Low Molecular Weight Peptides Research Articles

Interfacial rheological properties of pepsin-hydrolyzed lentil protein isolate at oil-water interfaces

Lentil protein isolate (LPI) was investigated for its potential as a plant protein-based emulsifier. LPI consists mainly of globulins with high molecular weights which are relatively slow to adsorb and stabilize oil-water interfaces. Smaller proteins, such as whey protein, can stabilize the interface much faster, quickly forming a viscoelastic film that slows down the rate of droplet recoalescence, leading to smaller droplets. To increase the rate of adsorption, LPI was enzymatically hydrolyzed by pepsin at 1.5% and 4.5% degree of hydrolysis (DH), to obtain small peptides. The behavior of these peptides was studied at the oil-water interface in comparison to whey protein isolate (WPI) and native lentil protein isolate (LPI). Interfacial properties were investigated using dilatational and interfacial shear rheology in the linear viscoelastic regime (LVE) and nonlinear viscoelastic regime (NLVE) and these were related to protein characteristics and emulsion formation. The 1.5% and 4.5%DH LPI showed high surface hydrophobicity, and consisted mainly of low molecular weight peptides, which contributed to faster adsorption kinetics and consequently covered the interface faster than LPI. In dilatation, the native and hydrolyzed LPI-stabilized interfaces had comparable stiffness and were clearly weaker than WPI-stabilized interfaces, which contrasts with the results in shear deformations, where the former both had higher stiffness than WPI. Both hydrolyzed LPI and WPI formed more brittle and less stretchable interfaces compared to native LPI in both dilatational and shear rheology. In emulsification tests, native LPI produces the largest droplets, and the 4.5% DH LPI and WPI have the smallest droplet size. But, bridging flocculation was observed when emulsions were prepared with both hydrolyzed LPI, which may be attributed to inter-droplet hydrophobic interactions between small polypeptides. This can be linked to an increase in the surface hydrophobicity of hydrolyzed LPI. Thus, the use of native LPI as a stabilizer in emulsion preparation is preferable over the hydrolyzed samples, despite its larger droplet size.

PD-L1 targeted peptide demonstrates potent antitumor and immunomodulatory activity in cancer immunotherapy.

In recent years, immunotherapy has been emerging as a promising alternative therapeutic method for cancer patients, offering potential benefits. The expression of PD-L1 by tumors can inhibit the T-cell response to the tumor and allow the tumor to evade immune surveillance. To address this issue, cancer immunotherapy has shown promise in disrupting the interaction between PD-L1 and its ligand PD-1. We used mirror-image phage display technology in our experiment to screen and determine PD-L1 specific affinity peptides (PPL-C). Using CT26 cells, we established a transplanted mouse tumor model to evaluate the inhibitory effects of PPL-C on tumor growth in vivo. We also demonstrated that PPL-C inhibited the differentiation of T regulatory cells (Tregs) and regulated the production of cytokines. In vitro, PPL-C has a strong affinity for PD-L1, with a binding rate of 0.75 μM. An activation assay using T cells and mixed lymphocytes demonstrated that PPL-C inhibits the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1. PPL-C or an anti-PD-L1 antibody significantly reduced the rate of tumor mass development in mice compared to those given a control peptide (78% versus 77%, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate that PPL-C prevents or retards tumor growth. Further, immunotherapy with PPL-C enhances lymphocyte cytotoxicity and promotes proliferation in CT26-bearing mice. PPL-C exhibited antitumor and immunoregulatory properties in the colon cancer. Therefore, PPL-C peptides of low molecular weight could serve as effective cancer immunotherapy.

