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) and bioinformatics.Next, both UO and nUO hydrolysates reduce Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) enzyme activity until 39.54 ± 0.26 % and 43.29 ± 0.36 % respectively and inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities by 30.54 ± 0.42 % and 30.76 ± 0.02 %, respectively. Moreover, they demonstrate to exerted antioxidant properties. Particularly, they show a comparable in vitro antioxidant activity but when the oxidative stress is induced by H2O2 in Caco-2 cells, UO hydrolysate is more active in lowering the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and of lipid peroxidation induced of 48% and 20% respectively.In addition, UO- and nUO-derived peptides trans-epithelial transported by human differentiated intestinal cell monolayer, were identified. Lastly, the possible hepatotoxicity of UO and nUO hydrolysates in HepG2 cells has not been observed by measuring alanine transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels and cytotoxic effects.

Uncovering the Potential Somatic Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (sACE) Inhibitory Capacity of Peptides from Acheta domesticus: Insights from In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

Entomophagy is being proposed as a sustainable and nutritious alternative protein source. Additionally, insect consumption is also associated with some health benefits mediated by bioactive compounds produced during gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. The antihypertensive property resulting from the inhibition of the somatic angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) by small peptides is one of the most common bioactivities related to insect consumption. This study aimed to investigate the potential sACE-inhibitory capacity of six peptides (AVQPCF, CAIAW, IIIGW, QIVW, PIVCF, and DVW), previously identified by the in silico GI digestion of Acheta domesticus proteins, validate their formation after in vitro GI digestion of A. domesticus by LC-MS/MS, and assess the bioactivity of the bioaccessible digesta. The results showed that the IC50 values of AVQPCF, PIVCF, and CAIAW on sACE were 3.69 ± 0.25, 4.63 ± 0.16, and 6.55 ± 0.52 μM, respectively. The obtained digesta demonstrated a sACE-inhibitory capacity of 77.1 ± 11.8 µg protein/mL extract (IC50). This is the first report of the sACE-inhibitory capacity attributed to whole A. domesticus subjected to GI digestion without any pre-treatment or protein concentration. This evidence highlights the potential antihypertensive effect of both the digesta and the identified peptides.

Comparing the anti-remodeling effect of sacubitril/valsartan and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on myocardial samples of advanced heart failure patients undergoing heart transplantation

Abstract Background In decreasing heart failure (HF) hospitalization and cardiovascular death in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction, Sacubitril/Valsartan (SAC/VAL) treatment was proved to be superior to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi). According to recent experimental results and clinical data based on echocardiography and circulating biomarkers, this benefit might be at least partially attributed to a greater anti-remodeling effect. However, there is a lack of direct evidence from human myocardial samples for this assumption. Purpose Therefore, we aimed to compare the anti-remodeling effect of SAC/VAL treatment to ACEi on myocardial samples of HF patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTX). Methods We studied left ventricular (LV) samples of seventy advanced HF patients who underwent HTX and received either SAC/VAL (SAC/VAL group, N=32) or ACEi treatment (ACEi group, N=38) for at least three months prior to HTX. Furthermore, all patients received beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists titrated to maximally tolerated or target dose. Our groups were matched for age, sex, ejection fraction and other clinical parameters. Patients with liver or kidney failure, mechanical circulatory support, systemic inflammatory/fibrotic diseases or positive inotrope treatment were excluded. Myocardial mRNA expression of fibrotic markers and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured with qRT-PCR and normalized to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression. Interstitial fibrosis area was assessed histologically. Results Preoperative plasma N-terminal pro-BNP levels were similar in the two groups (SAC/VAL: 4363±752 pg/mL vs. ACEi: 4616±1020 pg/mL; p=0.911). In contrast, the mRNA level of BNP in the myocardium was lower in patients treated with SAC/VAL (SAC/VAL: 2.2±1.05 vs. ACEi: 5.2±1.74; p=0.006). TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (SAC/VAL: 0.07±0.01 vs. ACEi: 0.13±0.02; p=0.011), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (SAC/VAL: 0.06±0.01 vs. ACEi: 0.11±0.01; p<0.001), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (SAC/VAL: 0.02±0.00 vs. ACEi: 0.08±0.02; p<0.001) and collagen type III alpha 1 chain (SAC/VAL: 0.12±0.02 vs. ACEi: 0.27±0.04; p<0.001) relative gene expressions were also decreased in the LV of SAC/VAL-treated patients. Histology analysis confirmed reduced interstitial myocardial fibrosis area in the SAC/VAL group as well (SAC/VAL: 7.2±0.4% vs. ACEi: 8.6±0.5%; p=0.031). Conclusions SAC/VAL treatment decreased the myocardial expression of BNP and fibrosis-related genes to a greater extent compared with ACEi in LV samples of patients undergoing HTX. Histological analysis also verified the differences in fibrosis. Thus, the anti-remodeling effect of SAC/VAL might be superior to ACEi even in advanced HF.

