Hydrolyzed Proteins and Vegetable Peptides: Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Obesity and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Abstract

Chronic low-grade inflammation is present in overweight and obesity, causing changes in several metabolic pathways. It impairs systemic functioning and positively feeds back the accumulation of more adipose tissue. Studies with hydrolyzed proteins and plant peptides have demonstrated a potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect of these peptides. However, it is challenging and necessary to explore the mechanism of action of such molecules because understanding their effects depends on their structural characterizations. Furthermore, the structure might also give insights into safety, efficacy and efficiency, with a view of a possible health application. Thus, the present narrative review aimed to discuss the mechanisms of action of hydrolyzed proteins and plant peptides as anti-inflammatory agents in obesity. Keywords and related terms were inserted into databases for the search. Based on the studies evaluated, these biomolecules act by different pathways, favoring the reduction of inflammatory cytokines and adipokines and the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype. Finally, as a future perspective, bioinformatics is suggested as a tool to help understand and better use these molecules considering their applicability in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Anti-Obesity and Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Meretrix lusoria Protamex Hydrolysate in ob/ob Mice

“…In the current study, TNF-α, MCP-1 and TBARS levels were elevated in the CON group, increasing the likelihood that ob / ob mice would develop obesity along with pre-diabetic condition and confirming the anti-obesity effect of MLPH by reducing TNF-α, MCP-1 and TBARS levels, although the mechanism of improvement of adipose tissue by MLPH treatment was not clearly revealed. In obese mice, de-Medeiros et al [ 47 ] found that tiny hydrolyzed proteins and vegetable peptides efficiently reduced inflammatory proteins such as TNF-α and MCP-1. Similarly, the current study found that MLPH containing a short peptide chain could significantly modulate serum levels of adiponectin, TNF-α, MCP-1, and TBARS in ob / ob mice.…”

Recent Advances in In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Antioxidant, ACE-Inhibitory and Anti-Inflammatory Peptides from Legume Protein Hydrolysates

“…In contrast, the rise in inflammatory disorders has prompted the search for proteins and peptides with anti-inflammatory effects [ 92 ]. In this case, one technique is to research possible compounds, such as plant proteins, that have been studied as a source for bioactive peptides with anti-inflammatory activity agents [ 93 ]. Hydrolysates and peptides generated from legumes can have various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties [ 6 ].…”

Plant-derived chelators and ionophores as potential therapeutics for metabolic diseases

“…223 Other recent reviews highlight therapeutic effects of plant-derived peptides towards diabetes and related complications. 224,225 There are known metal-binding amino acid residues, thus it is expected that plant protein-derived peptides have metal-binding capacity. 226 Esfandi et al hydrolyzed oat bran proteins using four proteases, Alcalase, Flavourzyme, papain, and Protamex.…”

“…223 Other recent reviews highlight therapeutic effects of plant-derived peptides towards diabetes and related complications. 224,225…”