Molecular mechanisms of Selenium-biofortified soybean protein and polyphenol conjugate in protecting mice skin damaged by UV-B

Selenium-biofortified crops are qualitied functional foods resource because of their anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. In the present study, conjugates of selenium-biofortified soybean protein and polyphenols were prepared and evaluated by Alkali-induced synthesis and in vitro antioxidant test. Moreover, the antioxidant mechanisms of protecting mice skin damaged by UV-B were studied. Results showed that the antioxidant activity of the conjugate between 7S globulin from selenium-enriched soybean (Se-7S) and EGCG (Se-7S-EGCG) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of Se-7S-GA. Structural Characterization implied that the polymerization of polyphenols with amino acid residues were occurred. Se-7S-EGCG inhibited the apoptosis of epidermal cells induced by UV-B. Over-expressions of phosphorylated proteins in MAPK signaling pathway, the activation of related inflammatory factors, and the boost of MMPs were reversed by Se-7S-EGCG. Overall, it provides theoretical and experimental basis for the application of protein and polyphenol conjugates in food and medicine fields.