QSAR Reveals Decreased Lipophilicity of Polar Residues Determines the Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptide Activity.

Antimicrobial resistance has increased rapidly, causing daunting morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics due to their broad range of targets and low tendency to elicit resistance. However, potent antimicrobial activity is often accompanied by excessive cytotoxicity toward host cells, leading to a halt in AMP therapeutic development. Here, we present multivariate analyses that correlate 28 peptide properties to the activity and toxicity of 46 diverse African-derived AMPs and identify the negative lipophilicity of polar residues as an essential physiochemical property for selective antimicrobial activity. Twenty-seven active AMPs are identified, of which the majority are of scorpion or frog origin. Of these, thirteen are novel with no previously reported activities. Principal component analysis and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) reveal that overall hydrophobicity, lipophilicity, and residue side chain surface area affect the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of an AMP. This has been well documented previously, but the present QSAR analysis additionally reveals that a decrease in the lipophilicity, contributed by those amino acids classified as polar, confers selectivity for a peptide to pathogen over mammalian cells. Furthermore, an increase in overall peptide charge aids selectivity toward Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, while selectivity toward Gram-positive bacteria is obtained through an increased number of small lipophilic residues. Finally, a conservative increase in peptide size in terms of sequence length and molecular weight also contributes to improved activity without affecting toxicity. Our findings suggest a novel approach for the rational design or modification of existing AMPs to increase pathogen selectivity and enhance therapeutic potential.

Tryptophan End-Tagging Confers Antifungal Activity on a Tick-Derived Peptide by Triggering Reactive Oxygen Species Production.

WHO has identified several Candida species including Candida albicans as critical priority fungal pathogens due to greater infection prevalence and formation of recalcitrant biofilms. Novel antifungal agents are urgently needed, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being considered as potential alternatives, but inactivity in physiological salt environments, serum, and plasma often limits further therapeutic development. Tryptophan end-tagging is a strategy to overcome these limitations and is thought to selectively enhance membrane permeabilization in both fungal and bacterial plasma membranes. Here, we show that C-terminal tryptophan end-tagging of the tick-derived peptide Os-C transforms an inactive peptide into Os-C(W5), an antifungal peptide capable of preventing the formation of C. albicans biofilms. Mechanistic insight is provided by circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, which demonstrate that tryptophan end-tagging alters the secondary structure of Os-C, while the latter reveals that end-tagging reduces interactions with, and insertion into, a model C. albicans membrane but promotes peptide aggregation on its surface. Interestingly, this leads to the induction of reactive oxygen species production rather than membrane permeabilization, and consequently, oxidative stress leads to cell wall damage. Os-C(W5) does not induce the hemolysis of human erythrocytes. Reduced cell adhesion and viability contribute to decreased biofilm extracellular matrix formation which, although reduced, is retained in the serum-containing medium. In this study, tryptophan end-tagging was identified as a promising strategy for enhancing the antifungal activity, including the biofilm inhibitory activity of Os-C against C. albicans in physiological salt environments.

Triterpenoids from Protorhus longifolia Exhibit Hypocholesterolemic Potential via Regulation of Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Stimulation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Uptake in HepG2 Cells.

The increasing incidence of hypercholesterolemia-related diseases even in the presence of the currently available cholesterol-lowering drugs indicates a need to discover new therapeutic drugs. This study aimed to investigate the hypocholesterolemic potential of two triterpenoids isolated from Protorhus longifolia stem bark. In silico techniques and in vitro enzyme assays were used to evaluate the potential inhibition of cholesterol esterase and HMG-CoA reductase by the triterpenoids (ARM-2 and RA-5). The toxicity, modulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake, and associated gene expression were determined in HepG2 hepatocytes. In silico molecular docking revealed that ARM-2 compared with RA-5 has a relatively stronger binding affinity for both enzymes. Both triterpenoids further demonstrated promising in silico drug-likeness properties and favorable ADMET profiles characterized by high intestinal absorption and lack of CYP450 enzyme inhibition. The compounds further showed, to varying degrees of efficacy, inhibition of cholesterol micellization as well as both cholesterol esterase and HMG-CoA reductase activities with IC50 values ranging from 16.4 to 41.1 µM. Moreover, enhanced hepatic cellular LDL uptake and the associated upregulation of the LDL-R and SREBP-2 gene expression were observed in the triterpenoid-treated HepG2 cells. It is evident that the triterpenoids, especially ARM-2, possess hypocholesterolemic properties, and these molecules can serve as leads or structural templates for the development of new hypocholesterolemic drugs.