Small peptide CSF fingerprint of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal protein aggregation in the motor neurons. Present and earlier proteomic studies to characterize peptides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associated with motoneuron pathology did not target low molecular weight proteins and peptides. We hypothesized that specific changes in CSF peptides or low molecular weight proteins are significantly altered in ALS, and that these changes may support deciphering molecular pathophysiology and even guide approaches towards therapeutic interventions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 50 ALS patients and 50 non-ALS controls was collected, centrifuged immediately after collection, aliquoted into polypropylene test tubes, frozen within 30-40 min after the puncture, and stored at -80°C until use. Peptides were sequenced using capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS or LC-MS/MS). In the CSF of 50 patients and 50 non-ALS controls 33 peptides were found, of which 14 could be sequenced using a non-lytic single-pot proteomic detection method, CE/MS. ALS deregulated peptides vs. controls included Integral membrane protein 2B, Neurosecretory protein VGF, Osteopontin, Neuroendocrine protein 7B2 (Secretogranin-V), EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1, Xylosyltransferase 1 XT-1, Chromogranin-A, Superoxide dismutase SOD-1, Secretogranin-1 (Chromogranin B), NR2F2 Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 2 and Collagen alpha-1(VII) chain. Most striking deregulations in CSF from ALS patients were found in VGF, Osteopontin, SOD-1 and EFEMP1 peptides. No associations of disease severity, duration and region of onset with sequenced peptides were found.

Сytokines as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of microvascular complications of diabetes

Classical knowledge about the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications in recent years has been supplemented by ideas about the role of chronic inflammation. It has been established that inflammatory reactions play a role in the beta cell dysfunction, the formation of insulin resistance and remodeling of the vascular wall. Cytokines, soluble low molecular weight proteins and peptides that perform informational and regulatory functions, play central role in the development of inflammation. A wide range of biological activity and involvement in many aspects of pathogenesis make it possible to consider cytokines as promising molecules for diagnosing and predicting the complications. In this review, we summarize data from studies that assessed the role of cytokines as diagnostic and prognostic markers for the development of microvascular diabetic complications. Current data indicate that angiogenic and pro-inflammatory cytokines (VEGF, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, IL-17, MCP-1, IP-10, INF-γ, PEDF, etc.) are promising biomarkers for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, especially when their local production is assessed (in vitreous, aqueous humor and tears). The role of these molecules as biomarkers of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema needs further research. Serum proinflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines (primarily MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α, YKL-40, TGF-β and bFGF) and cytokine receptors (sTNFR1, sTNFR2) are considered as promising diagnostic and prognostic markers of diabetic kidney disease. Urinary excretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 turned out to be a predictor of the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Multi-bead assay and mass spectrometry make it possible to study cytokine panels in small samples of biological material. Combined biomarkers, including several cytokines, may increase the reliability of the prognosis of diabetic complications.

Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity and Protective Effect of Peptides from Cordyceps militaris Cultivated with Tussah Pupa on Oxidative Injured HepG2 Cells.

The antioxidant capacity and protective effect of peptides from protein hydrolysate of Cordyceps militaris cultivated with tussah pupa (ECPs) on H2O2-injured HepG2 cells were studied. Results indicated ECP1 (<3 kDa) presented the strongest antioxidant activity compared with other molecular weight peptides. Pretreated with ECPs observably enhanced survival rates and reduced apoptosis rates of HepG2 cells. ECPs treatment decreased the ROS level, MDA content and increased CAT and GSH-Px activities of HepG2 cells. Besides, the morphologies of natural peptides from C. militaris cultivated with tussah pupa (NCP1) and ECP1 were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characterization results suggested the structure of NCP1 was changed by enzymatic hydrolysis treatment. Most of hydrophobic and acidic amino acids contents (ACC) in ECP1 were also observably improved by enzymatic hydrolysis. In conclusion, low molecular weight peptides had potential value in the development of cosmetics and health food.