Temporal trends and regional differences of initial oral antiarrhythmic drug options in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation: a report from the GLORIA-AF registry

Abstract Background New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are commonly used for treating such patients. However, whether there are temporal changes and regional differences in the choice of AADs in direct acting non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (DOACs) era is less studied. Purpose The present study aimed to analyze the temporal trends and regional differences of initial oral AAD options in patients with new-onset AF in the GLORIA-AF registry, based on a proposed modernized classification of AADs in 2018 (Circulation, 2018, PMID: 30354657). AADs involved in the present study included traditional Vaughn-Williams Class I to Class IV AAD, Class IId AAD (digoxin), and Class VII AAD, which acts on the upstream of arrhythmia including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, angiotensin receptor blocker, and stains. Methods Temporal changes regarding the AAD use between the two phases of GLORIA-AF and regional differences of AADs choice were investigated. Factors associated with the choice of different AADs were established by multivariate logistic regression. Results Among the 36,617 participants in the GLORIA-AF registry, 33,208 (90.7%) were prescribed with AADs: 74.0% were rate control and 10.2% were rhythm control, and among the prescribed AADs, single and dual AADs were used in 73.3% and 24.9%, respectively. Moreover, 70.5% patients received upstream target modulators (Class VII AAD). Class IIa AADs (beta-blockers) were the most commonly prescribed AAD and slightly increased from Phase II (60.58%) to Phase III (62.91%) while the use of Class IId AAD (e.g. digoxin) decreased regardless of single or combined use. AADs use varied significantly among regions but the temporal trends and regional differences were similar with that of the overall cohort. Age, gender, comorbidities, admission signs, region, and concomitant medications (e.g. anticoagulants) were associated with the choices of different AADs. Conclusions In the DOAC era, new-onset AF patients receiving AAD commonly included upstream therapy. Rate control was still the dominant strategy for patients with new-onset AF but the use of Class IId AAD significantly decreased with the increased use of Class IIa AAD. The choice of AADs demonstrated significant regional differences and concomitant anticoagulants played important roles.Temporal trends in GLORIA-AFComparisons of AADs use in GLORIA-AF

Goat Milk Protein-Derived ACE Inhibitory Peptide SLPQ Exerts Hypertension Alleviation Effects Partially by Regulating the Inflammatory Stress of Endothelial Cells.

Hypertension has always posed a severe threat to people's health. Food-derived angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides have the potential to both prevent and treat hypertension. In the current investigation, two ACE-inhibitory peptides (SLPQ and PYVRYL) from goat milk were studied for their endothelial effects using EA.hy926 cells. PYVRYL outperformed SLPQ, yet neither impacted cell survival below 200 μg/mL. Investigation of SLPQ's impact on EA.hy926 cell expression revealed 114 differentially expressed genes, with 65 downregulated and 49 upregulated. The genes were enriched in cytokine interactions, coagulation cascades, Hippo signaling, and ECM-receptor interaction. Decreased c-x-c motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2), integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGB2), and fbj murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue (FOS) expression and increased secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression may protect endothelial cells from inflammation. Our findings suggest that beyond ACE inhibition, SLPQ aids blood pressure control by influencing endothelial function, paving the way for its use as an antihypertensive food ingredient.

