Understanding Hyperuricemia: Pathogenesis, Potential Therapeutic Role of Bioactive Peptides, and Assessing Bioactive Peptide Advantages and Challenges

Abstract

Hyperuricemia is a medical condition characterized by an elevated level of serum uric acid, closely associated with other metabolic disorders, and its global incidence rate is increasing. Increased synthesis or decreased excretion of uric acid can lead to hyperuricemia. Protein peptides from various food sources have demonstrated potential in treating hyperuricemia, including marine organisms, ovalbumin, milk, nuts, rice, legumes, mushrooms, and protein-rich processing by-products. Through in vitro experiments and the establishment of cell or animal models, it has been proven that these peptides exhibit anti-hyperuricemia biological activities by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity, downregulating key enzymes in purine metabolism, regulating the expression level of uric acid transporters, and restoring the composition of the intestinal flora. Protein peptides derived from food offer advantages such as a wide range of sources, significant therapeutic benefits, and minimal adverse effects. However, they also face challenges in terms of commercialization. The findings of this review contribute to a better understanding of hyperuricemia and peptides with hyperuricemia-alleviating activity. Furthermore, they provide a theoretical reference for developing new functional foods suitable for individuals with hyperuricemia.

Research Progress on New Functions of Animal and Plant Proteins

“…While some animal and plant proteins show better uric-acid-lowering effects. Previous studies have found that dietary peptides mainly play a role in reducing UA by inhibiting XOD activity, regulating the expression level of UA transporters, and regulating intestinal microbiota [33]. Animal and plant protein hydrolysates also play a significant role in reducing UA, such as walnut protein hydrolysate [34], tuna protein hydrolysate [35], and whey protein hydrolysate [36].…”

Research progress of treating hyperuricemia in rats and mice with traditional Chinese medicine

“…Uric acid synthesis involves a variety of enzymes, including xanthine XOD as the key enzyme in the body of uric acid production, purine nucleoside phosphorylase PNP catalyzed creatinine catabolism to produce hypoxanthine to further catalyze the oxidation of intermediate products xanthine, and ultimately xanthine oxidation into uric acid. When XOD activity is dysregulated, the higher activity of XOD will accelerate the catalytic oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine, resulting in a continuous increase in uric acid levels and hyperuricemia ( Chen et al, 2023 ). XOD catalyzes the oxidation and hydroxylation of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid, generating reactive oxygen species such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide at the flavin center.…”

Postbiotic of Pediococcus acidilactici GQ01, a Novel Probiotic Strain Isolated from Natural Fermented Wolfberry, Attenuates Hyperuricaemia in Mice through Modulating Uric Acid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota

“…This imbalance in uric acid levels increases the likelihood of developing gout in individuals with HUA [ 2 ]. Generally, male patients are more likely than female patients, and the age of patients tends to be younger [ 3 , 4 ]. HUA is also accompanied by complications such as gout [ 5 ], chronic kidney disease [ 6 ], obesity [ 7 ], diabetes [ 8 ], and hypertension [ 9 ].…”