Immunosuppressive effects of protein derivatives from Mucuna pruriens on a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetes murine model

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease induced by abnormal insulin secretions from β‐cells in pancreas. The present study aimed to investigate the immunosuppressive effects from protein derivatives of Mucuna pruriens on a murine model of Type 1 diabetes. Hydrolyzate and five peptide fractions with different molecular weight were administered orally by 14 days, followed T1D murine model was built by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin over 5 days. The mice weight, blood glucose levels, anti‐insulin, and anti‐pancreatic islet β‐cells antibodies, pro‐inflammatory cytokines as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin‐6 were determined in four times (0, 15, 30, and 45 day). Mice were sacrificed and pancreatic tissues samples were obtained and staining with hematoxylin and eosin to determine the degree of damage. The study demonstrated immunosuppressive activity in four of the six treatment groups: (a) T1D PPH, (b) T1D F 5–10 kDa, (c) T1D F 3–5 kDa, and (d) T1D F 1–3 kDa. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Due to the high content of native protein in seeds of Mucuna pruriens, studies have reported potential in the elaboration of hydrolysates and peptides with biological activity. These protein derivatives could help in the treatment of immunological disorders that are observed in several chronic non‐communicable disease and inflammatory diseases, such as T1D. Activated macrophages and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate plays a crucial role in the initiation and maintenance of T1D; therefore, several studies has focused to reduce the effector functions of this cells for diminishing the clinical manifestations in inmmunocompromised patients. Thus, this study indicates the potential application of hydrolyzate and peptide fractions of M. pruriens in functional foods and dietary supplements could be developed for the treatment of inflammatory and chronic non‐communicable diseases.