Isolation and Characterization of Wheat Derived Nonspecific Lipid Transfer Protein 2 (nsLTP2)

Abstract

Numerous studies support the protective role of bioactive peptides against cardiovascular diseases. Cereals represent the primary source of carbohydrates, but they also contain substantial amounts of proteins, therefore representing a potential dietary source of bioactive peptides with nutraceutical activities. The analysis of wheat extracts purified by chromatographic techniques by means of HPLC-UV/nanoLC-nanoESI-QTOF allowed the identification of a signal of about 7 kDa which, following data base searches, was ascribed to a nonspecific lipid-transfer protein (nsLTP) type 2 from Triticum aestivum (sequence coverage of 92%). For the first time nsLTP2 biological activities have been investigated. In particular, in experiments with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), nsLTP2 displayed antioxidant and cytoprotective activities, being able to significantly decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and to reduce lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, generated following oxidative (hydrogen peroxide) and inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and lipopolysaccharide) stimulation. The obtained promising results suggest potential protective role of nsLTP2 in vascular diseases prevention. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: nsLTP 2 peptide is resistant to proteases throughout the gastrointestinal tract and exerts antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. These characteristics could be exploited in vascular diseases prevention.

Short-Term Hemodynamic Effects of Modern Wheat Products Substitution in Diet with Ancient Wheat Products: A Cross-Over, Randomized Clinical Trial

“…In fact, the content of bioactive peptides is largely different in different cereals and cereal-derived foods. The analysis of different wheat extracts purified by chromatographic techniques allowed the identification of non-specific lipid-transfer protein type 2 (nsLTP2) from Triticum aestivum [ 8 ]. This peptide is chemically thermo- and protease-resistant.…”

Protective Effect of Wheat Derived Non-specific lipid-transfer Protein 2 on Vascular Endothelium Inflammation

“…turanicum) [19]. In a previous study we demonstrated the antioxidant/cytoprotective activity of nsLTP2 in the same experimental model [20]. Since oxidative stress and inflammation represent the basis of endothelial dysfunction, these activities could be considered as potentially beneficial for vascular health maintenance.…”

“…Afterwards, inflammatory stress was induced using the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (20 ng/mL). The 10nM concentration of nsLTP2 was chosen because it has been previously demonstrated to exert antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in HUVECs following oxidative and inflammatory stimulation [20].…”

“…On the other hand, the analysis of different wheat extracts purified by chromatographic techniques allowed the identification of non-specific lipid-transfer protein (nsLTP) type 2 from Triticum turgidum subsp. turanicum [20] with gastro and intestinal resistance. Moreover, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) nsLTP2 has been demonstrated to exert antioxidant activity and potential cytoprotective effects following oxidative or inflammatory stimulations [20].…”

“…turanicum [20] with gastro and intestinal resistance. Moreover, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) nsLTP2 has been demonstrated to exert antioxidant activity and potential cytoprotective effects following oxidative or inflammatory stimulations [20].…”