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Fat oxidation during the storage period is one of the important factors in the deterioration of food quality. Hydrolyzed fish waste is one of the most important sources of bioactive peptides as a natural antioxidant. The purpose of this research is adding bioactive peptide that obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of rainbow trout waste (viscera) to the cooked hamburger formulation and measure the characteristics of the hamburger. Fish wastes were hydrolyzed in optimum conditions (temperature 59°C, time 118 minutes and concentration of 2% alcalase enzyme and then, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% by weight, were added to the hamburger samples. A hamburger is also as a blank. The tests were performed in 3 repetitions and the averages were compared with Duncan's test to check the significance of the variables at P < 0.05 and the data were reported as mean ± standard deviation. The results showed that the cooked hamburger formulation contains 2% viscera by weight, has the highest percentage of cooked yield, fat and moisture retention, and the lowest amount of hardness, cooking loss and shrinkage. Using of a waste source, in order to turn it into a valuable product with antioxidant properties, lead to reduce the amount of fish waste and helps the environment. With this method, natural antioxidants can be used instead of synthetic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing consumer interest in sources of dietary protein that are plant-based. Pulse crops, such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas, are gaining popularity due to their environmental sustainability, nutrient density, and functional attributes. The protein content and quality of pulses vary across different pulse classes and processing methods. The biological properties of the protein and the physiologically active peptides make pulse crops attractive as potentially functional or health-promoting foods. This review highlights the nutritional quality of pulse proteins as determined by the Protein Efficiency Ratio and Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score as well as bioactive properties of specific bioactive peptides related to amelioration of hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, the use of proteomics platforms, such as mass spectrometry, in combination with bioinformatics tools, enables the identification and characterization of bioactive peptides in pulse crops. These technologies facilitate the development of pulse-derived products with enhanced nutritional values. Overall, the high nutritional quality of pulse-based proteins supports the benefits of pulse inclusion in the diet, which can also exert beneficial bioactivities resulting in improving outcomes in non-communicable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop an extraction and purification method for production of type II collagen and its bioactive peptides from sturgeon fish cartilage. Initially, freeze-dried sturgeon fish cartilage was powdered for extraction of pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) using 0.5 M acetic acid and 10% pepsin with a PSC yield of 34.59%. Optimization of PSC hydrolysis revealed that a high hydrolysis degree (34.23%) was obtained using an enzyme combination of 4.5% alcalase plus 4.5% flavourzyme, PSC to water ratio at 1:30 (w/v), pH at 8, temperature at 50 °C and hydrolysis time at 6 h to obtain sturgeon cartilage collagen peptide (SCCP). Both PSC and SCCP were characterized for collagen type and molecular weight (MW) range by SDS-PAGE, amino acid composition by HPLC-DAD, MW distribution by MALDI-TOF-MS, functional group by FTIR and absorption spectra by UV analysis confirming the presence of type II collagen in sturgeon fish cartilage with amino acids including glycine, glutamic acid, hydroxyproline, proline and alanine dominating in both PSC and SCCP. Furthermore, the SCCP possessed < 500 Da MW distribution accounting for 89.71% of the total signal, with a peptide fragment at MW 344.721 Da being present in the highest proportion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to extreme temperature conditions such as occurs in certain occupations is known to induce male infertility. In humans and most of the mammals, it has been shown that wholebody heat stress (HS) decreases fertility and produces defective embryos. Hence, the present study aimed at gaining some insights into the mechanisms producing defects after HS. In the present study, 56 mature male Wistar rats were randomly categorized into eight groups (n = 7), including group 1: Control, groups 2: Bioactive peptides (BPs; 10.00 mg kg-1), groups 3, 4, and 5: Heat-stressed (37.00, 39.00, and 43.00 °C for 20 min, respectively), and groups 6, 7, and 8: Heat-stressed along with BPs (10.00 mg kg-1), respectively. All treatments were administered orally once per day. The HS was induced through the immersion of rat scrotums in a water bath. After 45 days, rats were sacrificed and left testes were removed, fixed, and used for histological and immunohistochemical studies. Harvested right testes were also used for oxidative stress assessments and molecular analyses. Heat stress increased testicular tissue damage, elevated oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production, and increased germ cells apoptosis, p53 and caspase 3 expressions, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Treatment with BPs as a substance with anti-oxidant properties ameliorated the damage caused by HS. The results of this study highlight the protective role of BPs in the reproductive tract under HS. Bioactive peptides may have potential function against testicular tissue oxidative stress and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy remains an