Effect of Calanus finmarchicus Hydrolysate Inclusion on Diet Attractiveness for Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Shrimp feed formulations have moved towards less fish meal and more of the readily available and cheaper plant proteins. To counteract the lower attractiveness and palatability of plant proteins, feeds are supplemented with ingredients known to have chemoattractive properties that will increase feed intake. This study investigated the putative chemoattractive effect of Calanus finmarchicus hydrolysate, when used as a dietary supplement in shrimp feeds. C. finmarchicus is a zooplankton species native to the northern Atlantic Ocean and is a novel and sustainable raw material for shrimp feed products. Diet attractiveness was evaluated in a 24-day feeding trial with whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) by measuring the intake of 12 diets with various levels of fish meal, calanus hydrolysate, and krill (Euphausia superba) meal. Higher inclusion rates of both ingredients resulted in increased feed intakes, and supplementing the high fish meal diet with calanus hydrolysate gave a statistically significant higher feed intake. Low molecular weight peptides, chemoattractive amino acids, and the water-soluble nature of the hydrolysate could explain the chemoattractive properties observed in the study.

Olive Pomace Extract Contains Low Molecular Weight Peptides and Possesses ACE Inhibitory Activity.

The aim of the present study was to determine the ACE inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of olive pomace and to understand whether they represent a good source of bioactive LMW peptides for nutritional and pharmacological applications. We produced a water extract from olive pomace (var. Picual) and obtained its low molecular weight (LMW) fraction (<3 kDa). The calculated yield of extraction was 100.2 ± 7.9 mg of LMW peptides per 100 g of olive pomace. The olive pomace LMW fraction possessed strong ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 3.57 ± 0.22 µg prot/mL). The LMW fraction (<3 kDa) was analysed by nanoscale liquid chromatography-Orbitrap coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and de novo sequencing. Thirty new peptides, containing between 7-17 amino acids and molecular masses ranging 778-1354 Da, were identified by the Peaks database algorithm using the available Olea europaea (cv. Farga) genome database. Ten new peptides were also identified by Peaks de novo sequencing. The protein sources of twelve peptides detected in the database by Peaks DB were identified by BLAST search. The ACE inhibitory activity of the identified peptides was predicted by BIOPEP software. We conclude that olive pomace possesses ACE inhibitory activity and contains low molecular weight peptides with (predicted) biological activity. Olive pomace may represent a good source of peptides for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. In our study, it has been shown that olive pomace possesses ACE inhibitory activity and contains low molecular weight peptides with (predicted) biological activity. Olive pomace may represent a good source of peptides for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. More research is needed in order to identify the in vivo effects of olive pomace bioactive peptides.

Digestion of whey peptide induces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivity on glial cells: Sequences identification and structural activity analysis

Whey derived peptides have shown potential activity improving brain function in pathological condition. However, there is little information about their mechanism of action on glial cells, which have important immune functions in brain. Astrocytes and microglia are essential in inflammatory and oxidative defense that take place in neurodegenerative disease. In this work we evaluate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential bioactivity of whey peptide in glial cells. Peptides were formed during simulated gastrointestinal digestion (Infogest protocol), and low molecular weight (<5kDA) peptides (WPHf) attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by hydrogen peroxide stimulus in both cells in dose-dependent manner. WPHf induced an increase in the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) content and prevented GSH reduction induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulus in astrocytes cells in a cell specific form. An increase in cytokine mRNA expression (TNFα and IL6) and nitric oxide secretion induced by LPS was attenuated by WPHf pre-treatment in both cells. The inflammatory pathway was dependent on NFκB activation. Bioactive peptide ranking analysis showed positive correlation with hydrophobicity and negative correlation with high molecular weights. The sequence identification revealed 19 peptides cross-referred with bioactive database. Whey peptides were rich in leucine, valine and tyrosine in the C-terminal region and lysine in the N-terminal region. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of whey peptides were assessed in glia cells and its mechanisms of action were related, such as modulation of antioxidant enzymes and anti-inflammatory pathways. Features of the peptide structure, such as molecular size, hydrophobicity and types of amino acids present in the terminal region are associated to bioactivity.

