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Inter-individual cognitive variability, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, is crucial for understanding typical cognition and identifying early cognitive disorders. This study investigated the association between serum protein expression profiles and cognitive variability in a healthy Thai population using machine learning algorithms. We included 199 subjects, aged 20 to 70, and measured cognitive performance with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using label-free proteomics and analyzed with the Linear Model for Microarray Data. We discovered 213 DEPs between lower and higher cognition groups, with 155 upregulated in the lower cognition group and enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis linked these DEPs to neuroinflammation-related cognitive impairment. A random forest model classified cognitive ability groups with an accuracy of 81.5%, sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 85.9%, and an AUC of 0.79. By targeting a specific Thai cohort, this research provides novel insights into the link between neuroinflammation and cognitive performance, advancing our understanding of cognitive variability, highlighting the role of biological markers in cognitive function, and contributing to developing more accurate machine learning models for diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of multifunctional peptides derived from marine byproducts represents a significant challenge in the field. In Thailand, the fisheries industry exports salted jellyfish, which results in low-value byproducts primarily employed for animal feed. Previous studies have indicated the bioactivities of jellyfish protein hydrolysates from Lobonema smitthii; however, the multifunctional properties of Rhopilema hispidum remain largely unexplored. This research aimed to characterize synthetic bioactive peptides sourced from the byproducts of salted jellyfish (R. hispidum), with a specific emphasis on their antioxidant, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory activities. The hydrolysate obtained from the umbrella portion, subjected to pepsin treatment at a 3:20 enzyme-to-substrate ratio for 48 h at 37 °C, demonstrated the highest levels of antioxidant activity (DPPH = 1.85 ± 0.05 mM TE/mg protein, ABTS = 7.28 ± 0.03 mM TE/mg protein, FRAP = 3.04 ± 0.12 mM FeSO4/mg protein). Following purification, 18 novel peptides exhibiting high antioxidant scores (FRS+CHEL > 0.48) were identified and synthesized. Notably, the peptide MVVACVLPEA exhibited significant antioxidant (DPPH = 56.07 mM TE/mg protein), ACE inhibitory (91.69%), and anti-inflammatory activities (NO release = 34.59 µ M) without cytotoxic effects, although it is important to note that two other peptides did demonstrate cytotoxicity. This investigation reports a total of 16 synthesized peptides that possess triple functional activities—antioxidant, ACE inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory—without cytotoxicity, thus highlighting their potential applications in health-related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) poses a significant threat to global food security by affecting the production of cassava (Manihot esculenta) in South‐east Asia. It causes mosaic patterns on the leaves, disrupts photosynthesis and respiration, and alters carbohydrate accumulation in the tubers. This study aimed to identify proteins associated with cassava mosaic disease symptoms in three cassava cultivars: resistant (TMEB419), tolerant (Kasetsart 50, KU50) and susceptible (Rayong 11, R11) to SLCMV. These cultivars were inoculated with SLCMV using top‐cleft grafting and monitored at 21, 32 and 67 days post‐inoculation (dpi). The disease severity differed among the cultivars following SLCMV inoculation. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)‐based proteomics analysis identified 541 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including photosynthesis‐ and respiration‐associated proteins such as RuBisCO large subunit‐binding protein α (LSBP), chlorophyll a‐b binding protein, photosystem I reaction centre subunit III (PSI‐F), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and fructose‐bisphosphate aldolase (FBA). A protein–protein interaction network revealed interactions among PSI, PSII, cytochrome complex proteins and electron transporter proteins. Chlorophyll(ide) b reductase NYC1, upregulated in R11 (susceptible) at 21 and 32 dpi, interacted with chlorophyllase‐related proteins, suggesting that it has a role in altering chlorophyll metabolism. Reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR gene expression analysis confirmed upregulation of genes related to photosynthesis and respiration in KU50 and R11, predominantly at 21 or 32 dpi. These findings provide valuable insights into cassava responses to SLCMV infection, especially at the protein level and are key for developing resistant cultivars and effective disease management strategies in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of growth-related myopathies, i.e., normal, wooden breast (WB), white striping (WS), and the combined lesions of WS and WB (WS + WB), on the molecular response of Caco-2 cells. A total of 24 cooked chicken breasts (n = 6 per myopathy) was subjected to an in vitro digestion using an enzymatic process mimicking human gastrointestinal digestion. Based on peptidomics, in vitro protein digestion of the abnormal samples, particularly WB meat, resulted in more peptides with lower molecular mass relative to those of normal samples. The cooked meat hydrolysates obtained at the end of the digestion were applied to a Caco-2 cell model for 4 h. The cell viability of treated normal and abnormal samples was not different (p ≥ 0.05). Absolute transcript abundances of genes associated with primary oxidative stress response, including nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2, superoxide dismutase, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 were determined using a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. No significant differences in transcript abundance of those genes in Caco-2 cells were demonstrated between normal and the abnormal samples (p ≥ 0.05). Overall, the findings supported that, compared to normal meat, the cooked chicken meat with growth-related myopathies might be digested and absorbed to a greater extent. The cooked abnormal meat did not exert significant transcriptional impacts regarding oxidative stress on the human epithelial Caco-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics have led to the emergence of several antibiotic resistant bacteria. As a result, there is growing interest in exploring alternative agents as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which operate through unique mechanisms to effectively counteract