Stability, Morphology, and Effects of In Vitro Digestion on the Antioxidant Properties of Polyphenol Inclusion Complexes with ß-Cyclodextrin.

Polyphenols are inversely associated with the incidence of chronic diseases, but therapeutic use is limited by poor stability and bioaccessibility. Encapsulation has been shown to overcome some of these limitations. A selection of polyphenols (catechin, gallic acid, and epigallocatechin gallate) and their combinations were encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrin (ßCD). Encapsulation was characterized and the thermal and storage stability was evaluated using the 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The samples were then subjected to in vitro digestion using a simple digestion (SD) model (gastric and duodenal phases) and a more complex digestion (CD) model (oral, gastric, and duodenal phases). Thereafter, the chemical (oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay) and cellular (dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay in Caco-2 cells) antioxidant and antiglycation (advanced glycation end-products assay) activities were determined. Inclusion complexes formed at a 1:1 molar ratio with a high encapsulation yield and efficiency. Encapsulation altered the morphology of the samples, increased the thermal stability of some and the storage stability of all samples. Encapsulation maintained the antioxidant activity of all samples and significantly improved the antiglycation and cellular antioxidant activities of some polyphenols following SD. In conclusion, the formed inclusion complexes of ßCD with polyphenols had greater storage stability, without altering the beneficial cellular effects of the polyphenols.

Antifungal activity and mode of action of synthetic peptides derived from the tick OsDef2 defensin.

Candida albicans is the principal opportunistic fungal pathogen in nosocomial settings and resistance to antifungal drugs is on the rise. Antimicrobial peptides from natural sources are promising novel therapeutics against C. albicans. OsDef2 defensin was previously found to be active against only Gram-positive bacteria, whereas derived fragments Os and its cysteine-free analogue, Os-C, are active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low micromolar concentrations. In this study, OsDef2-derived analogues and fragments were screened for anticandidal activity with the aim to identify peptides with antifungal activity and in so doing obtain a better understanding of the structural requirements for activity and modes of action. Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 , a Os-truncated carboxy-terminal-amidated fragment, had the most significant antifungal activities, with minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) in the micromolar range (6-28 µM). C. albicans killing was rapid and occurred within 30-60 min. Further investigations showed all three peptides interacted with cell wall derived polysaccharides while both Os and Os(11-22)NH2 permeabilized fungal liposomes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 could enter the cytosol of live cells and subsequent findings suggest that the uptake of Os and Os-C, in contrast to Os(11-22)NH2 , is energy dependent. Although Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), co-incubation with ascorbic acid revealed that only ROS generated by Os-C and to a lesser extent Os(11-22)NH2 resulted in cell death. Overall, Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 are promising candidacidal agents.

Effect of simulated in vitro upper gut digestion of processed cowpea beans on phenolic composition, antioxidant properties and cellular protection.

The effect of simulated in vitro upper gut digestion on the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of processed cowpea beans was studied. The samples comprised four cowpea cultivars: a cream, brownish-cream and two reddish-brown cultivars. Dry cowpea seeds were soaked in water, blended into paste and deep-fried in vegetable oil. The fried samples were taken through in vitro upper gut digestion followed by freeze-drying of the supernatant. Phenolic composition of extracts from the supernatants were determined using HPLC-MS. Radical scavenging activities were documented using the TEAC, ORAC and nitric oxide (NO) assays. In vitro digestion of the processed cowpeas resulted in phenolic-peptide complexes that were identified for the first time, and decreased extractable phenolic compounds. However, the radical scavenging activities increased. The processed cowpeas and their digests inhibited cellular NO production, and oxidative DNA and cellular damage. In conclusion, deep-fried cowpeas when consumed, could potentially help alleviate oxidative stress-related conditions.

Hydrothermal Processing and In Vitro Simulated Human Digestion Affects the Bioaccessibility and Bioactivity of Phenolic Compounds in African Pumpkin (Momordica balsamina) Leaves.