Low molecular weight peptides in tauco, a fermented soy product, associated to umami taste through peptidomics‐sensomics approach

SummaryUmami peptides from ultrafiltration fractions of tauco have never been revealed yet. This study's objective was to determine umami peptides by peptidomics‐sensomics approach followed by molecular docking on the ultrafiltration fractions of tauco with MWs &lt;3 kDa from different regions of Indonesia. Sensory evaluation by taste dilution analysis to determine umami intensity and peptide identification by HR‐LC–MS/MS were conducted. Seventeen peptides were revealed to be associated with the intense umami taste of tauco fractions, having molecular weights of 1106–1760 Da. The molecular mechanism and binding energy affinity of the peptides to umami receptor T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer through molecular docking confirmed the result. Peptides IPVNKPGRF, DVFRAIPSEV, and DVTDVTGDRGVTVT are 3 of the 17 identified peptides which have the lowest binding energy to umami receptor T1R1/T1R3 at −9.4, −9.2, and −9.1 kcal mol−1, respectively. In addition, the molecular docking results indicated that His145, Asn68, Val277, and Ser67 of taste receptor type 1 member 3, T1R3 subunit, play critical roles in the binding with identified umami peptides by forming hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction.

Low-cost protein extracts and hydrolysates from plant-based agro-industrial waste: Inputs of interest for cultured meat

The main challenge in large-scale cultured meat production is replacing fetal bovine serum (FBS), an expensive, animal-derived component in the cell culture medium. This study explored the use of plant-based agro-industrial waste as an economical and nutritionally beneficial alternative to FBS. Soybean and peanut bran were processed to obtain extracts and protein hydrolysates rich in proteins, low molecular weight peptides, and amino acids. The results confirmed the presence of essential nutritional factors conducive to the growth and viability of animal cells in vitro. Protein extracts formed mainly by globulins and albumins resemble the composition of FBS. The hydrolysates contained a protein content similar to FBS and were particularly abundant in leucine and proline. The molecular weight distribution of the peptides indicated a high degree of hydrolysis. Cost analysis revealed that utilizing plant waste for protein inputs could be a favorable approach to reducing cultured meat production costs.

Increased reactive carboxyl and free alfa-amino groups from fish type I collagen peptides by Alcalase® hydrolysis exhibit higher antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Abstract This study aimed to generate low molecular weight peptides (LMWP) from fish collagen type I hydrolysed by increasing activity of Alcalase® from 0.0 to 12.0 (AU-A per 100 g) at 55 °C and 7.4 of pH for 3 h 40 min. The results showed that all enzyme activity levels caused 34–55 % reductions in protein recovery, 1.0–3.0 folds’ increase in free α-amino groups and 1.7–3.2 folds’ increase in carboxyl groups. Degree of hydrolysis ranged from 20 to 30 % with increasing enzyme activity. The number average molecular weight significantly reduced from 3200 g/mol in 0.0 AU-A per 100 g enzyme activity to 1151, 1398, 1175, 1040 and 1246 g/mol in 2.4, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6 and 12.0 AU-A per 100 g enzyme activities, respectively. Depending upon enzyme activity level, the produced LMWP with reactive carboxyl and amino end-groups exhibited 2.5- to 4.0-fold increases in antioxidant capacity and 1.0–3.5 log cfu/ml inhibition of four pathogen bacteria. Highest inhibition of 2.5 log cfu/ml in Escherichia coli was obtained from 2.4 AU-A per 100 g enzyme activity and 3.5 log cfu/ml in Listeria monocytogenes from 9.6 and 12.0 AU-A per 100 g enzyme activity levels. Infrared spectroscopy clearly identified reactive end-groups and showed remarkably differences in molar absorptivity of various molecular regions between non-enzyme and enzyme treated collagen type I molecule. A 9.6 and 12.0 AU-A per 100 g enzyme activity levels were found optimally effective to generate LMWP. In conclusion, LMWP exhibited high antioxidant and antibacterial activity due to increased functional reactive end-groups, and these bio-active peptides may have greater potentialities in various food and pharmaceutical applications.

