Oral Supplementation with Betaine Powder Ameliorated High Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Supplementation of betaine is associated with improved cardiac health, potentially due to its function in re-methylation of homocysteine, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the effects of oral betaine supplementation on blood pressure homeostasis in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats in an 8 week-feeding trial with control (SHR-con and WKY-con) and 1% betaine supplemented (SHR-b and WKY-b) diets. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in the SHR-b group were significantly lower at week 8 (p = 0.013, p = 0.011, p = 0.010, respectively). Furthermore, serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) improved in the WKY-b and SHR-b groups, suggesting a healthy endothelial function. Additionally, the serum angiotensin I converting enzyme level in SHR-b rats was also significantly lowered, which may have been another reason for lower blood pressure. A significantly higher non-HDL level in the SHR-b group might reflect enhanced lipid secretion into the circulation in the form of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Betaine is known for its effect on the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a key component of VLDL. However, the long-term net outcomes of both blood pressure lowering and serum lipid increment should be further studied.

Risk factors of acute ischemic stroke and the role of angiotensin I in predicting prognosis of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy.

Purpose: The interaction between the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is definite but not fully understood. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of AIS and explore the role of serum indicators such as angiotensin I (Ang I) in the prognosis of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Patients and methods: Patients with AIS who underwent EVT and healthy controls were retrospectively enrolled in this study, and the patients were divided into a good or a poor prognosis group. We compared Ang I, blood routine indexes, biochemical indexes, electrolyte indexes, and coagulation indexes between patients and controls. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to evaluate possible risk factors for AIS and the prognosis of patients undergoing EVT. Independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients undergoing EVT were identified through multifactorial logistic regression analyses to construct diagnostic nomograms, further assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). Results: Consistent with previous studies, advanced age, high blood glucose, high D-dimer, and high prothrombin activity are risk factors for AIS. In addition, Ang I levels are lower in AIS compared to the controls. The level of Ang I was higher in the good prognosis group. Furthermore, we developed a nomogram to evaluate its ability to predict the prognosis of AIS after EVT. The AUC value of the combined ROC model (Ang I and albumin-globulin ratio (AGR)) was 0.859. Conclusions: In conclusion, advanced age, high blood glucose, high D-dimer, and high prothrombin activity are risk factors for AIS. The combined Ang I and AGR model has a good predictive ability for the prognosis of AIS patients undergoing arterial thrombectomy.

ACE Phenotyping in Human Blood and Tissues: Revelation of ACE Outliers and Sex Differences in ACE Sialylation.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) metabolizes a number of important peptides participating in blood pressure regulation and vascular remodeling. Elevated ACE expression in tissues (which is generally reflected by blood ACE levels) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Elevated blood ACE is also a marker for granulomatous diseases. Decreased blood ACE activity is becoming a new risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. We applied our novel approach-ACE phenotyping-to characterize pairs of tissues (lung, heart, lymph nodes) and serum ACE in 50 patients. ACE phenotyping includes (1) measurement of ACE activity with two substrates (ZPHL and HHL); (2) calculation of the ratio of hydrolysis of these substrates (ZPHL/HHL ratio); (3) determination of ACE immunoreactive protein levels using mAbs to ACE; and (4) ACE conformation with a set of mAbs to ACE. The ACE phenotyping approach in screening format with special attention to outliers, combined with analysis of sequencing data, allowed us to identify patient with a unique ACE phenotype related to decreased ability of inhibition of ACE activity by albumin, likely due to competition with high CCL18 in this patient for binding to ACE. We also confirmed recently discovered gender differences in sialylation of some glycosylation sites of ACE. ACE phenotyping is a promising new approach for the identification of ACE phenotype outliers with potential clinical significance, making it useful for screening in a personalized medicine approach.

Evaluation of Thai Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Hydrolysate Powder for Blood Pressure Reduction in Hypertensive Rats.

The angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) plays a pivotal role in hypertension, and while ACE inhibitors are conventional in hypertension management, synthetic medications often carry undesirable side effects. This has spurred interest in alternative ACE inhibitors derived from natural sources, such as edible insects. The silkworm, recognized for its bioactive peptides with potent ACE-inhibitory properties, has emerged as a promising candidate. This study aims to evaluate the acute toxicity and assess the antihypertensive efficacy of crude mature silkworm hydrolysate powder (MSHP) obtained from mature Thai silkworms. Utilizing the commercial protease Alcalase®2.4L, MSHP was administered at various doses, including 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1, to hypertensive rats. The investigation spans a 14-day period to observe any potential acute toxic effects. Results indicate that MSHP exhibits LD50 values equal to or exceeding 2000 mg kg-1, signifying a low level of acute toxicity. Furthermore, the effective dose for blood pressure reduction in hypertensive rats surpasses 100 mg kg-1 of rat body weight. These findings suggest that MSHP derived from Thai mature silkworms holds promise as a natural antihypertensive food source. The implications of this research extend to the development of functional foods, functional ingredients, and dietary supplements aimed at managing hypertension.

In silico and in vivo experiment of soymilk peptide (tetrapeptide - FFYY) for the treatment of hypertension.

Enzyme-Treated Soymilk (ETS) was produced from Commercial Soymilk (CSM) with the treatment of proteinase PROTIN SD-NY10 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens). Previously, we have isolated novel peptides from ETS but data related to isolated-peptides are scant. In this study, bio-informatics and in vivo analysis of isolated-peptides showed strong binding affinity to the active site of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE). Among four peptides, tetrapeptide Phe-Phe-Tyr-Tyr (FFYY) showed strong binding affinity and inhibitory activity to the ACE-enzyme (binding affinity -9.5 Kcal/mol and inhibitory concentration of 1.9 µM respectively) as well as showed less toxicity compared to other peptides. The animal experiment revealed that single oral dose of FFYY (80 µg/kg body weight/day) effectively ameliorates the systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model. Chronic oral administration of FFYY (80 µg/kg body weight/day for 3 weeks) reduced the systolic blood pressure elevation and ACE activity without any adverse side effects on the physiological and biological parameters of SHR. In conclusion, both in silico and in vivo experiments of soymilk-isolated FFYY peptide showed a promising option as a potential alternative for hypertension treatment without adverse side effects on SHR.

Effect of Conventional Humid-Dry Heating through the Maillard Reaction on Chemical Changes and Enhancement of In Vitro Bioactivities from Soy Protein Isolate Hydrolysate-Yeast Cell Extract Conjugates.

This study investigated the formation of soy protein isolate hydrolysate-yeast cell extract (SPIH-YCE) conjugates through a humid-dry heating process and their impact on bioactivity. The incubation of SPIH-YCE samples at 60 °C and ~75% humidity for varying durations (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days) resulted in a significant decrease in reducing sugars and free amino acids, while the degree of glycation increased by approximately 65.72% after 10 days. SDS-PAGE analysis and size exclusion chromatography revealed the presence of peptides and glycoprotein molecules, with an increase in the distribution of larger peptide size chains. The conjugated SPIH-YCE (10 days) exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity compared to the other samples at different incubation times. A comparative study between SPIH-YCE (day 0) and SPIH-YCE after 10 days of incubation showed significantly higher anti-inflammatory and ACE inhibitory activities for the conjugates subjected to the humid-dry heating process. This suggests that SPIH-YCE conjugates could serve as an alternative substance with the potential to provide health benefits by mitigating or preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This research highlights the importance of the Maillard reaction in enhancing bioactivity and offers insights into the alterations of the chemical structure of these conjugates.

Characterization of four new cycloartane triterpenoids from Swietenia macrophylla and their angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is currently a common method for the treatment and control of hypertension. In this study, four new (1-4) and one known (5) cycloartane triterpenoids were isolated from the leaves of Swietenia macrophylla by chromatographic techniques and identified by their spectroscopic data and a comprehensive comparison of published data. The triterpenoids were evaluated for their ACE inhibitory potential using in vitro inhibition assays and in silico methods. The inhibition assay and enzyme kinetics results showed that the most active triterpenoid, compound 4, inhibited ACE in a mixed-type manner with an IC50 value of 57.7 ± 6.07 µM. Computer simulations revealed that compound 4 reduces the catalytic efficiency of ACE by competitive insertion into the active pocket blocking the substrate, and the binding activity occurs mainly through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The study showed that S. macrophylla can be a source of bioactive material and the ACE inhibitory triterpenoid could be a potential antihypertensive agent.

Carriers of Heterozygous Loss-of-Function ACE Mutations Are at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease.