Identification of Structure-Linked Activity on Bioactive Peptides from Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicus): A Compressive In Silico/In Vitro Study.

A sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) is an invertebrate rich in high-quality protein peptides that inhabits the coastal seas around East Asian countries. Such bioactive peptides can be utilized in targeted disease therapies and practical applications in the nutraceutical industry. Bioactive peptides were isolated from Stichopus japonicus through ultrafiltration and Sephadex G-10 size exclusion chromatography. The low-molecular-weight fraction (ACSH-III) showed the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. Subsequent purification of ACSH-III resulted in four fractions, of which ACSH-III-F3 and ACSH-III-F4 exhibited significant bioactivity. Peptides identified in these fractions, including Phenylalanine-Proline-Threonine-Tyrosine (FPTY) and Tyrosine-Proline-Serine-Tyrosine-Proline-Serine (YPSYPS), were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS). FPTY demonstrated the most potent antioxidant and antihypertensive activities among these peptides, with IC50 values of 0.11 ± 0.01 mg/mL for hydroxyl radicals and 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/mL for ACE inhibition. Docking simulations revealed strong binding affinities of these peptides to the active site of the ACE, with FPTY displaying interactions similar to those of the synthetic inhibitor lisinopril. These findings suggest that the identified peptides, particularly FPTY, have potential applications as natural antioxidants and functional foods.

Research on the Synergistic Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) by the Gastrointestinal Digestion Products of the ACE Inhibitory Peptide FPPDVA.

To gain a deeper understanding of the ACE inhibition effect, the inhibitory effect of ACE-inhibiting peptide (ACEIP) FPPDVA's digestive products on ACE was further investigated. Two novel peptides, PD (IC50 = 161.1 ± 1.10 μM) and DV (IC50 = 66.51 ± 0.99 μM) were identified in the digestive products of FPPDVA using LC-MS/MS. The Peptide Mix (FPPDVA, PD, and DV) exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect on ACE inhibition by significantly enhancing it by up to 508% compared to the individual peptides alone. Furthermore, theoretical simulations suggest that the Peptide Mix synergistically inhibits ACE activity by forming more stable complexes with the active site of ACE, facilitated by an increased number of hydrogen bonds. Additionally, Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis and spectroscopic studies further verified the presence of these stable complexes. ITC results show that the combination of Peptides Mix and ACE is a spontaneous exothermic process driven by entropy. The study showed that FPPDVA has a stronger inhibitory effect on ACE after digestion, making it suitable as an antihypertensive peptide in functional foods.

Exploring the nutritional and biological properties of green coffee extracts: A comparative study of aqueous and enzymatic extraction processes

The effects of aqueous (AEP) and enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processes (EAEP) on the biological and nutritional properties of green coffee extracts (protein and antioxidant-rich fraction) were investigated. All extracts exhibited high in vitro protein digestibility (>98%), regardless of the pH and use of enzymes during extraction, probably due to the low molecular weight of coffee proteins. Raising extraction pH from 7.0 to 9.0 resulted in extracts with lower concentrations of caffeine and some phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic and cinnamic acids, as well as catechin and epicatechin. This led to a reduction in the antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained at alkaline pH (AEP – pH 9.0). Overall, higher phenolic and caffeine extractability was achieved at neutral pH (AEP – pH 7.0), with no observed improvement in extraction yields when carbohydrases and/or proteases were employed. Coffee extracts generated by AEP at pH 7.0 exhibited the highest lipase inhibitory activity (66%), primarily attributed to their higher chlorogenic acid concentration. Conversely, EAEP extracts exhibited higher angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (up to 85%) compared to AEP extracts (68.5 – 74.3%). This strong inhibitory activity is likely related to the presence of both phenolic compounds (mainly chlorogenic acid) and smaller peptides. Nevertheless, all extracts exhibited low effectiveness for α-glucosidase inhibition (≤14%) and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The current research underscores the feasibility of modulating the composition of green coffee extracts using sustainable and scalable AEP and EAEP, paving the way for developing tailored extracts with specific biological properties.

