Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro tripeptide-containing milk product has acute blood pressure lowering effects in mildly hypertensive subjects

Bioactive Peptides: From Basic Research to Clinical Trials and Commercialization

Chronic diseases, including metabolic diseases, have become a worldwide public health issue. Research regarding the use of bioactive peptides or protein hydrolysates derived from food, as the diet-based strategies for the prevention and mitigation of chronic diseases, has increased exponentially in the past decades. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies report the efficacy and safety of food-derived bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant agents. However, despite promising preclinical results, an inadequate understanding of their mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics restrict their clinical translation. Commercialization of bioactive peptides can be further hindered due to scarce information regarding their efficacy, safety, bitter taste, as well as the lack of a cost-effective method of production. This review provides an overview of the current clinical evidence and challenges to commercial applications of food-derived bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates for the prevention and alleviation of chronic diseases.

Probiotic yogurt blunts the increase of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats via remodeling of the gut microbiota

Dietary intake of probiotic yogurt, which has beneficial effects on intestinal microecology, is associated with a lower incidence of hypertension. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota plays a vital role in the development of hypertension. However, the impact of the gut microbiota in the antihypertensive effect of probiotic yogurt remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the impact of the gut microbiota in the antihypertensive effect of probiotic yogurt in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR were treated with probiotic yogurt (0.2 mL per 100 g body weight) (SHR-Y group) for seven weeks and compared with whole milk-treated (0.2 mL per 100 g body weight) SHR (SHR group) and with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY group). The blood pressure and heart function of the rats in the WKY, SHR, and SHR-Y groups were measured. Fecal microbiota was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. To investigate whether probiotic yogurt prevents hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats through the gut microbiota, we co-housed SHR rats (SHR^COH) with SHR-Y rats (SHR^COH-Y), thus allowing the transfer of microbiota via coprophagy. Compared with whole milk, supplementation of probiotic yogurt significantly reduced the blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and cardiac function. We found that the probiotic yogurt modified the gut microbiota populations and increased the alpha diversity. Gut microbiota remodeling by co-housing partly rescued the increase of blood pressure and impaired the cardiac function of SHR rats. Moreover, probiotic yogurt modulated the gut microbiota in mice by increasing the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and SCFA levels (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeic acid) in the feces. Together, the presented data revealed that probiotic yogurt exhibited antihypertensive effects in SHR rats via remodeling of the gut microbiota.

An Intracellular Tripeptide Arg-His-Trp of Serum Origin Detected in MCF-7 Cells Is A Possible Agonist to β2 Adrenoceptor

BACKGROUND

The need of agonists and antagonists of β2 adrenoceptor (β2AR) is warranted in various human disease conditions including cancer, cardiovascular and other metabolic disorders. However, the sources of agonists of β2AR are diverse in nature. Interestingly, there is a complete gap in the exploration of agonists of β2AR from serum that is a well-known component of culture media which supports growth and proliferation of normal and cancer cells in vitro.

METHODS

In this paper, we employed a novel vertical tube gel electrophoresis (VTGE)-assisted purification of intracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells grown in vitro in complete media with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Intracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells were then analyzed by LC-HRMS. Identified intracellular tripeptides of FBS origin were evaluated for their molecular interactions with various extracellular and intracellular receptors including β2AR (PDB ID: 2RH1) by employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). A known agonist of β2AR, isoproterenol was used as a positive control in molecular docking and MDS analyses.

RESULTS

We report here identification of a few novel intracellular tripeptides, namely Arg-His-Trp, (PubChem CID-145453842), Pro-Ile-Glu, (PubChem CID-145457492), Cys-Gln-Gln, (PubChem CID-71471965), Glu-Glu-Lys, (PubChem CID-11441068) and Gly-Cys-Leu (PubChem CID-145455600) of FBS origin in MCF-7 cells. Molecular docking and MDS analyses revealed that among these molecules, the tripeptide Arg-His-Trp shows a favorable binding affinity with β2AR (-9.8 Kcal/mol). The agonistic effect of Arg-His-Trp is significant and comparable with that of a known agonist of β2AR, isoproterenol.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we identified a unique Arg-His-Trp tripeptide of FBS origin in MCF-7 cells by employing a novel approach. This unique tripeptide Arg-His-Trp is suggested to be a potential agonist of β2AR and it may have applications in the context of various human diseases like bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The role of nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment of hypertension: An updated review of the literature

