Effect of amaranth bioactive peptides on the gastrointestinal system

TIRONI, VALERIA A; AÑÓN, MARÍA C.; SCILINGO, ADRIANA A.; QUIROGA, ALEJANDRA V.; SABBIONE, ANA C.

Native crops in Latin America: Processing and nutraceutical aspects.

CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group

Lugar: Boca Raton; Año: 2022; p. 237 - 264

The digestive system constitutes a complex barrier and a defense system against toxic agents and pathogens transmitted through food. The intestinal mucosa is constantly exposed to oxidants, mutagens and carcinogens in the diet that cause oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, apoptosis or transformation into tumor cells. In this chapter, we present studies related to relevant biological activities at the intestinal level exerted by amaranth seed proteins. The generation of potentially bioactive peptides through the simulated gastrointestinal digestion process, SGID, and its absorption are analyzed. These peptides showed activity against different oxygen reactive species, ROS, in in vitro acellular tests and effect on ROS, GSH and antioxidant enzymes in Caco-2 TC7 cells. In addition, some in vivo effects have been reported in the rats? intestinal lining after ingesting amaranth proteins. Moreover, it has been demonstrated, in vitro and in vivo, that amaranth proteins and fiber affect the ability to displace cholesterol from model micelles and increase cholesterol excretion via feces. Regarding the anti-proliferative effect of amaranth proteins, peptides released after SGID exert a potential anti-proliferative activity over HT-29 tumor cells, with the induction of cell necrosis and apoptosis. Amaranth lectin anti-proliferative effect is also discussed through the chapter.