Lunasin: a promising bioactive peptide for the management of inflammatory and chronic diseases
摘要
Lunasin, a bioactive peptide originally discovered in soybeans and later found in other plant sources such as barley and wheat, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lunasin’s structure, mechanisms of action, impact on inflammatory markers, and therapeutic potential. Lunasin is a 43-amino acid peptide with a unique structure featuring an RGD motif and a poly-D tail, enabling interaction with cellular components and modulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. It exerts effects by inhibiting histone acetylation and disrupting key signaling pathways like NF-κB, thereby decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-10, TGF-β). Lunasin’s therapeutic potential spans chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Lunasin’s ability to regulate macrophage activity and inflammatory signaling also suggests benefits for metabolic and age-related diseases. However, its clinical application is limited by poor oral bioavailability, digestive degradation, and a lack of robust human trials. This review fills a critical gap by integrating recent findings on lunasin’s multi-target mechanisms including epigenetic, metabolic, and immune regulation and highlighting underexplored areas such as gut–immune–microbiota interactions and advanced delivery strategies. Preclinical studies consistently demonstrate strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activity in vitro and in animal models. In contrast, clinical investigations remain limited in scope, with few trials assessing long-term efficacy or clinical outcomes. Bridging this gap will require translational studies and targeted delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and functional efficacy. Future research should focus on clarifying lunasin’s mechanisms in chronic disease contexts, optimizing formulation strategies, and validating its effects in diverse human populations. Continued investigation holds promise for translating lunasin into an effective dietary-based intervention for managing inflammation-related diseases.