A novel anti-inflammatory peptide VLRWPR (VR6) from walnut protein markedly reduced disease activity in DSS-induced colitis mice by suppressing the TLR4-NF-κB axis, maintaining intestinal barrier function, and reversing gut microbiota imbalance.
Key Findings
Methods
Bromelain hydrolysate of walnut protein exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory effect among various proteases tested.
Various proteases were employed to hydrolyze walnut protein and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated in RAW264.7 cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide.
The bromelain hydrolysate was further separated using ultrafiltration and RP-HPLC to isolate active fractions.
A total of 100 peptides were detected using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS2 from the most active fraction.
Results
The novel peptide VLRWPR (VR6) was identified and screened from walnut bromelain hydrolysate as an anti-inflammatory candidate.
VR6 is a hexapeptide with the sequence VLRWPR derived from walnut (Juglans sigillata) protein.
The peptide was screened from 100 peptides detected via UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS2 analysis.
VR6 was described as a novel peptide.
Results
VR6 markedly reduced disease activity and reversed colon-length shortening in DSS-induced colitis mice.
VR6 reduced the disease activity index score by 66% in the DSS-induced colitis mouse model.
VR6 reversed colon-length shortening by 28%.
VR6 also alleviated histopathological damage within the colon.
A DSS-induced colitis model in mice was used to assess in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.
Results
VR6 regulated serum inflammatory indices in DSS-induced colitis mice.
VR6 regulated the serum inflammatory index in the DSS-induced colitis mouse model.
Inflammation suppression was achieved by modulating the TLR4-NF-κB signaling axis.
Results
VR6 maintained intestinal barrier function by elevating tight junction protein levels.
VR6 elevated zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) levels by 3.43 times.
VR6 elevated occludin levels by 1.45 times.
VR6 elevated claudin-1 levels by 2.66 times.
These increases in tight junction proteins indicate restoration of intestinal barrier integrity.
Results
VR6 reversed gut microbiota imbalance and improved short-chain fatty acid production in DSS-induced colitis mice.
16S rRNA sequencing analysis was used to assess gut microbiota composition.
VR6 was found to reverse the gut microbiota imbalance caused by DSS-induced colitis.
VR6 improved the production of short-chain fatty acids.
These findings suggest a role for VR6 in modulating the gut microbial environment.
Huan P, Zhong Y, Ma T, Zhuang Y, Chen S, Pan H, et al.. (2026). Identification of an Anti-inflammatory Peptide from Walnut (Juglans sigillata) Protein and the Effect on DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5c15462