We hypothesized that subjects with heterozygous loss-of-function (LoF) ACE mutations are at risk for Alzheimer's disease because amyloid Aß42, a primary component of the protein aggregates that accumulate in the brains of AD patients, is cleaved by ACE (angiotensin I-converting enzyme). Thus, decreased ACE activity in the brain, either due to genetic mutation or the effects of ACE inhibitors, could be a risk factor for AD. To explore this hypothesis in the current study, existing SNP databases were analyzed for LoF ACE mutations using four predicting tools, including PolyPhen-2, and compared with the topology of known ACE mutations already associated with AD. The combined frequency of >400 of these LoF-damaging ACE mutations in the general population is quite significant-up to 5%-comparable to the frequency of AD in the population > 70 y.o., which indicates that the contribution of low ACE in the development of AD could be under appreciated. Our analysis suggests several mechanisms by which ACE mutations may be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Systematic analysis of blood ACE levels in patients with all ACE mutations is likely to have clinical significance because available sequencing data will help detect persons with increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Patients with transport-deficient ACE mutations (about 20% of damaging ACE mutations) may benefit from preventive or therapeutic treatment with a combination of chemical and pharmacological (e.g., centrally acting ACE inhibitors) chaperones and proteosome inhibitors to restore impaired surface ACE expression, as was shown previously by our group for another transport-deficient ACE mutation-Q1069R.

Exploring novel ANGICon-EIPs through ameliorated peptidomics techniques: Can deep learning strategies as a core breakthrough in peptide structure and function prediction?

Dairy-derived angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides (ANGICon-EIPs) have been regarded as a relatively safe supplementary diet-therapy strategy for individuals with hypertension, and short-chain peptides may have more relevant antihypertensive benefits due to their direct intestinal absorption. Our previous explorations have confirmed that endogenous goat milk short-chain peptides are also an essential source of ANGICon-EIPs. Nonetheless, there are limited explorations on endogenous ANGICon-EIPs owing to the limitations of the extraction and enrichment of endogenous peptides, currently. This review outlined ameliorated pre-treatment strategies, data acquisition methods, and tools for the prediction of peptide structure and function, aiming to provide creative ideas for discovering novel ANGICon-EIPs. Currently, deep learning-based peptide structure and function prediction algorithms have achieved significant advancements. The convolutional neural network (CNN) and peptide sequence-based multi-label deep learning approach for determining the multi-functionalities of bioactive peptides (MLBP) can predict multiple peptide functions with absolute true value and accuracy of 0.699 and 0.708, respectively. Utilizing peptide sequence input, torsion angles, and inter-residue distance to train neural networks, APPTEST predicted the average backbone root mean square deviation (RMSD) value of peptide (5-40 aa) structures as low as 1.96 Å. Overall, with the exploration of more neural network architectures, deep learning could be considered a critical research tool to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of identifying novel endogenous ANGICon-EIPs.

Unraveling the relationship between the renin-angiotensin system and endometrial cancer: a comprehensive review.

Endometrial cancer (EC), the most common adenocarcinoma, represents 90% of uterine cancer in women with an increased incidence of occurrence attributed to age, obesity, hypertension, and hypoestrogenism. Being the most common gynecological malignancy in women, it shows a relation with the activation of different components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which is predominantly involved in maintaining blood pressure, salt, water, and aldosterone secretion, thereby playing a significant role in the etiology of hypertension. The components of the RAS, i.e., ACE-I, ACE-II, AT1R, AT2R, and Pro(renin) receptor, are widely expressed in both glandular and stromal cells of the endometrium, with varying levels throughout the different phases of the menstrual cycle. This causes the endometrial RAS to implicate angiogenesis, neovascularization, and cell proliferation. Thus, dysfunctioning of the endometrial RAS could predispose the growth and spread of EC. Interestingly, the increased expression of AngII, AGTR1, and AGTR2 showed advancement in the stages and progression of EC via the prorenin/ATP6AP2 and AngII/AGTR1 pathway. Therefore, this review corresponds to unraveling the relationship between the progression and development of endometrial cancer with the dysfunction in the expression of various components associated with RAS in maintaining blood pressure.

Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitory Peptides from the Collagens of Monkfish (Lophius litulon) Swim Bladders: Isolation, Characterization, Molecular Docking Analysis and Activity Evaluation.