Deciphering angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibition dynamics: Carnosine's modulatory role in breast cancer proliferation – A clinical sciences perspective

BackgroundAngiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a pivotal molecular nexus linking novel coronavirus disease to breast cancer. In-silico investigations have repurposed carnosine for both these conditions based on its potential ACE2 inhibitory properties. MethodsUtilizing an ACE2 inhibitor screening kit, we determined the inhibitory range of carnosine doses. Subsequently, we examined the effect of carnosine on ACE2 expression in supernatants from various breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and EMT-6). Additionally, we compared ACE2 activity in cell line pellets with and without carnosine and a putative ACE2 activator using a fluorometric activity assay kit. Finally, we performed a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay across overlapping concentrations. ResultsCarnosine exhibited dose-dependent ACE2 inhibition within the 100–300 mM range. ACE2 expression significantly diminished after exposure to carnosine for 2 and 24 h in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. MTT assay unveiled notable antiproliferative effects in MDA-MB-231 (50 % survival at approximately 265 mM) and EMT-6 cell lines (unquantifiable 50 % survival dose). Conversely, the MCF-7 cell line displayed a modest increase in proliferation (Effective concentration 50–186 mM, ∼40 % increased survival). ConclusionThis pioneering study delineates evident dose-dependent ACE2 inhibition by carnosine. Moreover, it unveils the modulatory impact of this ACE2 inhibitor in breast cancer cell lines. Carnosine demonstrated a significant antiproliferative effect on aggressive cell lines while sparing luminal cell lines from substantial toxic or proliferative effects.

The profile of plant bioactive compounds in Xinjiang, China unifloral safflower honey and their inhibitory on ACE, and determination of the mechanism of inhibition

Investigating the plant bioactive compounds in unifloral safflower honey from Xinjiang, China, is helpful for verifying its botanical origin and evaluating its functional properties. Therefore, this study quantifying hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), anhydroxysafflor yellow B (ASYB), quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, myricetin, hyperoside, gallic acid, quinic acid, and ferulic acid in safflower honey by high-performance liquid chromatography; HSYA and ASYB accounted for 16.12–28.83% and 13.63–33.09%, respectively, of the quantified plant bioactive compounds and were considered characteristic markers for authentication. These compounds also exhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity; the IC50 ranges from 13.33 to 132.45 μmol L−1, and the inhibition constant (Ki) is between 17.13 and 121.34 μmol L−1. HSYA (IC50 = 20.24 μmol L−1, Ki = 19.63 μmol L−1) and ASYB (IC50 = 19.33 μmol L−1, Ki = 17.13 μmol L−1) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects. Molecular simulation studies have shown that these bioactive compounds bind key residues in the active pocket of ACE through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, leading to ACE inhibition. Overall, HSYA and ASYB could be considered bioactive chemical markers for verifying the botanical origin of Xinjiang, China, unifloral safflower honey, and safflower honey may be a potential functional food by inhibiting ACE.

Bioactive Peptides from Corn (Zea mays L.) with the Potential to Decrease the Risk of Developing Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases: In Silico Evaluation.

