Antihypertensive peptides from food proteins: a review

Abstract

High blood pressure is considered as a significant health problem worldwide. In addition to numerous preventive and therapeutic drug treatments, important advances have been achieved in the identification of dietary compounds that may contribute to cardiovascular health. Among these compounds, peptides with antihypertensive properties received special attention in the past 15 years. Although milk proteins are still the main source of antihypertensive peptides, recently a remarkable increase has been noticed in the report of antihypertensive peptides released from other dietary sources. Most of these peptides have demonstrated their properties by in vitro assays. However, the evidence for their beneficial antihypertensive effects has to be based on animal experiments and clinical trials. This paper reviews the current data of the blood pressure-lowering activity of food-derived peptides demonstrated in vivo (animal models and humans). Other aspects, such as the mechanism of action and bioavailability of these peptides which play a key role in their antihypertensive effects are also summarized in this review.

Whey Proteins as Source of Bioactive Peptides Against Hypertension

“…VPP and IPP derived from caseins, showed possible mechanisms of action that could be found also in other peptides. In studies performed with rats, VPP and IPP increased plasma renin levels and activity [202]; and decreased ACE activity in the serum; they also showed endothelial function protection in mesenteric arteries [208]. The influence of VPP and IPP on gene expression of SHR abdominal aorta unfolded a significant increase of genes related with blood pressure regulation -the eNOS and connexin 40 genes [208].…”

“…In studies performed with rats, VPP and IPP increased plasma renin levels and activity [202]; and decreased ACE activity in the serum; they also showed endothelial function protection in mesenteric arteries [208]. The influence of VPP and IPP on gene expression of SHR abdominal aorta unfolded a significant increase of genes related with blood pressure regulation -the eNOS and connexin 40 genes [208]. Other studies have highlighted the peptide effects on the vasculature itself, showing that the antihypertensive activity of the peptide rapakinin is induced mainly by CCK1 and IP-receptor-dependent vasorelaxation; this peptide relaxes the mesenteric artery of SHR via prostaglandin I2-IP receptor, followed by CCK-CCK1 receptor pathway; other peptides improve aorta and mesenteric acetylcholine relaxation, and decrease left ventricular hypertrophy, accompanied by significant decrease in interstitial fibrosis [209].…”

“…Various investigators have accordingly hypothesized that certain peptides formed through hydrolysis of food proteins have the ability to inhibit ACE; López-Fandiño [173], FitzGerald [104,137], Gobetti [213], Meisel [214], Korhonen and Pihlanto [4], Silva and Malcata [215], Vermeirssen [216], and Martínez-Maqueda [208] have comprehensively reviewed this subject. In general, it has been claimed that a diet rich in foods containing antihypertensive peptides is effective toward prevention and treatment of hypertension [173,201].…”

“…Other studies have highlighted the peptide effects on the vasculature itself, showing that the antihypertensive activity of the peptide rapakinin is induced mainly by CCK1 and IP-receptor-dependent vasorelaxation; this peptide relaxes the mesenteric artery of SHR via prostaglandin I2-IP receptor, followed by CCK-CCK1 receptor pathway; other peptides improve aorta and mesenteric acetylcholine relaxation, and decrease left ventricular hypertrophy, accompanied by significant decrease in interstitial fibrosis [209]. In order to prevent hypertension, two alternative enzyme inhibitors were suggested: renin (a protease recognized as the initial compound of the renin-angiotensin system) and plateletactivating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) (a circulating enzyme secreted by inflammatory cells and involved in atherosclerosis) [208].…”

“…Experimental evidence -including SHR and human studies, claimed that oxidative stress is one of the causes of hypertension and several vascular diseases, via increase production of reactive oxygen species and reduction of NO synthesis and bioavailability of antioxidants [208].…”