Functional coix seed protein hydrolysates as a novel agent with potential hepatoprotective effect.

The aim of this study is to explore the hepatoprotective potential of coix seed protein hydrolysates (CPP) against alcohol-induced liver injury, and investigate the underlying mechanisms. The hepatoprotective activity of CPP at 0, 10, 30, 50 mg per kg BW was demonstrated in vivo by using ICR male mice fed with 40% v/v alcohol (5 ml per kg body weight) daily to induce alcoholic liver injury. CPP could significantly improve the alcohol metabolism in liver as evidenced by the enhanced activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The overexpression of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-β (IL-β) by alcohol induced injury was altered by CPP administration. The lipid peroxidation was also retarded by CPP by suppressing malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increasing the activity of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD). The findings from the present study suggested that CPP produced significant hepatoprotection and showed potential to be used as a dietary supplement or the ingredient of functional food.