Studies have shown that corn (Zea mays L.) proteins, mainly α-zein, have the potential to act on therapeutic targets related to non-communicable chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins present in foods can result in a great diversity of peptides with different structures and possible bioactivities. A review of recent scientific research papers was performed to show evidence of the bioactive properties of corn peptides by in vitro assays. The α-zein amino acid sequences were identified in the UniProtKB protein database and then analyzed in the BIOPEP database to simulate enzymatic digestion and verify the potential biological action of the resulting peptides. The peptides found in the BIOPEP database were categorized according to the probability of presenting biological action using the PeptideRanker database. The aim was to use existing data to identify in silico the potential for obtaining biologically active peptides from α-zein, the main storage protein of corn. The analysis showed that the majority of peptide fragments were related to the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme, followed by the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and dipeptidyl peptidase III. Many drugs used to treat high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes work by inhibiting these enzymes, suggesting that corn peptides could be potential alternative agents. In vitro studies found that the primary bioactivity observed was antioxidative action. Both in vitro and in silico approaches are valuable for evaluating the bioactive properties resulting from protein hydrolysis, such as those found in α-zein. However, conducting in vitro studies based on prior in silico evaluation can be more efficient and cost-effective.

Bioactive Properties of Enzymatic Gelatin Hydrolysates Based on In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies.

This current study aims to analyze the potential bioactivities possessed by the enzymatic hydrolysates of commercial bovine, porcine, and tilapia gelatins using bioinformatics in combination with in vitro and in vivo studies. The hydrolysate with superior inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was used to treat the D-galactose (DG)-induced amnesic mice. In silico digestion of the gelatins led to the identification of peptide sequences with potential antioxidant, ACE-inhibitory, and anti-amnestic properties. The results of in vitro digestion revealed that the <1 kDa peptide fraction of porcine gelatin hydrolysate obtained after 1 h digestion with papain (PP) (PP1, <1 kDa) potently inhibited ACE, acetylcholinesterase, and prolyl endopeptidase activities at 87.42%, 21.24%, and 48.07%, respectively. Administering the PP1 to DG-induced amnesic mice ameliorated the spatial cognitive impairment and Morris water maze learning abilities. The dentate area morphology in the PP1-treated mice was relatively similar to the control group. In addition, PP1 enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the DG-induced amnesic mice. This study suggests that PP1 could serve as a potential treatment tool against oxidative stress, hypertension, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Antihypertensive mechanism of the medicine food homology compound solution with high ACE inhibition rate based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Certain instances of medicine food homology (MFH) have an antihypertensive effect, which has a therapeutic effect on hypertension, but their mechanism in treating hypertension and improving blood pressure is still unclear. The objective of this study is to analyze the potential bioactive substances and the hypotensive mechanism by which the MFH compound solution (Hawthorn:Lycium barbarum:Cassia = 4:1:1) with a high angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition rate. This will be achieved through the use of network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, which will be further validated through experimental testing. The key components in the MFH compound solution were obtained by constructing the component-disease target network, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used to explore the pathways of the MFH compound solution participating in anti-hypertension. The content of the main active ingredients in the MFH compound solution was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The main active components were quercetin, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, while the identified core genes were AKT1 and TP53. Through pathway analysis, the mechanisms of the MFH compound solution against hypertension may be Lipid and atherosclerosis, Calcium signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, etc. Moreover, the molecular docking of five key compounds and the top five targets verified the reliability of network pharmacology results. HPLC analysis revealed that these five active substances were detected in the MFH compound solution, where kaempferol was the most abundant. This study revealed that the MFH compound exerted a hypotensive effect through multiple targets and pathways.

Evaluation of Prebiotic and Health-Promoting Functions of Honeybee Brood Biopeptides and Their Maillard Reaction Conjugates.

