Nualpun Sirinupong

Bioactive peptides (BPs) are increasingly recognized for modulating the gut microbiome, metabolome, and brain function via the gut–brain axis. Kapi-pla, a traditional Thai fermented freshwater fish paste rich in proteins and peptides, is widely consumed in Southern Thailand. This study profiled the peptides of Phatthalung Kapi-pla (PK) and Songkhla Kapi-pla (SK) and investigated their impacts on gut microbiota and metabolome using a simulated colonic fermentation model with fecal samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Microbial composition and metabolites were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and LC–MS/MS, respectively. After 24 h fermentation, PK modestly increased Shannon diversity relative to the unsupplemented control, with richness indices unchanged, reduced Proteobacteria abundance and opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia–Shigella and Klebsiella, and selectively increased short- and branched-chain fatty acids, including acetate, propionate, butyrate, and iso-valerate. PK further enhanced neuroactive metabolites relevant to AD pathology, underscoring its potential as a functional food ingredient to ameliorate AD-associated dysbiosis and support gut–brain axis health.

This study examined the effects of fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus on cell wall structure and permeability, phenolic compound bioavailability, and antidiabetic potential of jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] tempeh. Fermentation significantly increased the total phenolic (∼21%) and flavonoid (∼152%) contents, mainly through the release of bound phenolics. Confocal fluorescence scanning microscopy with calcofluor white staining and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran probe permeation revealed the disruption of cellulose linkages in jack bean tempeh, which increased permeability and facilitated the diffusion of larger molecules. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 102 compounds across the free, conjugated, and bound phenolic fractions, with the conjugated fraction showing the most diverse composition. Certain bioactive compounds, such as D-(+)-3-phenyllactic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-neohesperidoside, kaempferol, arbutin, and oleacein, were tentatively linked to α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. The free phenolic fraction exhibited the strongest α-amylase inhibition [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀)=35.75±0.91 µg/mL], whereas the conjugated and bound fractions were most effective against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀=353.70±119.79 and 56.33±10.40 µg/mL, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between phenolic content and α-amylase inhibition (r>0.8, P<0.05). In summary, fermentation improved cell wall permeability, the release of bound phenolics, and antidiabetic potential, suggesting that jack bean tempeh, rich in bioaccessible phenolics, is a potential functional food for glycemic regulation.

Food is one of the factors with the highest impact on human health. Today, attention is paid not only to food properties such as energy provision and palatability but also to functional aspects including phytochemical, antioxidant properties, etc. Massaman and spicy basil leaf curries are famous Thai food dishes with a good harmony of flavor and taste, derived from multiple herbs and spices, including galangal rhizomes, chili pods, garlic bulbs, peppers, shallots, and coriander seeds, that provide an array of health benefits. The characterization of phytochemicals detected by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 99 components (Masaman) and 62 components (spicy basil leaf curry) such as quininic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, luteolin, kaempferol, catechin, eugenol, betulinic acid, and gingerol. The cynaroside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside found in spicy basil leaf curry play a key role in antioxidant activities and were found at a significantly higher concentration than in Massaman curry. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds generally exhibit a bitter and astringent taste, but all the panelists scored both curries higher than 7 out of 9, confirming their acceptable flavor. Results suggest that the Massaman and spicy basil leaves contain various phytochemicals at different levels and may be further used as functional ingredients and nutraceutical products.

All living organisms undergo molecular damage by free radical products. Disrupting the balance between antioxidants and free radicals leads to greater risks of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer. Consumption of curries containing various herbs and spices provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits which promote health. The antioxidant and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory properties of six popular Thai curries, including green curry (G), Panang curry (P), Massaman curry (M), spicy basil leaf curry (SB), southern sour curry (SS), and southern spicy yellow curry (SY) were determined. All six curries contained phenolic and flavonoid compounds and provided antioxidant activity based on electron transfer and hydrogen atom donor properties, as well as having the ability to reduce oxidized metal. The highest antioxidant value was found in SB, followed by M, SS, and SY. The replacement of sugar with dried stevia powder at 50% (Re) improved antioxidant activity. The ORAC assay provided five times higher results than DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. Extracts of all curries at 1 mg/mL on the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 showed no cytotoxicity. The highest NO inhibition was found in SB (p < 0.05). All curry extracts contained quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and apigenin. The six selected popular Thai curries had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Nutraceuticals, functional foods, and the ingredients of each raw material and curry powder should be further investigated.

Wanida Laosee, Duangporn Kantachote, Worrapanit Chansuwan, and Nualpun Sirinupong. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2022;32:1315-24. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.2206.06012

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were derived from tuna cooking juice (TCJ) hydrolysis by alcalase in the continuous enzymatic membrane reactor (cEMR) coupling with 1 kDa MWCO membrane. The permeated sample from cEMR for 510 min of hydrolysis was purified by size exclusion chromatography in Sephadex G‐25 column. A fraction exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity was further separated by RP‐HPLC, resulting two fractions showed highest ACE inhibitory activities. The molecular weight (MW) and amino acid sequences of peptides from both fractions were determined using LC‐MS/MS. Two potential ACE inhibitory peptides were obtained and showed molecular weight of 959.46 and 1,141.29 Da. Practical applications Tuna cooking juice (TCJ) usually was either used as protein source of feed meal or directly discharged to wastewater treatment system. However, it contains water‐soluble proteins in a group of sarcoplasmic protein, which is small water‐soluble proteins and easily hydrolyzed to small peptides. In this study, the active peptides, angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptides (MW of 959.46 and 1,141.29 Da), obtained from TCJ hydrolysate and identified by LC‐MS/MS would be a beneficial ingredient for nutraceuticals and functional food against hypertension.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that can lead to death at an early age. CF is characterized by respiratory infection, airway obstruction, inflammation, and eventually end-stage lung failure. CF also damages pancreatic exocrine function resulting in serious complications such as nutritional deficiencies. Current therapy to this multisystem disease requires the practice of both pharmacological and nutritional approaches. Growing evidence shows that bioactive food components, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, have beneficial effects in the management of CF disease. This review will summarize the current status of bioactive compounds in CF therapy.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a deadly genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. A mutation in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is the cause of the disease. How epigenetics contributes to CFTR expression is still poorly understood. Epigenetics is a mechanism that alters gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone modification. Both mechanisms have been implicated in CFTR gene regulation. Here we review epigenetic regulation of CFTR transcription while discussing potential epigenetic targeting strategies including DNA methyltransferase, histone deacetylase, and histone methyltransferase and demethylase inhibition. Because of the reversibility of epigenetics, targeting epigenetic mechanisms has been an attractive therapeutic approach. However, epigenetic targeting of CF disease is still at its infant stage.