METHODS: 5'-phosphodiesterase (5'-PDE) enzyme was characterized from adzuki beans, in which the optimum pH and temperature were determined. In addition, the stability of 5'-PDE was assessed at different pH and temperature. The effects of cations and EDTA were evaluated to characterize the 5'-PDE enzymes further.
RESULTS: The alkaline 5'-phosphodiesterase has an optimum pH of 8.5. This enzyme is also thermostable, with an optimum temperature of 80°C. The stability in terms of temperature and pH was also determined, and was found to be stable in the pH range of 7.0-8.5. This enzyme was found to retain more than 80% of its activity for 4 days at 60 and 65°C. In addition, the effects of 14 different metal ions, 4 types of detergents and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on 5'-PDE were studied. Ca2+, K+, Mg2+ and Li+ activated 5'-PDE while Na+, Zn2+, Ni+, Hg+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Al3+, Ba2+ and Co2+ were inhibitory. EDTA, Triton X-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were strong inhibitors of 5'-PDE, while Tween 80 and Tween 20 were slightly inhibitory. The effects of cations and EDTA suggest that 5'-PDE from adzuki beans is a metalloenzyme.
CONCLUSIONS: Although 5'-PDE from adzuki beans has a high temperature optimum of 80°C, the enzyme is more stable at 60°C, and different cations affected the activity of the enzyme differently.
RESULTS: Fermented mung bean was recorded to have the highest level of free amino acids, soluble phenolic acids (especially protocatechuic acid) and antioxidant activities among all the tested products. Both fermented mung bean and soybean possessed cytotoxicity activities against breast cancer MCF-7 cells by arresting the G0/G1 phase followed by apoptosis. Moreover, fermented mung bean and soybean also induced splenocyte proliferation and enhanced the levels of serum interleukin-2 and interferon-γ.
CONCLUSION: Augmented amounts of free amino acids and phenolic acids content after fermentation enhanced the antioxidants, cytotoxicity and immunomodulation effects of mung bean and soybean. More specifically, fermented mung bean showed the best effects among all the tested products. This study revealed the potential of fermented mung bean and soybean as functional foods for maintenance of good health.