Hypertension (HTN) is a worldwide epidemic in both developed and developing countries. It is one of the leading causes of major health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack. In recent years, several studies have reported associations between specific dietary ingredients and improving HTN. Nutraceuticals are natural food components with pharmacological properties. Reports suggest that functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients might support patients to obtain the desired therapeutic blood pressure (BP) goals and reduce cardiovascular risks by modulating various risk factors such as oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system hyperactivity, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and vascular resistance. We review the recent clinical experiments that have evaluated the biological and pharmacological activities of several types of nutraceuticals, including sour tea, cocoa, common spices, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, flavonoids, coenzyme Q10, milk's tripeptides, calcium, magnesium, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and prebiotics in preventing and treating HTN. This review summarizes recent knowledge about the impact of common nutraceuticals for the regulation of BP.

Effect of an egg ovalbumin-derived protein hydrolysate on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in adults with a mildly elevated blood pressure: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial

PURPOSE

While animal and in vitro data demonstrate vasodilatory effects of egg white-derived peptides, human studies are lacking. We investigated for the first time the effects of an egg ovalbumin-derived protein hydrolysate on blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial was implemented in 75 adults aged 50-70 years with systolic BP (130-≤ 150 mmHg). Participants were randomized to an egg ovalbumin-derived protein hydrolysate (3 g/day) or placebo (3 g/day). Participants completed two 6-week periods separated by a 3-week washout.

RESULTS

Data from 65 participants with a mean systolic BP (135.1 ± 11 mmHg) were included. Mean office and central BP and arterial stiffness (assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) or pulse wave analysis (PWA)) did not change over time and no significant differences were observed between the egg protein hydrolysate and placebo groups (P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant effects of this egg ovalbumin-derived protein hydrolysate on blood lipid and glucose concentrations (P > 0.05) were observed.

CONCLUSION

This is the first dietary intervention to investigate the effects of egg ovalbumin-derived protein hydrolysates on cardiovascular risk in humans. Despite promising findings from animal and in vitro studies, this RCT does not support the hypothesis that consumption of an egg ovalbumin-derived protein hydrolysate for 6 weeks in adults with a high-normal BP results in a reduction in BP or the modification of cardiovascular risk.

Milk-Derived Tripeptides IPP (Ile-Pro-Pro) and VPP (Val-Pro-Pro) Enhance Insulin Sensitivity and Prevent Insulin Resistance in 3T3-F442A Preadipocytes

There is great interest in developing naturally derived compounds, especially bioactive peptides with potential insulin sensitizing effects and/or preventing insulin resistance. Previously, we showed adipogenic and insulin mimetic actions of IPP (Ile-Pro-Pro) and VPP (Val-Pro-Pro), the milk-derived tripeptides on cultured preadipocytes, in addition to their previously characterized antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory functions. However, the effect of these peptides on insulin signaling is not known. Therefore, we examined IPP and VPP effects on insulin signaling in preadipocytes, a well-established model for studying insulin signaling. Our results suggested both peptides enhanced insulin signaling and contributed toward the prevention of insulin resistance in the presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Inhibition of inflammatory mediator NF-kB under TNF stimulation was a likely contributor to the prevention of insulin resistance. VPP further enhanced the expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in adipocytes and restored glucose uptake in TNF-treated adipocytes. Our data suggested the potential of these peptides in the management of conditions associated with impairments in insulin signaling.

A Dietary Pattern of Higher Fish, Egg, Milk, Nut, Vegetable and Fruit, and Lower Salt Intake Correlates With the Prevalence and Control of Hypertension

BACKGROUND

The effects of food on the prevalence and control of hypertension are unclear. We aimed to investigate whether a dietary pattern of higher fish, egg, milk, nut, vegetable and fruit consumption, and lower salt intake was associated with hypertension in China.