bacterial resistance. In this study, peptides smaller than 3 kDa were isolated by cation exchange chromatography, anion exchange chromatography and reverse-phase chromatography. Subsequently, 12 candidate peptides were selected and chemically synthesized for a comparative study of growth inhibition in pathogenic bacteria. They demonstrated potent antibacterial activity toward A. baumannii, S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and S. enterica. Exposure to the Cur-1 peptide induced changes in bacterial proteins associated with metabolite interconversion and translation. In addition, all peptides derived from turmeric peptic hydrolysate exhibited antioxidant activity as assessed by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays. Cur-1 peptide displayed both high antibacterial and antioxidant potential, positioning it as a promising natural option for antibacterial management and applications within food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes physical damage to neuronal connections, leading to brain atrophy. This disruption of synaptic connections results in mild to severe cognitive impairments. Unfortunately, no effective treatment is currently known to prevent or reverse the symptoms of AD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three synthetic peptides, i.e., KLVFF, RGKLVFFGR and RIIGL, on an AD in vitro model represented by differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to retinoic acid (RA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The results demonstrated that RIIGL peptide had the least significant cytotoxic activity to normal SH-SY5Y while exerting high cytotoxicity against the differentiated cells. The mechanism of RIIGL peptide in the differentiated SH-SY5Y was investigated based on changes in secretory proteins compared to another two peptides. A total of 380 proteins were identified, and five of them were significantly detected after treatment with RIIGL peptide. These secretory proteins were found to be related to microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP). RIIGL peptide acts on differentiated SH-SY5Y by regulating amyloid-beta formation, neuron apoptotic process, ceramide catabolic process, and oxidative phosphorylation and thus has the potentials to treat AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein hydrolysates are products of protein degradation that provide various sizes of peptides and free amino acids. Protein hydrolysate from the different types of enzymes and raw materials provides different bioactivity, such as antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Salted jellyfish by-products have the potential to be a source for protein hydrolysate production because of their low price and having collagen protein. This research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of protein hydrolysates from jellyfish by-products. The dried salted jellyfish by-products from the umbrella and oral arm part of white-type (Lobonema smithii) and sand-type (Rhopilema hispidum) were desalted and enzymatically hydrolyzed by 5% (w/w) pepsin for 24 h at 37°C. Bioactivity assays showed that the hydrolysate of the oral arms part of white-type jellyfish exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (13.27%). While protein hydrolysate of umbrella part of sand-type jellyfish showed the highest antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus up to 13.61%. The results demonstrated that peptic hydrolysate of different types and parts of jellyfish by-products provided different antioxidant or antibacterial activity, thereby increasing the potential uses of jellyfish protein hydrolysate as a functional food.

Background: Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini, Ov) infection and consumption of high-fat and high-fructose (HFF) diet exacerbate liver and kidney disease. Here, we investigated the effects of a combination of O. viverrini infection and HFF diet on kidney pathology via changes in the gut microbiome and host proteome in hamsters. Methodology/Principal findings: Twenty animals were divided into four groups; 1) fed a normal diet not infected with O. viverrini (normal group), 2) fed an HFF diet and not infected with O. viverrini (HFF), 3) fed a normal diet and infected with O. viverrini (Ov), and 4) fed an HFF diet and infected with O. viverrini (HFFOv). DNA was extracted from fecal samples and the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. In addition, LC/MS-MS analysis was done. Histopathological studies and biochemical assays were also conducted. The results indicated that the HFFOv group exhibited the most severe kidney injury, manifested as elevated KIM-1 expression and accumulation of fibrosis in kidney tissue. The microbiome of the HFFOv group was more diverse than in the HFF group: there were increased numbers of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae and Akkermansiaceae, but fewer Eggerthellaceae. In total, 243 host proteins were identified across all groups. Analysis using STITCH predicted that host proteome changes may lead to leaking of the gut, allowing molecules such as soluble CD14 and p-cresol to pass through to promote kidney disease. In addition, differential expression of TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 and MAP3K7-binding protein 2 (Tab2, involving renal inflammation and injury) are predicted to be associated with kidney disease. Conclusions/Significance: The combination of HFF diet and O. viverrini infection may promote kidney injury through alterations in the gut microbiome and host proteome. This knowledge may suggest an effective strategy to prevent kidney disease beyond the early stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The antioxidant activity and stability of endogenous peptides isolated from farmed hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus × Clarias gariepinus) muscle (EPC) were characterised. EPC contained 69 peptides with 8–24 amino acid residues, varying hydrophobic amino acid (HBA) content and distinct sequences. Among the top five, peptides discovered in EPC were ARHSYGMLYCSCPPND, DTQAARKSDDDD, AEFPCGDRRC, AAVTEELFFAGL and LILQRRKFLRMKREKYGFIYKTHL. Histidine (16.33%) and tryptophan (15.66%) were the most common amino acids found in EPC. EPC demonstrated concentration‐dependent free radical (DPPH•/ABTS•+) and hydroxyl radical (OH•) scavenging activities, as well as metal chelating ability. The effect of pH, heating temperature and in vitro digestion on EPC's DPPH• scavenging activity was studied. Lowering the pH and increasing the heating temperature to 90 °C increased the DPPH• inhibitory activity. However, after in vitro digestion, around 44% of DPPH• inhibition was reduced. The findings confirmed that farm‐raised hybrid catfish muscle contained endogenous peptides with antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]