The African pumpkin (Momordica balsamina) contains bioactive phenolic compounds that may assist in reducing oxidative stress in the human body. The leaves are mainly consumed after boiling in water for a specific time; this hydrothermal process and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract may affect the presence and bioactivity of phenolics either positively or negatively. In this study, the effects of hydrothermal processing (boiling) and in vitro simulated human digestion on the phenolic composition, bioaccessibility and bioactivity in African pumpkin were investigated in comparison with those of spinach (Spinacia oleracea). A high-resolution ultra-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array detection, quadrupole time-of-flight and mass spectrometer (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS) was used to profile phenolic metabolites. Metabolites such as 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were highly concentrated in the boiled vegetable extracts compared to the raw undigested and all digested samples. The majority of African pumpkin and spinach extracts (non-digested and digested) protected Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), (mouse fibroblast) L929 and human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells from 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage. From these results, the consumption of boiled African pumpkin leaves, as well as spinach, could be encouraged, as bioactive metabolites present may reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Antioxidant properties and inhibition of lipid formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes of in vitro digested mageu, a commercial sample.

Mageu is a fermented, non-alcoholic maize-derived product unique to southern Africa. The aim of this study was to identify the health benefits of a polyphenolic extract of commercially produced mageu related to the antioxidant properties and effects on lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. A pooled sample of mageu Number 1 brand (original non-flavored) was subjected to in vitro gastroduodenal digestion (GDD). Reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography of unfractionated undigested (UD) and GDD mageu revealed that with digestion there was an increased extraction of 1.2, 1.83, 1.45, 4.86, and 3.17-fold of caffeic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, 4 hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid, respectively. An associated increase in the total phenolic acid content and antioxidant activity in the <3 kDa fraction was obtained. In contrast with digestion, inhibition of advanced glycation end products formation and low-density lipoprotein oxidation was found in the <30 kDa fraction indicating the contribution of larger, possibly feruloylated polysaccharides, to activity. Cellular antioxidant activity in Caco-2 cells was >90% for all UD fractions, but with GDD was reduced. All fractions had low scavenging of nitric oxide in the lipopolysaccharide/murine cell model. Exposure of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to all the UD and GDD mageu fractions (at 1% and 10% concentrations) during differentiation resulted in at least a 35% reduction in lipid accumulation, which was not associated with a loss of cellular viability. In conclusion, mageu, UD, and subjected to GDD contains phenolic acids with beneficial bioactive properties that contribute to antioxidant activity and reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Mageu is a non-alcoholic fermented maize product which when digested has increased bioactivity. Its reported health benefits are due to its caloric content therefore the practical application of this research is to validate the scientific benefits of this food and encourage increased consumption of this functional food. This is especially important in the context of the South African population where this product is widely consumed as increasing obesity is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable disease. Furthermore, as a non-alcoholic drink, consumption can be promoted for all ages' groups and religions, and a commercialized manufacture processes can be optimized to increase phenolic acid release.

The dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity and multifunctional antidiabetic properties of SQSPA: Structure - Activity relationship evaluated with alanine scanning.

Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease and drugs with multifunctional properties are required. The peptide, SQSPA, was reported to be a potent and gastrointestinally stable α-glucosidase inhibitory peptide. In this study, the structure-activity relationship of this peptide was studied using alanine scanning. Four analogs; AQSPA, SASPA, SQAPA and SQSAA were designed and investigated for multifunctional antidiabetic effects. Molecular docking studies on human dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) suggested that the binding affinities were in the order; AQSPA>SASPA>SQSPA>SQSAA>SQAPA while for in vitro DPP-IV inhibitory activity, it was SQSPA>SQSAA>AQSPA>SASPA>SQAPA. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that the peptides are uncompetitive inhibitors with the exception of SQSAA and SQSPA. In 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes, SASPA was the only analog that significantly (p < 0.05) reduced and prevented lipid accumulation and did not induce cytotoxicity to differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. All peptides, especially SASPA scavenged methylglyoxal and peroxyl radicals thereby preventing advanced glycosylated end products formation and oxidative stress. The nitric oxide scavenging activity of all peptides was comparable to IPI and glutathione. Findings indicate that the amide side chain of Q2 is probably the most critical functional group for modulating the multifunctional antidiabetic effects of SQSPA while SASPA has been identified, as a novel peptide with enhanced multifunctional antidiabetic activity.

Antimicrobial function of short amidated peptide fragments from the tick-derived OsDef2 defensin.