METHODS

A total of 15,303 subjects were recruited from September 2012 to December 2014. Groups with (n = 1,604) and without (n = 13,660) hypertension were formed for a case-control study. The hypertensive participants were classified into the controlled blood pressure (BP) subgroup (n = 397) and the uncontrolled BP subgroup (n = 1,207). Data on the average weekly intake of fish, eggs, milk, nuts, vegetables, fruit, and salt in the past year were collected. Higher intake was defined as greater than or equal to median food intake.

RESULTS

Higher fish, egg, milk, nut, vegetable, and fruit intake correlated with lower hypertension prevalence, and fish and fruit intake were the strongest associated factors. Meanwhile, higher fruit intake, the highest quartile of egg or milk intake, and the lowest quartile of salt intake correlated with better BP control. Furthermore, the dietary pattern was associated with lower hypertension prevalence (odds ratio [OR]: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84-0.92; P < 0.001) and better BP control (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.21; P = 0.011). However, the dietary pattern did not correlate with BP control after excluding fruit intake.

CONCLUSIONS

The dietary pattern correlated with lower hypertension prevalence and better BP control, and its association with BP control might be driven by higher fruit consumption.

Effects of Kefir on the Cardiac Autonomic Tones and Baroreflex Sensitivity in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Aims: It has been previously shown that the probiotic kefir (a symbiotic matrix containing acid bacteria and yeasts) attenuated the hypertension and the endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, the effect of chronic administration of kefir on the cardiac autonomic control of heart rate (HR) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in SHR was evaluated.

Methods: SHR were treated with kefir (0.3 mL/100 g body weight) for 60 days and compared with non-treated SHR and with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Cardiac autonomic vagal (VT) and sympathetic (ST) tones were estimated through the blockade of the cardiac muscarinic receptors (methylatropine) and the blockade of β₁₋adrenoceptor (atenolol). The BRS was evaluated by the tachycardia and bradycardia responses to vasoactive drug-induced decreases and increases in arterial blood pressure (BP), respectively. Additionally, spontaneous BRS was estimated by autoregressive spectral analysis.

Results: Kefir-treated SHR exhibited significant attenuation of basal BP, HR, and cardiac hypertrophy compared to non-treated SHR (12, 13, and 21%, respectively). Cardiac VT and ST were significantly altered in the SHR (~40 and ~90 bpm) compared with Wistar rats (~120 and ~30 bpm) and were partially recovered in SHR-kefir (~90 and ~25 bpm). SHR exhibited an impaired bradycardic BRS (~50%) compared with Wistar rats, which was reduced to ~40% in the kefir-treated SHR and abolished by methylatropine in all groups. SHR also exhibited a significant impairment of the tachycardic BRS (~23%) compared with Wistar rats and this difference was reduced to 8% in the SHR-kefir. Under the action of atenolol the residual reflex tachycardia was smaller in SHR than in Wistar rats and kefir attenuated this abnormality. Spectral analysis revealed increased low frequency components of BP (~3.5-fold) and pulse interval (~2-fold) compared with Wistar rats and these differences were reduced by kefir-treatment to ~1.6- and ~1.5-fold, respectively. Spectral analysis also showed an impairment of spontaneous BRS in SHR, but kefir-treatment caused only a tendency to reverse this result.

Conclusions: The novelty of this study is that daily chronic consumption of a low dose of kefir reduced the impairment of the cardiac autonomic control of HR and of the impaired BRS in SHR.