The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize collagen and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory (ACEi) peptides from the swim bladders of monkfish (Lophius litulon). Therefore, acid-soluble collagen (ASC-M) and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC-M) with yields of 4.27 ± 0.22% and 9.54 ± 0.51%, respectively, were extracted from monkfish swim bladders using acid and enzyme methods. The ASC-M and PSC-M contained Gly (325.2 and 314.9 residues/1000 residues, respectively) as the major amino acid, but they had low imino acid content (192.5 and 188.6 residues/1000 residues, respectively) in comparison with collagen from calf skins (CSC) (216.6 residues/1000 residues). The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) patterns and ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrums of ASC-M and PSC-M illustrated that they were mainly composed of type I collagen. Subsequently, three ACEi peptides were isolated from a PSC-M hydrolysate prepared via a double-enzyme system (alcalase + neutrase) and identified as SEGPK (MHP6), FDGPY (MHP7) and SPGPW (MHP9), with molecular weights of 516.5, 597.6 and 542.6 Da, respectively. SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW displayed remarkable anti-ACE activity, with IC50 values of 0.63, 0.94 and 0.71 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, a molecular docking assay demonstrated that the affinities of SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW with ACE were -7.3, -10.9 and -9.4 kcal/mol, respectively. The remarkable ACEi activity of SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW was due to their connection with the active pockets and/or sites of ACE via hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic force. Moreover, SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW could protect HUVECs by controlling levels of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Therefore, this work provides an effective means for the preparation of collagens and novel ACEi peptides from monkfish swim bladders, and the prepared ACEi peptides, including SEGPK, FDGPY and SPGPW, could serve as natural functional components in the development of health care products to control hypertension.

Purification and Molecular Docking Study on the Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitory Peptide Isolated from Hydrolysates of the Deep-Sea Mussel Gigantidas vrijenhoeki.

The objective of this study was to prepare an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptide from the hydrothermal vent mussel, Gigantidas vrijenhoeki. The G. vrijenhoeki protein was hydrolyzed by various hydrolytic enzymes. The peptic hydrolysate exhibited the highest ACE-inhibitory activity and was fractionated into four molecular weight ranges by ultrafiltration. The <1 kDa fraction exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity and was found to have 11 peptide sequences. Among the analyzed peptides, KLLWNGKM exhibited stronger ACE inhibitory activity and an IC50 value of 0.007 µM. To investigate the ACE-inhibitory activity of the analyzed peptides, a molecular docking study was performed. KLLWNGKM exhibited the highest binding energy (-1317.01 kcal/mol), which was mainly attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds with the ACE active pockets, zinc-binding motif, and zinc ion. These results indicate that G. vrijenhoeki-derived peptides can serve as nutritional and pharmacological candidates for controlling blood pressure.

Functional and Bioactive Properties of Wheat Protein Fractions: Impact of Digestive Enzymes on Antioxidant, α-Amylase, and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Potential.

This research aimed to determine the biofunctional properties of wheat flour (WF) protein fractions and modifications to the antioxidant, anti-α-amylase and anti-angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activities induced by the action of digestive endopeptidases in vitro. A molecular characterization of the most abundant protein fractions, i.e., albumins, glutelins-1, glutelins-2 and prolamins, showed that low- and high-MW polypeptides rich in cysteine, glutamic acid and leucine were present in albumins and glutelins, whereas low-MW subunits with a high proportion of polar amino acids prevailed in prolamins. Prolamins exhibited the second-highest water holding capacity (54%) after WF (84%), while albumins provided superior foam stability (76%). Prolamins, glutenins-1 and globulins demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (up to 95%, 68% and 59%, respectively) both before and after hydrolysis with pepsin (P-H) or trypsin-chymotrypsin (TC-H). Prolamins, globulins and WF strongly inhibited α-amylase (>90%) before and after TC-H, and before P-H (55-71%). Moreover, P-H significantly increased α-amylase inhibition by albumins from 53 to 74%. The fractions with strong ACE inhibitory activity (70-89%) included prolamins and globulins after TC-H or P-H, as well as globulins before TC-H and WF before P-H. This novel evidence indicates that WF protein fractions and their peptide-enriched P and TC hydrolysates are excellent sources of multifunctional bioactives with antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive potential.

Identification and In Silico Analysis of ACE-Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Milk Fermented by Lacticaseibacillus paracasei.

Inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity is an effective way to treat hypertension. In the present study, the ability to produce ACE-inhibitory peptides during fermentation of skimmed milk by the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M3 strain was evaluated, and the inhibitory mechanism and stability were studied by bioinformatics analysis. The results showed that the ACE inhibition activity of fermented milk was 71.94 ± 1.39%. After digestion with gastric juice and pancreatic juice, the ACE inhibitory activities of the fermented milk were 78.40 ± 1.93 and 74.96 ± 1.73%, respectively. After the fermented milk was purified using ultrafiltration and gel chromatography, 11 peptides from milk proteins were identified and sequenced by Nano LC-MS/MS. Molecular docking displayed that peptide PWIQPK had a high affinity, with ACE showing a binding energy of -6.10 kcal/mol. Hydrogen bonds were formed between PWIQPK and Glu384 in the S1 active pocket of ACE and Asp358. In addition, van der Waals forces were observed. In silico proteolysis suggested that PWIQPK could resist the digestion of pepsin and trypsin, indicating that it is relatively stable in the digestive tract. All results indicate that milk fermented by L. paracasei M3 has the potential to be used as a functional food having antihypertensive effects.

Production, identification, in silico analysis, and cytoprotection on H2O2-induced HUVECs of novel angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from Skipjack tuna roes.

Background: Exceeding 50% tuna catches are regarded as byproducts in the production of cans. Given the high amount of tuna byproducts and their environmental effects induced by disposal and elimination, the valorization of nutritional ingredients from these by-products receives increasing attention. Objective: This study was to identify the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory (ACEi) peptides from roe hydrolysate of Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and evaluate their protection functions on H2O2-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: Protein hydrolysate of tuna roes with high ACEi activity was prepared using flavourzyme, and ACEi peptides were isolated from the roe hydrolysate using ultrafiltration and chromatography methods and identified by ESI/MS and Procise Protein/Peptide Sequencer for the N-terminal amino acid sequence. The activity and mechanism of action of isolated ACEi peptides were investigated through molecular docking and cellular experiments. Results: Four ACEi peptides were identified as WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12), respectively. The affinity of WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) with ACE was -8.590, -9.703, -9.325, and -8.036 kcal/mol, respectively. The molecular docking experiment elucidated that the significant ACEi ability of WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) was mostly owed to their tight bond with ACE's active sites/pockets via hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic force and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) could dramatically elevate the Nitric Oxide (NO) production and bring down endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion in HUVECs, but also abolish the opposite impact of norepinephrine (0.5 µM) on the production of NO and ET-1. Moreover, WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) could lower the oxidative damage and apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced HUVECs, and the mechanism indicated that they could increase the content of NO and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) to decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Conclusion: WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) are beneficial ingredients for healthy products ameliorating hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibition and Molecular Docking Study of Meroterpenoids Isolated from Brown Alga, Sargassum macrocarpum.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is an important blood pressure regulator. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ACE-inhibitory effects of meroterpenoids isolated from the brown alga, Sargassum macrocarpum, and the molecular mechanisms underlying ACE inhibition. Four fractions of S. macrocarpum were prepared using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water as solvents and analyzed for their potential ACE-inhibitory effects. The chloroform fraction showed the strongest ACE-inhibitory effect, with an IC50 value of 0.18 mg/mL. Three meroterpenoids, sargachromenol, 7-methyl sargachromenol, and sargaquinoic acid, were isolated from the chloroform fraction. Meroterpenoids isolated from S. macrocarpum had IC50 values of 0.44, 0.37, and 0.14 mM. The molecular docking study revealed that the ACE-inhibitory effect of the isolated meroterpenoids was mainly attributed to Zn-ion, hydrogen bonds, pi-anion, and pi-alkyl interactions between the meroterpenoids and ACE. These results suggest that S. macrocarpum could be a potential raw material for manufacturing antihypertensive nutraceutical ingredients.

Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme-Inhibitory Activity and Phytochemical Profile of Constituents of the Leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa f. hueichingensis.

The root of Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz forma hueichingensis HSIAO has been used as a tonic and treatment for urinary and skin disorders in Japanese Kampo medicine. Phytochemical investigation of the root has been well reported, but that of the leaves is limited. To explore the potential value of R. glutinosa leaves, we focused on the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity. The leaf extract exhibited ACE-inhibitory activity, and the inhibitory potency of leaves was stronger than that of roots. Using this activity as an indicator, we isolated linaride (1), 6-O-hydroxybenzoyl ajugol (2), acteoside (3), leucosceptoside A (4), martynoside (5), luteolin (6), apigenin (7), and chrysoeriol (8) by separating and purifying the extract. We then examined the ACE-inhibitory activities of 1-8, catalpol (9), aucubin (10), ajugol (11), and echinacoside (12). Among them, 3, 6, and 12 displayed the most potent inhibitory activity. A simultaneous analytical method was also developed using compounds contained in R. glutinosa leaves and roots, and their contents were compared. The method consisted of extraction with 50% aqueous methanol under sonication for 60 min and LC/MS measurement. R. glutinosa leaves tended to have higher levels of majority of the analytes than the roots, including 3 and 6, which had higher ACE-inhibitory activity. These results suggest that 3 and 6 contribute to the ACE-inhibitory activity of R. glutinosa leaves, which may represent a useful medicinal resource for hypertension.