This study addresses the growing interest in natural functional ingredients by evaluating the prebiotic and health-promoting functions of honeybee brood biopeptides (HBb-Bps) and their conjugates. The purpose was to investigate their antioxidant activities, enzyme inhibition properties, and effects on probiotic growth and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The HBb-Bps were conjugated with honey, glucose, and fructose via the Maillard reaction. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. The inhibitory effects on amylase, pancreatic lipase, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were measured. Probiotic growth and SCFA production were evaluated using L. plantarum TISTR846, and L. lactis TISTR1464. The HBb-Bps and their conjugates exhibited enhanced antioxidant activities post-Maillard reaction. They showed moderate enzyme inhibition, which decreased after conjugation. However, ACE inhibition increased with conjugation. The HBb-Bps significantly promoted probiotic growth and SCFA production, with further enhancement by the Maillard reaction. Overall, the HBb-Bps and their conjugates demonstrate significant prebiotic and health-promoting functions, suggesting their potential as natural ingredients in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Further research should focus on the in vivo effects and, given their solubility and stability these biopeptides could be incorporated into functional food formulations, such as health beverages, protein bars, and other fortified foods designed to deliver specific health benefits.

Upgrading the Bioactive Potential of Hazelnut Oil Cake by Aspergillus oryzae under Solid-State Fermentation.

Hazelnut oil cake (HOC) has the potential to be bioactive component source. Therefore, HOC was processed with a solid-state fermentation (SSF) by Aspergillus oryzae with two steps optimization: Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken design. The variables were the initial moisture content (X1: 30-50%), incubation temperature (X2: 26-37 °C), and time (X3: 3-5 days), and the response was total peptide content (TPC). The fermented HOC (FHOC) was darker with higher protein, oil, and ash but lower carbohydrate content than HOC. The FHOC had 6.1% more essential amino acid and benzaldehyde comprised 48.8% of determined volatile compounds. Fermentation provided 14 times higher TPC (462.37 mg tryptone/g) and higher phenolic content as 3.5, 48, and 7 times in aqueous, methanolic, and 80% aqueous methanolic extract in FHOC, respectively. FHOC showed higher antioxidant as ABTS+ (75.61 µmol Trolox/g), DPPH (14.09 µmol Trolox/g), and OH (265 mg ascorbic acid/g) radical scavenging, and α-glucosidase inhibition, whereas HOC had more angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. HOC showed better water absorption while FHOC had better oil absorption activity. Both cakes had similar foaming and emulsifying activity; however, FHOC produced more stable foams and emulsions. SSF at lab-scale yielded more bioactive component with better functionality in FHOC.

House cricket protein hydrolysates alleviate hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and oxidative stress in nitric oxide-deficient hypertensive rats.

Edible insects with high protein content and bioactive peptides with health promotion against chronic disease. Deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) contributes to hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and death worldwide. This study assessed the antihypertensive effects of house cricket protein hydrolysates (HCPH) in NO-deficient hypertensive rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12/group) were hypertensive after the administration of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day in drinking water for 7 weeks. The animals were then treated with HCPH (250 or 500 mg/kg BW/day) or lisinopril (Lis) (1 mg/kg BW/day) for the last 4 weeks of L-NAME administration. Blood pressure (BP), vascular function, and structural changes, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and p47phox nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase protein expression in aortic tissues, plasma nitrate/nitrite, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and oxidative stress markers in blood and tissues were evaluated. Induction of hypertension resulted in significantly elevated BP, decreased plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration, abolished vascular function, and increased vascular wall thickness. Overproduction of carotid and mesenteric superoxide, increased plasma, heart, and kidney malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels, and increased plasma ACE activity were observed. Down-expression of eNOS with overexpression of p47phox NADPH oxidase subunit was also found in L-NAME hypertensive rats. Oral treatment with HCPH, particularly at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW/day, significantly alleviated these alterations in a manner comparable to that of Lis. HCPH improved vascular function and exerted antihypertensive effects, mainly due to the improvement of NO bioavailability, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of ACE.

Ropivacaine Administration Suppressed A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration via ACE2 Upregulation and Inhibition of the Wnt1 Pathway.