Can milk proteins be a useful tool in the management of cardiometabolic health? An updated review of human intervention trials

The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases is a significant public health burden worldwide. Emerging evidence supports the inverse association between greater dairy consumption and reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Dairy proteins may have an important role in the favourable impact of dairy on human health such as blood pressure (BP), blood lipid and glucose control. The purpose of this review is to update and critically evaluate the evidence on the impacts of casein and whey protein in relation to metabolic function. Evidence from short-term clinical studies assessing postprandial responses to milk protein ingestion suggests benefits on vascular function independent of BP, as well as improvement in glycaemic homeostasis. Long-term interventions have been less conclusive, with some showing benefits and others indicating a lack of improvement in vascular function. During chronic consumption BP appears to be lowered and both dyslipidaemia and hyperglacaemia seem to be controlled. Limited number of trials investigated the effects of dairy proteins on oxidative stress and inflammation. Although the underlying mechanisms of milk proteins on cardiometabolic homeostasis remains to be elucidated, the most likely mechanism is to improve insulin resistance. The incorporation of meals enriched with dairy protein in the habitual diet may result in the beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health. Nevertheless, future well-designed, controlled studies are needed to investigate the relative effects of both casein and whey protein on BP, vascular function, glucose homeostasis and inflammation.

Clinical applications of bioactive milk components

Milk represents a unique resource for translational medicine: It contains a rich pool of biologically active molecules with demonstrated clinical benefits. The ongoing characterization of the mechanistic process through which milk components promote development and immunity has revealed numerous milk-derived compounds with potential applications as clinical therapies in infectious and inflammatory disease, cancer, and other conditions. Lactoferrin is an effective antimicrobial and antiviral agent in high-risk patient populations and a potentially potent adjuvant to chemotherapy in lung cancer. Enteric nutrition formulas supplemented with transforming growth factor β, a milk cytokine, have been shown to promote remission in pediatric Crohn's disease. A number of milk glycans, including human milk oligosaccharides, show promise in preclinical studies as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. While active preclinical investigations of human milk may soon result in large-scale production of human milk molecules, bovine milk components in many instances represent a practical source of bioactive milk compounds for use in clinical trials. This review summarizes current efforts to translate the compounds derived from human and bovine milk into effective clinical therapies. These efforts suggest a common pathway for the translation of milk-derived compounds into clinical applications.

Chronic administration of the probiotic kefir improves the endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background

The beverage obtained by fermentation of milk with kefir grains, a complex matrix containing acid bacteria and yeasts, has been shown to have beneficial effects in various diseases. However, its effects on hypertension and endothelial dysfunction are not yet clear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of kefir on endothelial cells and vascular responsiveness in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Methods

SHR were treated with kefir (0.3 mL/100 g body weight) for 7, 15, 30 and 60 days and compared with non-treated SHR and with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Vascular endothelial function was evaluated in aortic rings through the relaxation response to acetylcholine (ACh). The balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) synthase was evaluated through specific blockers in the ACh-induced responses and through flow cytometry in vascular tissue.

Results

Significant effects of kefir were observed only after treatment for 60 days. The high blood pressure and tachycardia exhibited by the SHR were attenuated by approximately 15 % in the SHR-kefir group. The impaired ACh-induced relaxation of the aortic rings observed in the SHR (37 ± 4 %, compared to the Wistar rats: 74 ± 5 %), was significantly attenuated in the SHR group chronically treated with kefir (52 ± 4 %). The difference in the area under the curve between before and after the NADPH oxidase blockade or NO synthase blockade of aortic rings from SHR were of approximately +90 and −60 %, respectively, when compared with Wistar rats. In the aortic rings from the SHR-kefir group, these values were reduced to +50 and −40 %, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis of aortic endothelial cells revealed increased ROS production and decreased NO bioavailability in the SHR, which were significantly attenuated by the treatment with kefir. Scanning electronic microscopy showed vascular endothelial surface injury in SHR, which was partially protected following administration of kefir for 60 days. In addition, the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells was decreased in the non-treated SHR and partially restored by kefir treatment.

Conclusions

Kefir treatment for 60 days was able to improve the endothelial function in SHR by partially restoring the ROS/NO imbalance and the endothelial architecture due to endothelial progenitor cells recruitment.