Previously Os, a 22 amino acid sequence of a defensin from the soft tick Ornithodoros savignyi, was found to kill Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low micromolar concentrations. In this study, we evaluated synthetic peptide analogues of Os for antibacterial activity with an aim to identify minimalized active peptide sequences and in so doing obtain a better understanding of the structural requirements for activity. Out of eight partially overlapping sequences of 10 to 12 residues, only Os(3-12) and Os(11-22) exhibit activity when screened against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Carboxyamidation of both peptides increased membrane-mediated activity, although carboxyamidation of Os(11-22) negatively impacted on activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The amidated peptides, Os(3-12)NH2 and Os(11-22)NH2 , have minimum bactericidal concentrations of 3.3 µM against Escherichia coli. Killing was reached within 10 minutes for Os(3-12)NH2 and only during the second hour for Os(11-22)NH2 . In an E. coli membrane liposome system, both Os and Os(3-12)NH2 were identified as membrane disrupting while Os(11-22)NH2 was less active, indicating that in addition to membrane permeabilization, other targets may be involved in bacterial killing. In contrast to Os, the membrane disruptive effect of Os(3-12)NH2 did not diminish in the presence of salt. Neither Os nor its amidated derivatives caused human erythrocyte haemolysis. The contrasting killing kinetics and effects of amidation together with structural and liposome leakage data suggest that the 3-12 fragment relies on a membrane disruptive mechanism while the 11-22 fragment involves additional target mechanisms. The salt-resistant potency of Os(3-12)NH2 identifies it as a promising candidate for further development.

Structure - Function Analysis of Peptide Analogs of SQSPA with Respect to α-glucosidase and α-amylase Inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Peptide-based therapeutics offer a unique avenue for the development of novel agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus including α-glucosidase inhibitors. The peptide, SQSPA, was reported to possess to α -glucosidase inhibitory activity in addition to resistance to Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) digestion. METHODS: In this study, the in silico and in vitro structure-activity analyses of the peptide was conducted using alanine scanning to identify key amino acid residues. RESULTS: The alanine scanning led to four analogs viz; AQSPA, SASPA, SQAPA and SQSAA which were GIT stable. Initially, the peptides were subjected to molecular docking on human α- glucosidase and α -amylase where the binding affinities to the enzymes were in the order; AQSPA>SASPA>SQSPA>SQAPA> SQSAA and AQSPA>SQSAA>SASPA>SQSPA> SQAPA, respectively. Hydrogen bond were important for the binding of all peptides but SASPA and AQSPA had the highest hydrogen bonds interactions with the α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. In vitro analysis revealed that the α -glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the peptides were in the order AQSPA>SQSPA>SQAPA>SASPA>SQSAA and AQSPA>SASPA> SQAPA>SQSPA>SQSAA, respectively. Using inhibition kinetics, SQSPA was a mixed inhibitor of α-glucosidase while AQSPA, SQAPA and SQSAA showed non-competitive inhibition. For α- amylase inhibition, SQSPA was a non-competitive inhibitor while AQSPA and SQSAA were mixed inhibitors; SASPA and SQAPA showed uncompetitive inhibition. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that P4 and Q2 are important requirements for the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the parent peptide, SQSPA. Furthermore, alanine scanning has led to the design of a novel α-glucosidase inhibitory peptide, AQSPA, with increased activities.

The dual functionality of antimicrobial peptides Os and Os-C in human leukocytes.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), Os and Os-C, have been identified as multifunctional peptides with antibacterial, antiendotoxin, and anti-inflammatory properties. For further development of Os and Os-C as therapeutic peptides, it is essential to evaluate these effects in human mononuclear (MN) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. The cytotoxicity and the effects of both peptides on MN and PMN morphology were determined with the Alamar-Blue assay and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The ability of Os and Os-C to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to protect against 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced oxidative damage in both cell populations was evaluated using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA). Using fluorescently labeled peptides, the ability of the peptides to cross the cell membranes of MN and PMN was also evaluated. At the minimum bactericidal concentrations of Os and Os-C, neither peptide was cytotoxic. Os caused morphological features of toxicity at 100 µM, entered MN cells, and also protected these cells against oxidative damage. Os-C caused MN and PMN leukocyte activation associated with ROS formation and was unable to penetrate cell membranes, indicating extracellular membrane interactions. This study confirms that both Os and Os-C at less than 100 µM are not cytotoxic. The MN-specific uptake of Os identifies it as a cell-specific cargo-carrier peptide, with additional anti-inflammatory properties. In contrast, the ability of Os-C to activate MN and PMN cells implies that this peptide should be further evaluated as an AMP, which, in addition to its ability to eradicate infection, can further enhance host immunity. These novel characteristics of Os and Os-C indicate that these AMPs as peptides can be further developed for specific applications.