effective treatment for colon cancer but is hampered by its limited response rate. Bioactive peptides, marked with intracellular transformations, have been reported as an effective approach to boosting chemotherapeutic activity. Herein, a promising trypsin-responsive bioactive peptide-based nanodrug is constructed, which could significantly prolong the drug retention time in vivo by cascading transformations and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy. Initially, 1-Pept co-assembles with Dox into a few nanofibers called 1-Pept/Dox NFs, inducing an enhanced cellular uptake via caveolae-mediated endocytosis by avoiding lysosomal degradation and further promoting perinuclear transportation, thus enlarging the drug efficacy in target areas. After nanofiber disassembly, the released 1-Pept converts into Pept under the catalysis of intracellular overexpressed trypsin, which then reassembles into denser Pept NFs, inducing a cascade of effects including disruption of the cytoskeleton, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activation of caspase-3. By the synergism of Pept NFs and Dox, caspase-3 can be further activated, and cause greater damage to nuclear, thereby leading to tumor ablation. As the first example of employing trypsin-mediated nanodrugs with cascading transformations to promote chemotherapeutic activity, this work promises a strategy for novel therapies for efficiently combating colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to obtain angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from barley hordein, a protein rich in proline and glutamine, and to identify novel inhibitors. Hordein was hydrolyzed using four enzymes: pepsin, trypsin, papain, and orientase, an enzyme from Aspergillus oryzae known to cleave the C-terminal side of proline residues. The hydrolysate from orientase showed strong ACE inhibitory activity. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 35 peptides, including 23 derived from hordein and 9 known ACE inhibitors. After synthesizing 15 peptides, 7 showed significant ACE inhibition, all containing proline at the C-terminus. Notably, QQP, a new peptide, exhibited notable activity (IC50 40 μM). The results suggest that barley hordein is a valuable source of ACE inhibitory peptides, with QQP as a promising candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia, a disorder of purine metabolism associated with cardiovascular disease, gout, and kidney disease, can be alleviated by food-derived peptides. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, hindering their development. This study reviews uric acid-lowering peptides from various sources, focusing on two pathways: inhibiting uric acid production and promoting excretion. Low-molecular-weight peptides (<1000 Da) exhibited superior uric acid-lowering effects. We further explored the relationships between amino acid composition and their target interactions. Peptides rich in cyclic amino acids (tryptophan, phenylalanine, and histidine) and containing small amounts of linear amino acids (leucine, cysteine, and glycine) demonstrated significant potential for lowering uric acid. These findings provide theoretical support for developing novel functional foods for the management of hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a pivotal factor in the development of various age-related and diabetes associated pathophysiologies, including but not limeted to arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis and cataracts. Consequently, the prospect of inhibiting AGE formation emerges as a viable strategy to prevent or halt the advancement of diabetic complications. In the scientific literature, there is still a reluctance to produce bioactive peptides demonstrating antiglycation activity from breast milk. The breast milk protein was hydrolysed using trypsin for 240 min. The antiglycation, metal chelating activity, lipid peroxidation activity, and antioxidant activity of the peptides in the hydrolysates obtained after hydrolysis of human milk with trypsin enzyme were performed. The peptide diversity obtained after hydrolysis was determined by RP-HPLC. The breast milk hydrolysate was demonstrated significant antiglycation activity (IC50: 312.8 ± 12.1 µg/mL), antioxidant activity (61.8±4.58 mM AAE/µg peptide) , metal chelation activity (24.4%/μg peptide). The hydrolysate effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation (30.5±0.12%) compared to Trolox (51.2±0.3%). These findings highlight the potential of breast milk protein hydrolysates as a source of bioactive peptides with diverse health benefits. The present study offers valuable insights into utilizing human milk peptides as novel functional food components.

The traditional nutritional and medical hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed protein were explored for the discovery and directional preparation of new xanthine oxidase inhibitory (XOI) peptides by structure-based virtual screening, compound synthesis, in vitro bioassay and proteolysis. Six subtypes of hemp seed edestin and albumin were in silico hydrolyzed by 29 proteases, and 192 encrypted bioactive peptides were screened out. Six peptides showed to be XOI peptides, of which four (about 67%) were released by elastase hydrolysis. The peptide DDNPRRFY displayed the highest XOI activity (IC50 = (2.10 ± 0.06) mg/mL), acting as a mixed inhibitor. The pancreatic elastase directionally prepared XOI hemp seed protein hydrolysates, from which 6 high-abundance XOI peptides encrypted 3 virtually-screened ones including the DDNPRRFY. The novel outstanding hemp seed protein-derived XOI peptides and their virtual screening and directed preparation methods provide a promising and applicable approach to conveniently and efficiently explore food-derived bioactive peptides.