A peptidomic approach to discover the potential biomolecular signatures discriminating in-bag dry- and wet-aged lamb

The study assessed the peptidomic profile of in-bag dry-aged (2 °C, RH 75 %, 0.5 m.s−1, n = 30) and wet-aged (-1.5 °C, n = 30) lamb with high and low levels of lipid oxidation. A total of 1056 low molecular weight peptides (< 10 kDa) were identified in aged lamb samples, using LC-MS/MS and label free quantification (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047738). Partial Least Squares – Discriminant analysis highlighted that all discriminating peptides in dry-aged lamb were from titin, whereas discriminating peptides in the wet-aged samples were predominantly from nebulin, myotilin, collagen type IV, LIM domain binding 3, and heat shock protein family B. Comparison of peptides from aged lamb meat with high- and low-levels of lipid oxidation showed that most discriminatory peptides within an ageing method are derived from oxidatively modified peptides from creatine kinase. These peptides could thus potentially be used as signature biomolecules to discriminate ageing techniques and indicate lipid oxidation levels.

Fish Waste Alchemy: Innate and Acquired Immunity Assessment Followed Vaccinated against Kocuriasis and Investigate the Function of Low Molecular Weight Peptides of Kilka Fish Stick-water As Both Immunostimulant and Adjuvant in Farmed Rainbow Trout

Investigation of the immunogenicity of Caspian sea sprat stick-water, rich in hydrolysate protein was set as the aim of this study. Therefore, peptides below 3 kilo Daltons were isolated, and then the concentration of low molecular peptides (μg/μl) was measured. Kocuria rhisophila bacterium, which is known as one of the pathogenic agents of rainbow trout reared, was formalin- killed to make its vaccine with concentration of 2×109 CFU/ml in Tris-Buffered Saline. Eight treatments with 3 repetitions, consist of 240 individuals were considered. Three treatments were injected by concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 mg/body weight of stick-water containing low molecular peptides. In one treatment, bacterin was injected alone; in the three treatments, bacterin was injected along with doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/body weight of the stick-water. In addition, Tris-Buffered Saline was injected into the control treatment. Next, to measure immunity, innate immunity factors were examined. Finally, in order to check the specific immunity, the challenge was done by immersion with a concentration of 1.2 x 108 CFU/ml of Kocuria rhizophila, after 14 days, the blood bacteremia test of all treatments was performed. According to the results, stick-water containing low molecule peptides was immunogenic in low doses.

Regulation mechanisms of sea cucumber peptides against scopolamine-induced memory disorder and novel memory-improving peptides identification

Memory impairment affects cognition and information processing, and attention, leading to a decline in life quality of patients. Previous studies have shown the memory-improving effects of sea cucumber peptides. This study further explored the memory-improving mechanisms of sea cucumber peptides using scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice and identified novel memory-improving peptides within low molecular weight peptide fractions. The sea cucumber peptides were categorized into three groups based on their molecular weights: SCP-L (molecular weight greater than 10 kDa), SCP-M (weight between 3 kDa and 10 kDa), and SCP-S (molecular weight less than 3 kDa). The results showed that SCP-S improved behavioral performance by regulating cholinergic system disorder and reducing oxidative stress levels, distinguishing itself from SCP-M and SCP-L. Further, SCP-S was found to exhibit a well ability in alleviating the degree of neuroinflammation dependent on microglia and promoting synaptic plasticity. Additionally, a novel memory-improving peptide Ser-Phe-Gly-Asp-Ile (SFGDI) was identified by EASY-nano-LC/MS/MS after simulated digestion-absorption coupling of in silico technologies from SCP-S. SFGDI protected against oxidative stress and regulated cholinergic system in scopolamine-induced PC12 cells. These findings suggest that SCP-S and SFGDI might be considered as potential memory-improving food for people suffering from memory disorders.