Multiple antidiabetic effects of three α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides, PFP, YPL and YPG: Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition, suppression of lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and scavenging activity on methylglyoxal.

Antidiabetic agents with multiple targets have the greatest pharmaceutical potential. In this study, three α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides, PFP, YPL and YPG, were investigated for additional antidiabetic targets viz.; dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition (DPP-IV), lipid accumulation and the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and scavenging of methylglyoxal (MGO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). The peptides were subjected to molecular docking on human DPP-IV where the binding free energies were PFP < YPG < YPL < diprotin A while hydrogen bond interactions were critical in the binding of YPL and YPG. Moreover, YPG demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) in vitro DPP-IV inhibition than PFP and YPL. Kinetic analysis revealed that all three peptides are uncompetitive inhibitors of DPP-IV while YPG had the lowest inhibition binding constant. PFP and YPG prevented lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes but may be due to cytotoxicity for PFP. The peptides scavenged MGO, ROS and NO but only the ROS and NO scavenging activities of YPG were comparable to glutathione. In conclusion, PFP, YPL and YPG exhibited DPP-IV inhibitory activity, reduced adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation as well as scavenged MGO, ROS and NO. However, YPG had the best potential as a possible multifunctional antidiabetic agent.

Rational in silico design of novel α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides and in vitro evaluation of promising candidates.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes is achieved through the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The present study was conducted to identify novel α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides and to validate the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of two promising candidates. A total of 4210 potential α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides with 3-5 amino acid residues were designed and individually subjected to in silico simulated gastrointestinal (GIT) digestion using the BIOPEP database. Subsequently, 844 GIT resistant peptides were then subjected to molecular docking using Autodock Vina to determine their binding free energy against human α-glucosidase (PDB ID: 3L4Y). Among all the peptides, SVPA and SEPA were found to have the lowest binding free energies of -8.7 and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Docking of SVPA and SEPA on human α-amylase (PDB ID, 4GQR) identified that both peptides also bind to α-amylase with binding energies of -6.5 and -6.9 kcal/mol, respectively. Hydrogen bond interactions were critical for the binding of both peptides to the α-glucosidase and α-amylase. In vitro, SVPA and SEPA inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities with IC50 values several fold lower than acarbose except for SVPA that had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) IC50 value than acarbose against α-glucosidase. Lineweaver-Burk analyses revealed that SVPA was an uncompetitive inhibitor of the two enzymes, while SEPA inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase non-competitively and uncompetitively, respectively. This study has identified two novel and active α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides that could resist GIT digestion and therefore, have the potential to retard postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.

Rooibos tea extracts inhibit osteoclast formation and activity through the attenuation of NF-κB activity in RAW264.7 murine macrophages.

Rooibos tea is a naturally sweet and aromatic tea that is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa. Rooibos is usually fermented to produce the traditional reddish brown colour and has been found to have numerous health benefits. These include beneficial effects on osteoblasts; however, its effects on osteoclast formation and activity are unknown. Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption. Binding of RANKL to its receptor on osteoclast precursors triggers the NF-κB signalling pathway leading to the formation of osteoclasts. Certain bone destructive diseases, such as osteoporosis, are characterised by overactive osteoclasts. The inhibition of osteoclasts may offer a potential mode to prevent these diseases. The polyphenol contents of both fermented and unfermented tea extracts were similar although the radical scavenging activity of fermented rooibos tea was lower. Both tea extracts were not cytotoxic and inhibited osteoclast formation. Fermented rooibos tea extract caused a greater reduction in osteoclast resorption and the associated gene expression when compared with unfermented rooibos tea. Both tea extracts were shown to attenuate NF-κB activity. Fermented rooibos was found to have a more potent inhibitory effect on osteoclasts than unfermented rooibos extract and therefore may have a beneficial effect on bone health.

Structural properties of bioactive peptides with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

Bioactive peptides are emerging as promising class of drugs that could serve as α-glucosidase inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This article identifies structural and physicochemical requirements for the design of therapeutically relevant α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides. So far, a total of 43 fully sequenced α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides have been reported and 13 of them had IC50 values several folds lower than acarbose. Analysis of the peptides indicates that the most potent peptides are tri- to hexapeptides with amino acids containing a hydroxyl or basic side chain at the N-terminal. The presence of proline within the chain and alanine or methionine at the C-terminal appears to be relevant for high activity. Hydrophobicity and isoelectric points are less important variables for α-glucosidase inhibition whilst a net charge of 0 or +1 was predicted for the highly active peptides. In silico simulated gastrointestinal digestion revealed that the high and moderately active peptides, including the most potent peptide (STYV), were gastrointestinally unstable, except SQSPA. Molecular docking of SQSPA, STYV, and STY (digestion fragment of STYV) with α-glucosidase suggested that their hydrogen bonding interactions and binding energies were comparable with acarbose. The identified criteria will facilitate the design of new peptide-derived α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ilex guayusa tea preparations: a comparison to Camellia sinensis teas.