ABSTRACT: Mare milk has a unique protein composition that makes it a preferred option for adult and infant nutrition. Several functional properties have been attributed to this milk, but with little current evidence. In fact, knowledge on mare milk composition is still limited. In particular, studies addressing the performance of mare milk proteins during human gastrointestinal digestion are scarce, which limits the understanding of mare milk nutritional quality and functionality. For this reason, the present study describes the digestibility of mare milk proteins and the release of peptides as affected by management and lactation stage, factors which are known to affect milk composition. Mare milk samples from 3 different farms collected during 6 mo of lactation (n = 54) were subjected to a static in vitro gastrointestinal model to measure peptide release and protein digestibility. In the present study, a detailed description of protein and individual amino acid behavior during the digestion process was given. For the first time, digestion of the 2 equine β-lactoglobulin isoforms (I and II) was described individually. In addition, it was found that lactation stage and management system can significantly affect protein digestibility and peptide release during gastrointestinal digestion of mare milk. Presumably, differences in the composition of mare milk influence the protein structure and enzyme accessibility, which might have an impact on digestion behavior. Although no specific bioactive peptides were identified, several precursors of previously described bioactive peptides were found. These findings could support the idea of mare milk as a food with added value.

There have been remarkable advancements in regenerative medicine for bone regeneration, tackling the worldwide health concern of tissue loss. Tissue engineering uses the body's natural capabilities and applies biomaterials and bioactive molecules to replace damaged or lost tissues and restore their functionality. While synthetic ceramics have overcome some challenges associated with allografts and xenografts, they still need essential growth factors and biomolecules. Combining ceramics and bioactive molecules, such as peptides derived from biological motifs of vital proteins, is the most effective approach to achieve optimal bone regeneration. These bioactive peptides induce various cellular processes and modify scaffold properties by mimicking the function of natural osteogenic, angiogenic and antibacterial biomolecules. The present review aims to consolidate the latest and most pertinent information on the advancements in bioactive peptides, including angiogenic, osteogenic, antimicrobial, and self-assembling peptide nanofibers for bone tissue regeneration, elucidating their biological effects and potential clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing consumer demand for fishery products has increased the quantity of by-products that are thrown out since they possess little market value, eventually led to unsustainable practices in the marine sectors and negative environmental repercussions. Marine by-products consist of high protein content, nutritional qualities and biological activities that are beneficial to human health. These valuable proteins could come from different sources and are often extracted using different operations. Therefore, this review focuses on several methods of using protein hydrolysis for extracting bioactive peptides from marine by-products. This review also discusses different sources of marine by-products that can yield bioactive peptides and their beneficial biological activities, such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, anticancer, anti-obesity, and other bioactivities, that are advantageous in a variety of industries, like food, cosmetics, aquaculture, and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the complications associated with using marine protein hydrolysates from their by-product as well as the sustainability of these technologies would be discussed. • Marine by-products are good source of bioactive peptide. • The methods for extracting bioactive peptides from marine by-products were highlighted. • The extracted bioactive peptides exhibited beneficial biological activities. • Significant application of marine protein hydrolysate in various industries. • Current sustainable technologies used for peptide extraction such as subcritical water hydrolysis is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding top dress Hydroxy Seleno Methionine (HSM) as organic Selenium and cotton seed bioactive peptide (CSBP) on body condition, health of the reproductive system and subsequent pregnancy of dairy cows. For this purpose, one hundred and eighty multiparous Holstein cows at the day 21 prior to the expected calving date were assigned to one of four experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design in a 2x2 factorial arrangement: 1) Basal diet (containing mineral selenium as per NRC (2001) recommendations without peptide; 2) Basal diet plus 300 g bioactive peptide; 3) Basal diet plus 1.2 mg organic selenium per kg of dry matter without bioactive peptides; 4) Basal diet plus 1.2 mg organic selenium per kg of dry matter plus 300 grams of bioactive peptide. The inclusion of HSM during the prepartum period resulted in a higher BCS in postpartum and smaller increase in BCS during prepartumd (P < 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant interaction effect between HSM and CSBP on BCS (P < 0.02) and its changes (P < 0.01) during the post-partum periods. The presence of ovarian cysts, number of inseminations per pregnancy, the endometrium and uterine regression scores and pregnancy during the first insemination was