Antioxidant potential of buffalo and cow milk Cheddar cheeses to tackle human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to assess the anti-oxidant potential of water-soluble peptides (WSPs) extract derived from buffalo and cow milk Cheddar cheeses at different stages of ripening.

METHODS: The antioxidant potential of WSPs extract was assessed through 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonic acid (ABTS)-radical scavenging activity. In addition, impact of WSPs extract on cell viability and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 (tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced) cell lines was also evaluated.

RESULTS: The ABTS-radical scavenging activity increased progressively with ripening period and dose-dependently in both cheeses. However, peptide extract from buffalo milk Cheddar cheese demonstrated relatively higher activity due to higher contents of water-soluble nitrogen. Intracellular ROS production in Caco-2 cells decreased significantly (p<0.05) till 150th day of cheese ripening and remained constant thereafter. Additionally, dose-dependent response of WSPs extract on antioxidant activity was noticed in the Caco-2 cell line.

CONCLUSION: On the basis of current in vitro study, the Cheddar cheese WSPs extract can protect intestinal epithelium against oxidative stress due to their antioxidant activity.