Effect of fermented milk product containing lactotripeptides and plant sterol esters on haemodynamics in subjects with the metabolic syndrome – a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

We investigated the effects of fermented milk product containing isoleucine–proline–proline, valine–proline–proline and plant sterol esters (Pse) on plasma lipids, blood pressure (BP) and its determinants systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 104 subjects with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) were allocated to three groups in order to receive fermented milk product containing (1) 5 mg/d lactotripeptides (LTP) and 2 g/d plant sterols; (2) 25 mg/d LTP and 2 g/d plant sterols; (3) placebo for 12 weeks. Plasma lipids and home BP were monitored. Haemodynamics were examined in a laboratory using radial pulse wave analysis and whole-body impedance cardiography in the supine position and during orthostatic challenge. There were no differences between the effects of the two treatments and placebo on the measurements of BP at home or on BP, systemic vascular resistance index and cardiac index in the laboratory, neither in the supine nor in the upright position. The changes in plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration were − 0·1 (95 % CI − 0·3, 0·1 and − 0·3, 0·0) mmol/l in the 5 and 25 mg/d LTP groups, respectively, and +0·1 (95 % CI − 0·1, 0·3) mmol/l during placebo (P= 0·024). Both at baseline and at week 12, the increase in systemic vascular resistance during head-up tilt was lower in the 25 mg/d LTP group than in the 5 mg/d LTP group (P< 0·01), showing persistent differences in cardiovascular regulation between these groups. In subjects with the MetS, intake of LTP and Pse in fermented milk product showed a lipid-lowering effect of borderline significance, while no antihypertensive effect was observed at home or in the laboratory.

Casein-derived lactotripeptides reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

There is an urgent need to treat individuals with high blood pressure (BP) with effective dietary strategies. Previous studies suggest a small, but significant decrease in BP after lactotripeptides (LTP) ingestion, although the data are inconsistent. The study aim was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of data from all relevant randomised controlled trials (RCT). Medline, Cochrane library, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched until May 2014. Eligibility criteria were RCT that examined the effects of LTP on BP in adults, with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) as outcome measures. Thirty RCT met the inclusion criteria, which resulted in 33 sets of data. The pooled treatment effect for SBP was −2.95 mmHg (95% CI: −4.17, −1.73; p < 0.001), and for DBP was −1.51 mmHg (95% CI: −2.21, −0.80; p < 0.001). Sub-group analyses revealed that reduction of BP in Japanese studies was significantly greater, compared with European studies (p = 0.002 for SBP and p < 0.001 for DBP). The 24-h ambulatory BP (AMBP) response to LTP supplementation was statistically non-significant (p = 0.101 for SBP and p = 0.166 for DBP). Both publication bias and “small-study effect” were identified, which shifted the treatment effect towards less significant SBP and non-significant DBP reduction after LTP consumption. LTP may be effective in BP reduction, especially in Japanese individuals; however sub-group, meta-regression analyses and statistically significant publication biases suggest inconsistencies.

The impact of milk proteins and peptides on blood pressure and vascular function: a review of evidence from human intervention studies

CVD are the leading cause of death worldwide. Hypertension, a major controllable risk factor of CVD, is intimately associated with vascular dysfunction, a defect which is also now recognised to be a major, modifiable risk factor for the development of CVD. The purpose of the present review was to critically evaluate the evidence for the effects of milk proteins and their associated peptides on blood pressure (BP) and vascular dysfunction. After a detailed literature search, the number of human trials evaluating the antihypertensive effects of casein-derived peptides (excluding isoleucine-proline-proline and valine-proline-proline) was found to be limited; the studies were preliminary with substantial methodological limitations. Likewise, the data from human trials that examined the effects of whey protein and peptides were also scarce and inconsistent. To date, only one study has conducted a comparative investigation on the relative effects of the two main intact milk proteins on BP and vascular function. While both milk proteins were shown to reduce BP, only whey protein improved measures of arterial stiffness. In contrast, a growing number of human trials have produced evidence to support beneficial effects of both milk proteins and peptides on vascular health. However, comparison of the relative outcomes from these trials is difficult owing to variation in the forms of assessment and measures of vascular function. In conclusion, there is an accumulating body of evidence to support positive effects of milk proteins in improving and/or maintaining cardiovascular health. However, the variable quality of the studies that produced this evidence, and the lack of robust, randomised controlled intervention trials, undermines the formulation of firm conclusions on the potential benefits of milk proteins and peptides on vascular health.