A novel cheese made of Gracilaria edulis proteases and its characterisation

A milk clotting protease was isolated from the red marine macroalga Gracilaria edulis in a previous study of ours. In the current study, the protease was used to make a Cheddar style cheese and the chemical, physical, textural and sensory properties of the cheese were investigated. The algal cheese had a higher yield and moisture content but lower total solids, compared to calf rennet cheese. The colour of the algal cheese was lighter and less yellow than the calf rennet cheese. The microstructure parameters of algal and calf rennet cheeses were similar. SDS-PAGE showed that the algal protease digested all proteins in the milk continuously during ripening and produced many low molecular weight peptides. RP-HPLC showed that the algal cheese displayed a greater number of peptide peaks than calf rennet cheese. Sensory analysis revealed that the algal cheese generally had lower scores in several categories including overall flavour, which was mainly due to its stronger bitter taste. Overall, this study found that the G. edulis proteases are probably not very suitable for making cheese with a long ripening period such as Cheddar style cheese, due to excessive proteolysis and resultant development of bitter taste, but may have potential as a calf rennet substitute in making fresh cheeses, such as white cheese.

Effects of Ultrasonic Power on the Structure and Rheological Properties of Skin Collagen from Albacore (Thunnus alalunga).

The effects of ultrasonic power (0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 W) on the extraction yield and the structure and rheological properties of pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) from albacore skin were investigated. Compared with the conventional pepsin extraction method, ultrasonic treatment (UPSC) significantly increased the extraction yield of collagen from albacore skin, with a maximum increase of 8.56%. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that peptides of low molecular weight were produced when the ultrasonic power exceeded 300 W. Meanwhile, secondary structure, tertiary structure, and X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the original triple helix structure of collagen was intact after the ultrasonic treatment. The collagen solutions extracted under different ultrasonic powers had significant effects on the dynamic frequency sweep, but a steady shear test suggested that the collagen extracted at 150 W had the best viscosity. These results indicate that an ultrasonic power between 150 and 300 W can improve not only the extraction yield of natural collagen, but also the rheological properties of the collagen solution without compromising the triple helix structure.

Novel peptides from sea cucumber intestines hydrolyzed by neutral protease alleviate exercise-induced fatigue via upregulating the glutaminemediated Ca2+ /Calcineurin signaling pathway in mice.

Sea cucumber intestines are considered a valuable resource in the sea cucumber processing industry due to their balanced amino acid composition. Studies have reported that peptides rich in glutamate and branched-chain amino acids have anti-fatigue properties. However, the function of the sea cucumber intestine in reducing exercise-induced fatigue remains unclear. In this study, we enzymatically hydrolyzed low molecular weight peptides from sea cucumber intestines (SCIP) and administered SCIP orally to mice to examine its effects on exercise-induced fatigue using swimming and pole-climbing exhaustion experiments. The results revealed that supplementation with SCIP significantly prolonged the exhaustion time of swimming in mice, decreased blood lactate and urea nitrogen levels, and increased liver and muscle glycogen levels following a weight-loaded swimming test. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated a notable increase the proportion of slow-twitch muscle fiber and a significant decrease the proportion of fast-twitch muscle fiber following SCIP supplementation. Furthermore, SCIP upregulated mRNA expression levels of Ca2+ /Calcineurin upstream and downstream regulators, thereby contributing to the promotion of skeletal muscle fiber type conversion. This study presents the initial evidence establishing SCIP as a potential enhancer of skeletal muscle fatigue resistance, consequently providing a theoretical foundation for the valuable utilization of sea cucumber intestines.

Efficacy of a fish hydrolysate supplement on sleep quality: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial

Background & AimsSleep disturbances are widespread in modern societies and linked to a variety of diseases, creating an urgent need for the development of products that help combat sleep difficulties. One suitable nutritional supplement may be a fish hydrolysate composed of low molecular weight peptides. MethodsThis two-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study investigated the effect of a 4-week fish hydrolysate intervention on sleep in a healthy German population reporting poor sleep quality, assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Further sleep parameters were measured using an online diary and a wrist wearable device. Additionally, questionnaires related to stress, anxiety, depression, and well-being were evaluated and salivary cortisol and product satisfaction were assessed. ResultsThe 4-week fish hydrolysate supplementation significantly improved subjective sleep quality measured with the PSQI-score (p = .002). Moreover, individuals reported improvements in sleep efficacy and a reduction in sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness during fish hydrolysate intake (p = .013, p = .046, p = .004 respectively), but not during placebo phase (all p > .05). No significant intra-individual differences were found between fish hydrolysate and placebo supplementation (p > .05). ConclusionsAlthough no significant intra-individual differences were found between fish hydrolysate and placebo supplementation, the significant improvement in subjective sleep quality from baseline to treatment phase suggests that fish hydrolysate is a safe nutritional supplement to support individuals with self-reported sleep problems. Clinical trial registrationThe study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the Identifier NCT04983355.

Potential Regulatory Gene Network Associated with the Ameliorative Effect of Oat Antibacterial Peptides on Rat Colitis.

Oat protein is unstable in intestinal fluid digestion, and it is easily degraded by trypsin and chymotrypsin, producing low molecular weight peptides. Endopeptidase hydrolysis can improve the bioavailability of active peptides and avoid further digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can effectively improve host immunity, but most related studies focus on physiology and ecology, and there are few reports on their molecular level. Therefore, in this article, oat peptides were prepared via the simulated digestion method in vitro, and the main metabolites and action factors affecting colitis were screened by using the multi-omics methods in a high-throughput mode to analyze the effect and mechanism of colitis. Firstly, oat antimicrobial peptides were prepared from cationic resin combined with HPLC, and the anti-inflammatory effects of antimicrobial peptides were analyzed in vitro through the use of human colon epithelial (HCoEpiC) anti-inflammatory cells. In vivo experiments using rats have verified that AMPs can effectively prevent colitis caused by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), reduce intestinal inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular disappearance in the colon, and reduce the apoptosis rate of colon cells. Secondly, metabolomics and transcriptomics were combined to analyze the mechanism of preventing enteritis, and it was found that oat antimicrobial peptides can promote DAG diglycerol production and inhibit the activation of T helper cells (TH), resulting in the down-regulation of key factors in the main downstream pathways of TH1, TH2 and TH17, and inhibit the production of inflammatory cells. At the same time, AMP can activate the wnt pathway, improve the expression of key genes of wnt and frizzled, promote the generation of intestinal stem cells, facilitate the differentiation and repair of intestinal epithelial cells, and prevent the generation of enteritis. Finally, the underlying genetic regulatory network of the important pathway was constructed from the effect of AMP on rat colitis.

Impact of Wastewater from Outfall of River on Bitter Gourd: Morphological and Biochemical Studies, Peptide Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity

River pollution poses a significant concern for the people of India who heavily rely on river water for daily needs. This study focuses on assessing the status of river pollution in West Bengal, India, with a particular emphasis on a major canal (N22° 39'08.75'' E88° 21'27.60'') near Dakhineswar New Jetty, known for its Kali Temple and frequent ritual activities. The region's dependence on river water is evident in daily life. Analysis of three consecutive years (2016-2018) reveals alarming levels of Total Coliform, reaching up to 8.18 x 106 MPN/100ml during the premonsoon season. Disturbingly high concentrations of Lead (0.069 mg/L) and Mercury (0.008 mg/L) are recorded. Average Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) are 2.3 mg/L and 7.9 mg/L, respectively, during the premonsoon. The impact of wastewater on Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) manifests in detrimental changes to both morphological and biochemical parameters, including total chlorophyll and protein content. Low molecular weight peptide(s) (3.0-0.5 kDa) are extracted, purified, and analyzed through ion exchange resin column, ultra-filtration, and HPLC. HPLC analysis distinguishes the presence of peptides compared to the control, revealing adverse effects of wastewater. The antioxidant activity of low molecular weight peptide(s) is demonstrated through DPPH scavenging. Bioassays, such as the germination percentage of wastewater-treated Bitter Gourd seeds, indicate inhibition. The intensified impact of wastewater during the premonsoon season underscores the urgency of addressing river pollution in this region.