Effect of amaranth bioactive peptides on the gastrointestinal system

VALERIA TIRONI; AÑÓN MARÍA CRISTINA; ADIRANA ALICIA SCILINGO; ALEJANDRA QUIROGA; ANA CLARA SABBIONE

Native crops in Latin America: Processing and Nutraceutical Aspects

CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Lugar: Boca Ratón; Año: 2021;

The digestive system constitutes a complex barrier and a defense system against toxic agents and pathogens transmitted by food. The intestinal mucosa is constantly exposed to oxidants, mutagens and carcinogens in the diet that can cause oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, apoptosis or transformation in 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 digestionprocess, SGD, and its absorption is 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 Caco2-TC7 cells. In addition, some in vivo effects have been reported in the intestinal lining of rats consuming amaranth proteins. Likewise, it has been demonstrated, in vitro and in vivo, that amaranth proteins and fibers effect the ability to displace cholesterol from model micelles and increase cholesterol excretion via faeces. Finally, the antiproliferative effect of amaranth proteins will be discussed.Peptides released after SGD exert a potential antiproliferative activity over HT-29 tumor cells, with the induction of cell necrosis and apoptosis. The action of amaranth lectin will be also discussed.