An in silico approach to unveil peptides from Acheta domesticus with potential bioactivity against hypertension, diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis.

Entomophagy is a sustainable alternative source of proteins for human nutrition. Acheta domesticus is one of the three insect species that complies with the European Union Regulation on novel foods, but to date, there are no reports on their potential bioactive peptides. In this study, an in silico approach was applied to simulate the gastrointestinal (GI) digestion of six A. domesticus proteins and identify new peptides with potential anti-hypertensive and/or anti-diabetic properties, resulting from their capability to inhibit the somatic Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (sACE) and/or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), respectively. A molecular docking protocol was applied to evaluate the binding interactions between the 43 peptides ranked with high probability of being bioactive and three drug targets: DPP-4 and two catalytic domains (N- and C-) of sACE. Five peptides (AVQPCF, CAIAW, IIIGW, DATW and QIVW) showed high docking scores for both enzymes, suggesting their potential to inhibit the DPP-4 and both catalytic domains of sACE, thus possessing multifunctional bioactive properties. Two peptides (PIVCF and DVW) showed higher docking scores for the N-domain of sACE, indicating a potential action as selective inhibitors and consequently with anti-cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis bioactivities. This is the first study identifying peptides originated from the simulated GI digestion of A. domesticus with potential activities against hypertension, diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis.

Screening for urinary markers predicting hematopoietic stem cell injury induced by busulfan using genetically diverse mice.

BACKGROUND: Busulfan (BU) is an alkylating agent used as a conditioning agent prior to hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation as it is known to be cytotoxic to host hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The susceptibility of HSCs to BU injury plays an important role in the myeloablative efficacy of BU. Different susceptibilities were demonstrated in genetically diverse (GD) mice in our preliminary research. METHODS: Three strains of GD mice with different susceptibilities to BU-induced HSC injury were used for screening biological markers of HSC injury susceptibility in urine. The urine proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to screen for differentially expressed proteins. Screening for possible biomarkers based on differences in protein expression abundance was validated using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). RESULTS: Functional analysis showed that the differential proteins were all involved in a series of biological pathways related to cellular senescence, apoptosis, and angiogenesis; whereas the differential proteins of the high-susceptible strain were enriched for the regulation of bone marrow microenvironment pathways, those of low-susceptible strain were enriched for the proapoptotic effect of GTPase pathways. Based on protein abundance differences, several urinary proteins that may be indicative of susceptibility were screened, and ELISA validation results showed that angiotensin-converting enzyme may be a potential biomarker predicting HSC susceptibility for BU conditioning. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that urinary protein levels can reflect differences in susceptibility to BU-induced HSC injury. Using GD mice to construct genetic difference models will provide preclinical data for screening BU-related biological markers.

In Vitro and In Silico Studies on Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Found in Hydrophobic Domains of Porcine Elastin.

One of the most striking aspects of the primary structure in the hydrophobic domains of the tropoelastin molecule is the occurrence of the VAPGVG repeating sequence. Since the N-terminal tripeptide VAP of VAPGVG showed a potent ACE inhibitory activity, the ACE inhibitory activity of various derivatives of VAP was examined in vitro. The results showed that VAP derivative peptides VLP, VGP, VSP, GAP, LSP, and TRP exhibited potent ACE inhibitory activities, while the non-derivative peptide APG showed only weak activity. In in silico studies, the docking score S value showed that VAP derivative peptides VLP, VGP, VSP, LSP, and TRP had stronger docking interactions than APG. Molecular docking in the ACE active pocket showed that TRP, the most potent ACE inhibitory peptide among the VAP derivatives, had a larger number of interactions with ACE residues in comparison with APG and that the TRP molecule appeared to spread widely in the ACE pocket, while the APG molecule appeared to spread closely. Differences in molecular spread may be a reason why TRP exhibits more potent ACE inhibitory activity than APG. The results suggest that the number and strength of interactions between the peptide and ACE are important for the ACE- inhibitory potency of the peptide.