Neuroprotective effect of mealworm protein hydrolysate-derived bioactive peptides in human microglial cells

The larva of Tenebrio molitor, better known as mealworm, is one of the most studied insects today, since it was recently classified as safe for human consumption. Specifically, its high protein content makes it a splendid candidate for the search for bioactive peptides, with properties ranging from...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: González de la Rosa, Teresa, del Valle Alonso, M.A., Montserrat de la Paz, Sergio, Rivero Pino, Fernando
Formato: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Recursos:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/169939
Acesso em linha:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/169939
https://doi.org/10.1163/23524588-00001313
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:bioactive peptides
microglia
neuroprotection
protein hydrolysates
Descrição
Resumo:The larva of Tenebrio molitor, better known as mealworm, is one of the most studied insects today, since it was recently classified as safe for human consumption. Specifically, its high protein content makes it a splendid candidate for the search for bioactive peptides, with properties ranging from anti-inflammatory to neuroprotective. In this study, the effect of a digested hydrolysate on microglia cells (which previously demonstrated high anti-inflammatory activity in intestinal CACO-2 cells) was analysed, specifically on their levels of gene expression of various cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-10, or IL-1β, among others. In addition, four chemically synthesised peptides, selected from this digested hydrolysate based on in silico analysis, including the estimation of the bioactive properties of these peptides, their physicochemical properties and their toxicokinetic, were evaluated in the microglia cells as well. In addition, molecular docking assays of the peptides were performed with two receptors relevant to inflammation. Relevant changes in the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and BDNF were observed due to the action of the peptides, especially in the case of IYVDAVIN and SLPSLPEPV. These results provide an insight on how specific peptides found in Tenebrio molitor could be used as therapeutics agent in the immunomodulation of brain cells.