Previous studies have suggested that perioperative anesthesia could have direct impacts on cancer cell biology. The present study investigated the effects of ropivacaine administration on lung adenocarcinoma cells. Ropivacaine was administered to A549 cells at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 6 mM for 2 h. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was performed 6 h prior to ropivacaine administration. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed with cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and a wound healing assay at 0 and 24 h after anesthesia exposure. PCR arrays were performed, followed by PCR validation. Ropivacaine administration inhibited A549 cell proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner, with ACE2 upregulation and HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) downregulation. The anticancer effect of ropivacaine was canceled out via ACE2 siRNA transfection. PCR arrays showed specific gene change patterns in the ropivacaine and respective ACE2-knockdown groups. EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), BAX (Bcl-2-associated X protein) and BCL2 (B-cell/CLL lymphoma 2) were suppressed with ropivacaine administration; these effects were reversed via ACE2 siRNA induction. Ropivacaine administration inhibited A549 cell biology in conjunction with ACE2 upregulation via the inhibition of the Wnt1 (wingless/Integrated 1) pathway.

Differing sensitivities to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition of kidney disease mediated by APOL1 high-risk variants G1 and G2

Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) variants G1 and G2 contribute to the excess risk of kidney disease in individuals of recent African ancestry. Since disease mechanisms and optimal treatments remain controversial, we study the effect of current standard-of-care drugs in mouse models of APOL1 kidney disease. Experiments were performed in APOL1 BAC-transgenic mice, which develop proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis following injection with a pCpG-free IFN-γ plasmid. Proteinuric, plasmid injected G1/G1 and G2/G2 mice were randomized to drug treatment or no treatment. Lisinopril, dapagliflozin, and hydralazine were administered in drinking water starting day seven. The urine albumin/creatinine ratio was measured twice weekly, and the kidneys examined histologically with the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis score computed from periodic acid-Shiff-stained sections. The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril, at standard dose, reduced proteinuria by approximately 90-fold and reduced glomerulosclerosis in the APOL1 G1/G1 BAC-transgenic mice. These effects were independent of blood pressure. Dapagliflozin did not alter disease progression in either G1/G1 or G2/G2 mice. Proteinuria reduction and glomerulosclerosis in G2/G2 BAC-transgenic mice required lisinopril doses two times higher than were effective in G1/G1 mice but achieved a much smaller benefit. Therefore, in these BAC-transgenic mouse models of APOL1 disease, the anti-proteinuric and anti-glomerulosclerotic effects of standard dose lisinopril were markedly effective in G1/G1 compared with G2/G2 APOL1 mice. Comparable reduction in blood pressure by hydralazine treatment provided no such protection. Neither G1/G1 nor G2/G2 mice showed improvement with the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibition dapagliflozin. Thus, it remains to be determined if similar differences in ACE inhibitor responsiveness are observed in patients.

Antihypertensive and Antidiabetic Drug Candidates from Milkfish (Chanos chanos)-Identification and Characterization through an Integrated Bioinformatic Approach.

Integrated bioinformatics tools have created more efficient and robust methods to overcome in vitro challenges and have been widely utilized for the investigation of food proteins and the generation of peptide sequences. This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of novel peptides derived from hydrolyzed milkfish (Chanos chanos) protein sequences and to discover their potential angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)- and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPPIV)-inhibitory activities using machine learning-based tools, including BIOPEP-UWM, PeptideRanker, and the molecular docking software HADDOCK 2.4. Nine and three peptides were predicted to have ACE- and DPPIV-inhibitory activities, respectively. The DPPIV-inhibitory peptides were predicted to inhibit the compound with no known specific mode. Meanwhile, two tetrapeptides (MVWH and PPPS) were predicted to possess a competitive mode of ACE inhibition by directly binding to the tetra-coordinated Zn ion. Among all nine discovered ACE-inhibitory peptides, only the PPPS peptide satisfied the drug-likeness analysis requirements with no violations of the Lipinski rule of five and should be further investigated in vitro.