Hepatoprotective Effects of Corn Peptides Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Abstract

Hepatic injury is a prevalent ailment worldwide. The hepatoprotective effects of corn peptides (CPs) were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury in mice. Low molecular weight CP (Mw < 5 kD) were obtained by alcalase hydrolysis combined with ultrafiltration technology. Results showed that the hepatoprotective effects of CP (200 mg/kg body weight [bw]) were manifested by a significant decrease of the aminotransferase (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) activities in serum and malondialdehyde level in liver, and by a significant increase of superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione level in liver (P < 0.01), compared with the model group. The biochemical findings were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The hepatoprotective effect was close to that of positive control group – Silymarin (50 mg/kg bw). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the pretreatment of CP at the dose of 200 mg/kg bw showed a significant protective effect to alleviate CCl4‐induced hepatocellular injury, and the hepatoprotective effect was due to the CP's antioxidant capability and high Fischer's ratio. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS There is an ever‐increasing need of an agent that could protect liver from various damages. Therapies developed along the principles of Western medicine are often limited in efficacy, carry the risk of adverse effects and are often too costly, especially for the developing world. Corn peptides (CPs) were obtained from corn gluten meal, which was the by‐product of corn industry. It will broaden the application and increase the value of corn gluten meal. CPs, especially those with low molecular weight, have been reported with many bioactive functions, which were isolated with potent free radical scavenging capacities and high Fischer's ratio. In general CP could become a safe and potent hepatoprotective agent and could be manufactured into various forms, such as powder, tinctures, tablet, capsule and syrup. The future applications of CP would be mostly as a medicine, supplement or functional foods.

Corn Peptides Protect Against Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

“…14 Our previous studies have confirmed the potent hepatoprotective effect of CPs on acute chemical liver injury induced by CCl 4 , alcohol, and D-galactosamine, [15][16][17] and on the Bacillus CalmetteGuerin/lipopolysaccharide-induced immune liver injury model. 18 It is documented that hepatic fibrosis can be alleviated by bioactive peptides such as carnosine, 19 the vasonatrin peptide originating from animals, 20 and synthetic peptides.…”

“…30,31 CPs have a potent antioxidant activity, suggesting potential hepatoprotective effects on acute chemical liver injury in mice. 15 In this study, the antifibrotic effect of CPs might be associated with their antioxidative capability.…”

Purification and identification of corn peptides that facilitate alcohol metabolism by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and nano liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

“…There are three known metabolic enzyme systems that participate in the oxidation of alcohol, and all of them lead to over‐production of reactive oxygen species . It was reported that CPs that facilitate alcohol metabolism activity had good hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity in vitro . Zhuang et al.…”

“…Corn protein enzymatic hydrolysate was produced according to the method of Yu et al. . The concentrated corn protein powder (40 g) was reconstituted with water (1000 mL) at a 1:25 ratio (w/v), and incubated in a 100°C water bath for 30 min to denature the corn protein.…”

“…The mechanisms of ALD are complex and could be associated with imbalanced lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and an increased inflammatory response . Previous research revealed that CPs provide significant protection against liver injuries in mice induced by alcohol, Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin/lipopolysaccharide, carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis . In addition, a pentapeptide (Gln‐Leu‐Leu‐Pro‐Phe) obtained from corn protein hydrolysates facilitating alcohol metabolism through HPLC–MS/MS was first reported by our lab .…”