Thailand Medical Researchers Discover Immunity and Cancer-Fighting Potential in Peptides of White Jellyfish

Thailand Medical: Researchers from multiple Thai institutions have made an exciting discovery about a low-value marine species that could hold significant health benefits. Scientists from the Faculty of Agro-Industry and the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University, alongside colleagues from Naresuan University, have uncovered bioactive compounds in white jellyfish (Lobonema smithii) that exhibit powerful immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antioxidative activities. Their findings suggest that jellyfish, often underutilized as a food source, may have a promising role in human health and nutrition.


Thailand Medical Researchers Discover Immunity and Cancer-Fighting Potential in
Peptides of White Jellyfish

White jellyfish, commonly found in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, are typically harvested for food at a low price. However, Thailand’s researchers saw the potential for more than just a food source in these translucent marine creatures. Using enzymatic hydrolysis - a method that breaks down proteins into bioactive peptides - the scientists aimed to develop hydrolysates from jellyfish to study their health-promoting properties.
 
The team investigated three different enzymatic processes: alcalase, flavourzyme, and papain, each leading to jellyfish hydrolysates with different properties. This Thailand Medical News report explores how these hydrolysates were tested for their ability to fight oxidative stress, boost immune responses, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
 
The Antioxidant Power of Jellyfish Peptides
One of the standout results from the study was the significant antioxidant activity of the jellyfish-derived peptides. The team evaluated the hydrolysates' abilities to neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to cellular aging and various diseases. The hydrolysates were found to possess DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, which measure their ability to neutralize free radicals.
 
Among the three hydrolysates, the WJH-Pa exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, further supporting the notion that papain was the most effective enzyme for hydrolysis. This hydrolysate showed the strongest capacity to neutralize hydroxyl radicals, one of the most damaging types of reactive oxygen species.
 
Immunomodulatory Effects and NO Production
In addition to their antioxidant potential, the jellyfish peptides were also found to influence the immune system positively. The researchers conducted experiments on RAW264.7 macrophage cells to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of the jellyfish hydrolysates. The WJH-Pa significantly enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production in these immune cells, demonstrating its potential to boost immune function.
 
The increase in NO production is crucial because NO plays a vital role in immune defense mechanisms, such as pathogen elimination and regulating inflammatory responses. By stimulating NO production, the jellyfish peptides could potentially enhance the body's immune response, which is particularly beneficial in fighti ng infections and maintaining overall immune health.
 
Anticancer Potential of Jellyfish Peptides
Although the hydrolysates did not show exceptionally high anticancer activity, the study did find that the papain-treated hydrolysate (WJH-Pa) exhibited some cytotoxicity toward HepG2 liver cancer cells. The researchers tested various concentrations of the hydrolysates on these cells, observing a reduction in cell viability at higher doses.
 
While the anticancer effects were modest, the study highlights the potential for further exploration of these jellyfish peptides. With additional research and refinement, these peptides could potentially be developed into a complementary treatment for cancer.
 
Peptide Isolation and Characterization: Key Findings
The next step for the researchers was to isolate and identify the most bioactive peptides from the papain hydrolysate. Using ultrafiltration membranes, they separated the peptides based on molecular weight. Six key peptides were identified, each showing strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. These peptides had molecular weights ranging from 1049 to 1292 Da and contained 9 to 12 amino acid residues.
 
The most promising peptide sequences included NPTSVVDLTK, FDTPSDFVK, PGGVGGLARYT, EPVPERPVK, LADQSRNPHSAP, and LPEWFPELGL. These peptides were characterized by their high hydrophobicity, which is often linked to enhanced antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. Hydrophobic amino acids like proline, valine, and leucine, which were prevalent in these peptides, play a significant role in their ability to interact with cell membranes and neutralize free radicals.
 
Why White Jellyfish?
White jellyfish have traditionally been underutilized in the global food supply chain, often being sold at low prices or even discarded. However, this study highlights their potential as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds that could provide significant health benefits. The researchers believe that producing bioactive protein hydrolysates from these jellyfish not only adds value to local fisheries but also offers a new avenue for functional foods and nutraceuticals.
 
Moving Forward: The Role of Bioactive Peptides
The six bioactive peptides identified from white jellyfish demonstrate a range of health-promoting activities, especially in terms of antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. These peptides contain essential amino acids like proline, valine, and leucine, which are crucial for cellular health and immune response. This finding could lead to the development of supplements or functional food ingredients that incorporate jellyfish peptides for those seeking natural ways to enhance their health.
 
However, the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these health benefits. Future research may include clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of these jellyfish-derived peptides in humans. In addition, synthetic versions of the peptides could be produced to confirm their bioactivity.
 
Conclusions
In conclusion, this study opens the door to exciting new possibilities for the use of white jellyfish as a health-promoting food source. The bioactive peptides identified in the study exhibit strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, with the potential for further exploration in the fields of cancer prevention and treatment.
 
By transforming a low-value marine species into a valuable resource for human health, the researchers not only contribute to sustainable marine resource use but also pave the way for innovative approaches to functional food development. As science continues to explore the hidden benefits of underutilized species like the white jellyfish, we may soon see these marine creatures on the forefront of nutrition and health supplements.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Foods.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/21/3350
 
For the latest Medical Research news, keep on logging on to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-researchers-explore-luteolin-s-potential-in-reducing-covid-19-inflammation
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-led-medical-study-finds-that-malabar-spinach-shows-promise-in-preventing-skin-disorders-including-melanoma
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-researchers-find-that-phytochemicals-from-the-areca-nut-exhibit-anti-neuroinflammatory-properties