Login / Signup

Therapeutic Potential of Orally Administered Rubiscolin-6.

Yusuke KarasawaKanako MiyanoMasahiro YamaguchiMiki NonakaKeisuke YamaguchiMasako IsekiIzumi KawagoeYasuhito Uezono
Published in: International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
Rubiscolins are naturally occurring opioid peptides derived from the enzymatic digestion of the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase protein in spinach leaves. They are classified into two subtypes based on amino acid sequence, namely rubiscolin-5 and rubiscolin-6. In vitro studies have determined rubiscolins as G protein-biased delta-opioid receptor agonists, and in vivo studies have demonstrated that they exert several beneficial effects via the central nervous system. The most unique and attractive advantage of rubiscolin-6 over other oligopeptides is its oral availability. Therefore, it can be considered a promising candidate for the development of a novel and safe drug. In this review, we show the therapeutic potential of rubiscolin-6, mainly focusing on its effects when orally administered based on available evidence. Additionally, we present a hypothesis for the pharmacokinetics of rubiscolin-6, focusing on its absorption in the intestinal tract and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Keyphrases
  • amino acid
  • chronic pain
  • pain management
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • nitric oxide
  • cerebrospinal fluid
  • protein protein
  • electronic health record
  • drug induced