Isolation and characterization of a novel protein from Momordica charantia L. Positively regulates lipid metabolism activity in vivo and in vitro

In this study, a novel protein designated MC-2 was isolated from Momordica charantia L., and the positively regulates lipid metabolism activity was detected by the bile acid binding activity test. Then, the amino acid composition of MC-2 was analyzed, and the total content of Asp, Glu, and Lys is up to 38.96 g/100 g in MC-2. Furtherly, its lipid metabolism activity were explored. In vitro, MC-2 ameliorated FFA-induced HepG2 steatosis phenotypes and intracellular triglycerides level with the promotion of bile acids secretion. In vivo, MC-2 was able to protect rats against NAFLD-induced in response to a high-fat diet through a manner associated with the regulation of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related factors. The hepatoprotective activity of MC-2 was closely tied to improvements CPT1A, FATP2, ACSL1, and PPAR-α expressions. Together, these data highlight the promise of MC-2 (rich in Asp, Glu, and Lys) as a candidate functional food ingredient.