not influenced by any of the experimental treatments (P > 0.1). However, HSM had a positive effect on pregnancy during the second insemination (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementing HSM could reduce the BCS changes before and after parturition and subsequent to that, it leads to an enhancement in the pregnancy during the second insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are prevalent conditions that affect the metabolism and can lead to liver injury. They are often associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Protein Hydrolysate of Pistachio Kernel (PHPK) is a natural product obtained from pistachio proteins by enzymatic hydrolysis. It has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. We investigated the hepatoprotective effects of PHPK in rats with type 1 DM or NAFLD induced by a high-sugar diet. We used 96 male Wistar rats and divided them into four groups: Control, NAFLD, Diabetic, and PHPK-treated (5, 50, 500 mg/kg). We fed the rats with different diets for 8 weeks and then administered PHPK orally for 4 weeks. We collected blood and liver samples for biochemical and histopathological analysis. We found that DM and NAFLD increased the levels of liver enzymes, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood and caused hepatic damage, as shown by distorted liver architecture, necrotic hepatocytes, sinusoidal dilatation, and kupffer cell proliferation. PHPK administration reduced the severity of these alterations and improved the liver function and morphology in rats with DM and NAFLD. Our results suggest that PHPK has beneficial effects on DM and NAFLD, indicating its potential as a natural remedy for these disorders. Future research is needed to identify the specific compound(s) responsible for its antidiabetic effects and to elucidate its mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a pivotal factor in the development of various age-related and diabetes-associated pathophysiologies, including but not limited to arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, and cataracts. Consequently, the prospect of inhibiting AGE formation emerges as a viable strategy to prevent or halt the advancement of diabetic complications. In the scientific literature, there is still a reluctance to produce bioactive peptides demonstrating antiglycation activity from breast milk. The breast milk protein was hydrolyzed using trypsin for 240 min. The antiglycation, metal chelating activity, lipid peroxidation activity, and antioxidant activity of the peptides in the hydrolysates obtained after hydrolysis of human milk with trypsin enzyme were performed. The peptide diversity obtained after hydrolysis was determined by RP-HPLC. The breast milk hydrolysate demonstrated significant antiglycation activity (IC50: 312.8 ± 12.1 µg/mL), antioxidant activity (61.8±4.58 mM AAE/µg peptide), metal chelation activity (24.4%/μg peptide). The hydrolysate effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation (30.5±0.12%) compared to Trolox (51.2±0.3%). These findings highlight the potential of breast milk protein hydrolysates as a source of bioactive peptides with diverse health benefits. The present study offers valuable insights into utilizing human milk peptides as novel functional food components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anxiety-like insomnia is a known risk factor for the onset and worsening of certain neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Due to the adverse effects of current anti-insomnia medications, such as drug dependence and limited safety, researchers are actively exploring natural bioactive compounds to mitigate anxiety-like insomnia with fewer side effects. Mackerel (Pneumatophorus japonicus), a traditional Chinese medicine, is known for its tonic effects and is commonly used to treat neurasthenia. The use of mackerel protein extract has been shown to effectively improve symptoms of light-induced anxiety-like insomnia in a zebrafish model. Methods: This study examines the effects of mackerel bone peptides (MW < 1 kDa, MBP1) and the synthetic peptide Thr-Val-Gly-Phe (TVGF) on light-induced anxiety-like insomnia in zebrafish. The evaluation is conducted through behavioral observation, biochemical marker analysis, and gene transcriptome profiling. Results: MBP1 significantly alleviated abnormal hyperactivity and restored neurotransmitter levels (dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid) to normal. Moreover, it mitigated oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species production and malonaldehyde levels, while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase). This was further attributed to the regulation of lipid accumulation and protein homeostasis. Furthermore, MBP1 ameliorated sleep disturbances primarily by restoring normal expression levels of genes involved in circadian rhythm (per2 and sik1) and visual function (opn1mw2 , zgc:73075 , and arr3b). Molecular docking analysis indicated that TVGF exhibited good affinity for receptors linked to sleep disturbances, including IL6, HTR1A, and MAOA. TVGF exhibited sedative effects in behavioral assays, mainly mediated by regulating the normal expression of genes associated with circadian rhythm (c ry1bb , cry1ba , per2 , per1b and sik1), visual function (opn1mw1 , gnb3b , arr3b , gnat2), purine metabolism (pnp5a), and stress recovery (fkbp5). Discussion: These findings suggest that MBP1 and TVGF could be promising therapies for light-induced anxiety-like insomnia in humans, offering safer alternatives to current medications. Additionally, the regulation of genes related to circadian rhythm and visual perception may be a key mechanism by which MBP1 and TVGF effectively relieve anxiety-like insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer remains a critical global health issue, with current treatments often causing significant side effects. This has spurred the search for alternative therapies, such as bioactive peptides, which offer advantages such as higher selectivity against cancer cells and ease of modification. Pardaxin, a bioactive peptide, has shown anticancer effects on various cell lines via the JNK pathway. A truncated form of pardaxin, PC6, has demonstrated anticancer properties with reduced haemolytic effects though its cell death mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate PC6-induced cell death, focusing on the JNK cascade compared to parental pardaxin (PAR). JNK cascade genes were sourced from the Gene Ontology database, followed by docking screening and protein-peptide network analysis. The network identified 65 genes involved in the JNK pathway, which were verified through gene enrichment analysis. Molecular dynamic simulation and binding affinity analysis showed that PC6 had a higher affinity (−88.69, −82.17, −54.93 kcal/mol) for MAPK8, MAPK9 and HRAS proteins than PAR (−68.88, −76.64, −38.63 kcal/mol). These findings suggest that PC6 specifically interacts with these proteins to induce apoptosis via the JNK cascade, highlighting its potential as an effective anticancer agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: An expanding list of marine species has been identified and evaluated for their potential bioactivity and nutritional values. Most attention is directed toward utilising protein‐rich by‐products of fish processing for their bioactive functionalities, which can aid in minimising waste and add value to underutilised resources. Milt and roe, the reproductive constituents of fish, are known to contain a high concentration of nutritional content. Bioactive peptides derived from these constituents have shown several biological activities including antihypertensive, antibacterial, anticoagulant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐obesity, anti‐cancer, and antioxidant activities. These peptides are commonly extracted by enzymatic hydrolysis and purified by different chromatographic methods according to their mass, molecular size, and composition. This review discusses the approaches to produce, purify, and characterise the protein hydrolysates from fish milt and roe and delves into the compositions of the nutraceutical compounds derived from milt and roe. The review also highlights the bioactive properties of the milt and roe‐derived peptides that can have potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global population and the rise of health-conscious consumers have led to a growing demand for innovative foods and functional ingredients. Hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.), which has recently obtained regulatory food approval from Health Canada and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA), has the potential to meet these demands due to its unique nutrient profile and characteristics. Canary seed stands out among cereals and pseudo-cereals (gluten-free cereals) as it has the highest protein content and is gluten-free. Additionally, it contains significant amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid typically lacking in cereals. It is considered a true cereal grain that can be processed into flour, starch, and oil for various food and non-food applications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical composition, functional properties, and biological activities of canary seeds. It also explores the processing methods for incorporating these seeds into food and cosmetic products. Furthermore, suggestions for future research directions are presented to enhance the utilization of this plant. Overall, it is evident that Phalaris canariensis holds considerable potential as a sustainable crop that can be further developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) presents a significant clinical challenge, leading to tissue ischemia and potentially resulting in limb necrosis or amputation. Cell‐based regenerative therapies offer promise for improving outcomes in CLI, but their effectiveness is often limited by poor cell survival and engraftment. This study hypothesized that a thermo‐responsive polymer, poly(polyethylene glycol citrate‐co‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PPCN), combined with pro‐survival bioactive peptides, can create a protective microenvironment to improve endothelial cell survival and function after their delivery. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, laminin‐derived peptide A5G81 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐derived peptide QK are identified as effective in promoting endothelial cell spreading, proliferation, and prolonged survival. PPCN's viscoelastic properties protected against shear stress during injection, while the peptides supported endothelial cell behavior through distinct molecular pathways. Importantly, delivery of endothelial cells with PPCN‐A5G81 and PPCN‐QK in a murine hindlimb ischemia model resulted in significant improvements in limb perfusion, tissue preservation, and functional outcomes compared to controls. Additionally, this approach enhanced skeletal muscle remodeling following ischemic injury. This innovative biomaterial platform represents a versatile solution for addressing cell survival challenges and advancing regenerative therapies in CLI and other ischemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Bioactive peptides (BAPs) have attracted considerable interest in scientific research due to their heterogeneity in sequence and structure, which underpins various biological functionalities. In this