Ilex guayusa tea preparations are now commercially available as Runa tea. Little is known regarding the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of this tea. The I. guayusa teas had a total polyphenolic content between 54.39 and 67.23 mg GAE per g dry mass and peroxyl radical scavenging capacities between 1773.41 and 2019 µmol TE per g dry mass, nearly half of that for the Camellia sinensis teas. The I. guayusa teas afforded 60-80% protection from oxidative stress in the Caco-2 cellular antioxidant assay, comparable to the C. sinensis teas. The anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells of I. guayusa teas was similarly comparable to the C. sinensis teas with nitric oxide production reduced by 10-30%. Major compounds identified by mass spectrometry were the phenolic mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives. I. guayusa teas are a good source of dietary phenolic compounds with cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of koose, a deep-fat fried cowpea cake.

Koose, a West African delicacy, is a side dish prepared by deep frying thick cowpea paste. The current research determined the effect of deep-fat frying of cowpea paste on its total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic composition and antioxidant properties. Four cowpea cultivars comprising two reddish-brown, a brownish-cream and cream phenotypes were used. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine phenolic composition of the samples. TPC was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method while radical scavenging capacities were by Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and nitric oxide scavenging assays. The phenolic acids identified included benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives. The predominant flavonoid classes were flavan-3-ols and flavonols. Deep-fat frying of the cowpea pastes decreased their TPC, radical scavenging capacities and total quantified flavonoids. The koose inhibited radical-induced oxidative cellular and DNA damage. It is concluded that koose is a potential functional food that can contribute to alleviating radical-induced oxidative stress.

Sorghum-cowpea composite porridge as a functional food, Part II: Antioxidant properties as affected by simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

The effect of compositing red non-tannin sorghum with brownish-cream cowpea and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties of a sorghum-cowpea composite porridge was studied. Maize-soybean composite porridge was used as a reference sample. Antioxidant properties were studied using radical scavenging activities against the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), peroxyl and NO radicals as well as inhibition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and oxidative damage of vector DNA. Hydroperoxide content of the samples was also measured. All the samples demonstrated radical scavenging activity. Simulated duodenal digests of the porridges had hydroperoxides and therefore caused LDL oxidation. The undigested porridges and simulated gastric digests inhibited LDL oxidation. Compositing the cereals with legumes increased total phenolic and flavonoid contents and NO scavenging activity of their porridges. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the porridges increased their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging activities and LDL oxidation inhibitory activity.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-endotoxin properties of peptides derived from the carboxy-terminal region of a defensin from the tick Ornithodoros savignyi.

Antimicrobial peptides are small cationic peptides that possess a large spectrum of bioactivities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Several antimicrobial peptides are known to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in vitro and to protect animals from sepsis. In this study, the cellular anti-inflammatory and anti-endotoxin activities of Os and Os-C, peptides derived from the carboxy-terminal of a tick defensin, were investigated. Both Os and Os-C were found to bind LPS in vitro, albeit to a lesser extent than polymyxin B and melittin, known endotoxin-binding peptides. Binding to LPS was found to reduce the bactericidal activity of Os and Os-C against Escherichia coli confirming the affinity of both peptides for LPS. At a concentration of 25 µM, the nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity of Os was higher than glutathione, a known NO scavenger. In contrast, Os-C showed no scavenging activity. Os and Os-C inhibited LPS/IFN-γ induced NO and TNF-α production in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with no cellular toxicity even at a concentration of 100 µM. Although inhibition of NO and TNF-α secretion was more pronounced for melittin and polymyxin B, significant cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations of 1.56 µM and 25 µM for melittin and polymyxin B, respectively. In addition, Os, Os-C and glutathione protected RAW 264.7 cells from oxidative damage at concentrations as low as 25 µM. This study identified that besides previously reported antibacterial activity of Os and Os-C, both peptides have in addition anti-inflammatory and anti-endotoxin properties.