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

The important functions of the endothelium and the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction suggest the primary role of this tissue as a target for dietary strategies aimed at the prevention from related diseases. Cereals are key component of a healthy and balanced diet, and the presence of non-specific lipid-transfer protein 2 (nsLTP2) in wheat represents an added value to contribute to maintain the functionality of the vascular endothelium and consequently of the cardiovascular system. Indeed, nsLTP2 downregulates the expression of the main cell adhesion molecules induced by a pro-inflammatory cytokine and, meanwhile, upregulates heme oxigenase-1, exerting a cytoprotective/anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, nsLTP2 might represent a food-derived tool to protect the vascular system against several pathological condition

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

The important functions of the endothelium and the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction suggest the primary role of this tissue as a target for dietary strategies aimed at the prevention from related diseases. Cereals are key component of a healthy and balanced diet, and the presence of non-specific lipid-transfer protein 2 (nsLTP2) in wheat represents an added value to contribute to maintain the functionality of the vascular endothelium and consequently of the cardiovascular system. Indeed, nsLTP2 downregulates the expression of the main cell adhesion molecules induced by a pro-inflammatory cytokine and, meanwhile, upregulates heme oxigenase-1, exerting a cytoprotective/anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, nsLTP2 might represent a food-derived tool to protect the vascular system against several pathological conditions

Evaluation of the potential protective effect on vascular endothelium exerted by the peptide nsLTP2 identified in wheat

The maintenance of the endothelial function, challenged by oxidative stress and inflammation, is a fundamental target of preventive dietary strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective activities of a wheat peptide belonging to the family of the "non-specific lipid transfer protein type 2" (nsLTP2). Results showed that HUVECs pretreatment with nsLTP2 significantly decreased both oxidative stress and cell damage induced by inflammation, and significantly counteracted the increased expression of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin). Moreover, nsLTP2 increased the expression of HO-1, similarly to statins. As HO-1 has been shown to ameliorate inflammation in part through its ability to inhibit expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, experiments were also conducted using two HO-1 inhibitors, showing that the induced expression of HO-1 contributes to the anti-inflammatory activity exerted by nsLTP2. Taken together, obtained results suggest a nutraceutical role played by nsLTP2 in maintaining vascular health. This work was supported by BACCHUS project (FP7 European Commission Grant Agreement 312090