Bioactive peptides as alternative treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

The infection and chronic inflammatory response generated by Helicobacter pylori is a global health concern. This pathogen is characterized as a major risk factor in the development of gastric cancer and other diseases. Conventional eradication therapies are based on antibiotic regimens and as a consequence there is an increase in antimicrobial resistance of the pathogen strains, besides other potential side effects for the host. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new alternatives. This review delves into the realm of antimicrobial peptides, exploring their efficacy against H. pylori sourced from diverse origins. Furthermore, it sheds light on food-derived peptides exhibiting remarkable biological activity. These peptides exhibit promising effects on biomarkers associated with H. pylori infection, demonstrating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties validated through rigorous testing in both cell and animal models. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity, the peptide VPY derived from soybean and the peptides derived from animal sources such as meat (β-Ala-His), egg (DEDTQAMPFR, DEDTQAMPF, MLGATSL, MSYSAGF, CR, FL, HC, LL, MK) and milk (IPAV) have reported a reduction of the cytokine IL-8, biomarker directly related to H. infection. For the antioxidant activity, peptides derived from milk (EAMAPK, AVPYPQ) and from Spirulina maxima (LDAVNR, MMLDF) have reduced ROS levels and could have a positive effect on the control of H. infection. Food-derived bioactive peptides with an anti-adhesive effect were also discussed. They derive from vegetable sources (corn, pea and wheat) and are capable of interacting with the host cells, interfering the adherence of H. pylori. Food-derived bioactive peptides have potential to avoid and/or mitigate undesired outcomes of infectious diseases due to the possibility of its application in nutraceuticals and food products, resulting in a preventive approach. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, antibiotic resistance, bioactive peptides, antimicrobial peptides

Proteomic Characterization of a Lunasin-Enriched Soybean Extract Potentially Useful in the Treatment of <i>Helicobacter pylori </i>Infection

“…The results obtained indicated that LSE might exert a protective effect against oxidative stress in H. pylori infected cells that could be attributed to protein/peptides or other bioactive compounds contained in the soybean extract. The antioxidant effects of lunasin and other soybean peptides have been previously reported in different cell and animal models, but not in H. pylori-infected cells [40,41]. Furthermore, other compounds present in LSE and not determined in this work could contribute to the reduction of ROS production by the cells.…”