context, goat casein, an abundant by‐product of the dairy industry, emerges as a valuable source of BAPs. The present study undertook a meticulous evaluation of the bioactive potentials of goat casein‐derived peptides through an integrated approach combining computational simulations, high‐throughput screening, and molecular docking techniques. The initial phase involved the enzymatic digestion of goat milk casein using trypsin, followed by the identification of peptides via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), uncovering a total of 597 peptides. Subsequent prioritization using the PeptideRanker algorithm identified 70 peptides exhibiting potential bioactivity, as denoted by scores above 0.8. Advanced screening employing the BIOPEP database and the AutoDock and CAMPR4 tools facilitated the elucidation of 16 antioxidant, 59 hypotensive, 63 hypoglycemic, 70 hypolipidemic, and 25 antimicrobial peptides. Molecular docking studies further elucidated the spontaneous nature of the interactions between the peptides and their respective receptors, predominantly mediated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Four peptides specifying all activities simultaneously were synthesized, and their activities were verified by in vitro experiments. These results not only highlight an effective strategy for the high‐throughput screening of goat casein‐derived peptides but also underscore the potential of utilizing casein as a viable source of functional food ingredients. This study thereby contributes significantly to the expanding field of functional food research, suggesting a sustainable approach to explore the potential of dairy by‐products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing consumer interest in sources of dietary protein that are plant-based. Pulse crops, such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas, are gaining popularity due to their environmental sustainability, nutrient density, and functional attributes. The protein content and quality of pulses vary across different pulse classes and processing methods. The biological properties of the protein and the physiologically active peptides make pulse crops attractive as potentially functional or health-promoting foods. This review highlights the nutritional quality of pulse proteins as determined by the Protein Efficiency Ratio and Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score as well as bioactive properties of specific bioactive peptides related to amelioration of hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, the use of proteomics platforms, such as mass spectrometry, in combination with bioinformatics tools, enables the identification and characterization of bioactive peptides in pulse crops. These technologies facilitate the development of pulse-derived products with enhanced nutritional values. Overall, the high nutritional quality of pulse-based proteins supports the benefits of pulse inclusion in the diet, which can also exert beneficial bioactivities resulting in improving outcomes in non-communicable diseases.

The editorial in "Frontiers in Chemistry" discusses recent advancements in bioactive peptides (BAPs) and functional foods. It highlights studies on the production, evaluation, and molecular docking of BAPs from sheep milk, encapsulation strategies for plant-derived BAPs, and the development of active packaging films using chia seed-derived nanocomposites. Additionally, the editorial explores the feasibility and functional influence of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in fermented meat products and synbiotic mango fruit-infused yogurt. The research emphasizes the importance of alternative BAPs and functional food innovation in addressing global health challenges and promoting sustainable practices. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background Squama Manis is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use in the treatment of breast-related diseases. However, owing to the excessive exploitation and utilization of the resources, Squama Manis has been included in the list of rare and endangered wild animals. The conservation of the resources of Squama Manis and continuing its clinical application has become an urgent problem, and the search for small-molecule substitutes for Squama Manis is an effective way to achieve this goal. Previous studies have identified PA3264 as a possible active ingredient in Squama Manis. In this study, we systematically investigated the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of PA3264 in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a representative breast-related disease. Methods Cell viability and colony formation assays were performed after treatment with the target dipeptide PA3264 in vitro. Next, 4T1 orthotopic tumors and humanized PBMC-CDX mouse models were generated to examine the antitumor effect of PA3264 in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing and molecular docking experiments were performed to predict pathways to function. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to validate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of PA3264. Results PA3264 significantly inhibited cell viability and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, PA3264 suppressed the tumor size and reduced the tumor weight in vivo. Finally, it was verified that PA3264 prevented the progression of breast cancer by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, causing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis. Conclusions This study elucidated that PA3264 derived from rare and endangered Squama Manis was a novel bioactive peptide for treating triple-negative breast cancer from a scientific research perspective.