Lactotripeptides intake and blood pressure management: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lactotripeptides (LTPs, including IPP and VPP) have held promise in the framework of lifestyle modification for prevention and control of hypertension - a cardiovascular risk factor, as LTPs are reported to have an inhibitory effect on angiotensin-converting enzyme. While the number of clinical trials to test the efficacy of LTP continues to increase, the results have been inconsistent, especially in the last few years. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to precisely estimate the pooled mean effect of LTPs on conventional blood pressure (BP) generally and on 24-h ambulatory BP (ABP) particularly, as well as the change of BP in relation to baseline BP, race, and study design, to better reflect the evolving field.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In general analysis of 24 studies with 28 trials on 1919 human subjects, there are small reductions in both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) with the pooled mean effects of 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): -2.48 and -0.84) and 0.76 mmHg (-1.31 and -0.20) in response to LTP administration. In analysis of 24-h ABP response to LTP intervention, the reductions of SBP and DBP are 1.30 (-2.49 and -0.11) and 0.57 mmHg (-1.49 and 0.35). In subgroup analysis, the anti-hypertensive efficacy appears to be related to baseline BP, ethnic differences, treatment duration and double versus not double-blind design.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that the BP-lowering effect of LTP is statistically significant, though small in magnitude. More clinical investigations (especially randomized double-blind trials with ABP) are warranted to determine the anti-hypertensive efficacy of LTP conclusively.

The role of dietary protein in blood pressure regulation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite a considerable amount of research, the blood pressure (BP) lowering effect of dietary proteins is still not fully established. This review discusses the most recent findings on BP lowering of dietary proteins and protein sources, the possible mechanisms and the safety of increasing protein intake.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent short-term, strictly controlled, randomized clinical trials show a BP lowering effect of increased protein intake. Longer-term trials, however, show inconsistent results. Because all recent trials exchanged carbohydrates, and not fats, for proteins, the question remains whether potential beneficial effects of high protein diets are due to increased protein intake or decreased carbohydrate intake. No clear differences between plant protein and animal protein are found in observational studies, and trials comparing plant versus animal protein are lacking. Different protein sources may lower BP via different mechanisms, which might explain divergent findings. Potential harms of high protein diets are not confirmed in recent trials in healthy persons.

SUMMARY

Increasing dietary protein intake or decreasing carbohydrate intake within reasonable limits may be beneficial for BP. The most and least beneficial protein sources still need to be determined.

A spread containing bioactive milk peptides Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro, and plant sterols has antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering effects

Lifestyle intervention is recommended as the primary treatment for mild hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. We studied the effects of a spread containing bioactive milk peptides IPP and VPP, as well as plant sterols, on cardiovascular risk factors in 104 hypertensive, hypercholesterolemic subjects in a randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind intervention. Middle-aged subjects consumed 20 g day⁻¹ of a spread containing 4.2 mg of IPP and VPP as well as 2 g of plant sterols for 10 weeks after a 2 week run-in period. Blood pressure was measured at home 3 times a week. Office blood pressure and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure measurements were performed at the end of the run-in and intervention periods. Blood samples were analysed for serum lipids, plasma glucose and inflammation markers. A significant decrease (-4.1 mmHg vs. -0.5 mmHg, p = 0.007) in systolic blood pressure was seen in the active group, compared to placebo at home measurements. Office blood pressure and 24 h nighttime or daytime ambulatory systolic or diastolic pressure did not differ between the groups. Total (-0.16 vs. 0.25 mmol l⁻¹, p = 0.005) and LDL cholesterol (-0.16 vs. 0.18 mmol l⁻¹, p = 0.006) decreased significantly in the active group compared to the placebo. No significant differences between groups were seen for plasma glucose or inflammation markers. The results thus suggest that milk peptides IPP and VPP and plant sterols, in a low-fat spread matrix, produce a clinically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure as well as serum total and LDL cholesterol without adverse effects. Functional foods that affect 2 major risk factors offer a safe and convenient way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by supporting lifestyle intervention.