Artificial intelligence identified peptides modulate inflammation in healthy adults

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Immunology
• Bioactive Peptides
• Protein Hydrolysates

Background:

• Dietary bioactive peptides are linked to immune modulation and inflammation resolution.
• Rice protein hydrolysates are a source of potentially beneficial peptides.
• Understanding peptide absorption and effects is crucial for functional food development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the absorption of specific immune-modulating peptides from rice protein hydrolysate.
• To determine if these peptides modulate inflammation markers in vivo.
• To investigate the potential of AI in identifying such peptides.

Main Methods:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for peptide prediction and targeting.
• Protein docking simulations to assess peptide-marker interactions.
• A kinetic study in 10 healthy subjects consuming rice protein hydrolysate.
• Quantitative LC-MS/MS for peptide absorption and ELISA for cytokine analysis.

Main Results:

• AI identified four inflammation-modulating peptides from rice protein.
• Direct absorption of predicted peptides at biologically relevant concentrations was not confirmed.
• A single dose induced temporary changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IP-10, NOx) and IL-6.
• Cytokine levels returned to baseline within 24 hours; other markers remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

• Consumption of rice protein hydrolysate with bioactive peptides induced a mild, temporary immune response, likely via intestinal signaling.
• Further research is needed to confirm absorption and efficacy, especially in stress-related conditions.
• AI holds promise for discovering functional peptides in protein hydrolysates.