Efficacy of a Novel ACE-Inhibitory Peptide from Sargassum Maclurei in Hypertension and Reduction of Intracellular Endothelin-1

Alaria esculenta, Ulva lactuca, and Palmaria palmata as Potential Functional Food Ingredients for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and obesity raise an individual's risk of suffering from diseases associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). In humans, enzymes that play a role in the prevention and development of MS include angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-1) associated with hypertension, α-amylase associated with T2D, and lipase linked to the development of obesity. Seaweeds are a rich source of bioactives consisting of proteins/peptides, polysaccharides, and lipids. This study examined the potential of seaweed-derived bioactives from Alaria esculenta, Ulva lactuca, and Palmaria palmata as inhibitors of ACE-1, α-amylase, and lipase. In vitro enzyme inhibitory assays were used to quantify the bioactivity of the seaweed extracts and compare their half-maximal inhibitory (IC50) values to recognised positive control enzyme inhibitory drugs captopril© (an ACE-1 inhibitor), acarbose (an α-amylase inhibitor), and orlistat (a lipase inhibitor). Three seaweed extracts displayed enzyme inhibitory activities equal to, or more effective than, the reference positive control drugs. These were P. palmata peptides (ACE-1 IC50 94.29 ± 3.07 µg/mL, vs. captopril© 91.83 ± 2.68 µg/mL); A. esculenta polyphenol extract (α-amylase IC50 147.04 ± 9.72 µg/mL vs. acarbose 185.67 ± 12.48 µg/mL, and lipase IC50 106.21 ± 6.53 µg/mL vs. orlistat 139.74 ± 9.33 µg/mL); and U. lactuca polysaccharide extract (α-amylase IC50 168.06 ± 10.53 µg/mL vs. acarbose 185.67 ± 12.48 µg/mL). Proximate analysis also revealed that all three seaweeds were a good source of protein, fibre, and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (PUFAs). These findings highlight the potential of these seaweeds in the management of diseases associated with MS and as foods.

Marine peptides as potential anti-aging agents: Preparation, characterization, mechanisms of action, and future perspectives

Aging is a universal biological process characterized by a decline in physiological functions, leading to increased susceptibility to diseases. With global aging trends, understanding and mitigating the aging process is paramount. Recent studies highlight marine peptides as promising bioactive substances with potential anti-aging properties. This review critically examines the potential of marine peptides as novel food ingredients in anti-aging, exploring their sources, preparation methods, physicochemical properties, and the underlying mechanisms through which they impact the aging process. Marine peptides exhibit significant potential in targeting aging, extending lifespan, and enhancing healthspan. They act through mechanisms such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, modulating mitochondrial dysfunction, inducing autophagy, maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis, and regulating longevity-related pathways. Despite challenges in stability, bioavailability, and scalability, marine peptides offer significant potential in health, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, warranting further research and development in anti-aging.

DeepForest-HTP: A novel deep forest approach for predicting antihypertensive peptides

Hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affecting over 1.5 billion adults worldwide. Antihypertensive peptides (AHTPs) have gained attention as a natural therapeutic option with minimal side effects. This study proposes a Deep Forest-based machine learning framework for AHTP prediction, leveraging a multi-granularity cascade structure to enhance classification accuracy. We integrated data from BIOPEP-UWM and three previously used datasets, totaling 2000 peptide sequences, and introduced novel feature extraction methods to build a comprehensive dataset for model training. This study represents the first application of Deep Forest for AHTP identification, demonstrating substantial classification performance advantages over traditional methods (e.g., SVM, CNN, and XGBoost) as well as recent mainstream prediction models (Ensemble-AHTPpred, CNN-SVM Ensemble, and mAHTPred). Requiring no complex manual feature engineering, the model adapts flexibly to various data needs, offering a novel perspective for efficient AHTP prediction and promising utility in hypertension management. On the benchmark dataset, the model achieved high accuracy, sensitivity, and AUC, providing a robust tool for identifying safe and effective AHTPs. However, future efforts should incorporate larger and more diverse independent validation datasets to further improve the model and enhance its generalizability. Additionally, the model's predictive accuracy relies on known AHTP targets and sequence features, potentially limiting its ability to detect AHTPs with uncharacterized or atypical properties.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide from the tuna (Thunnus thynnus) muscle: Screening, interaction mechanism and stability

In this study, the purpose was to screen novel angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory peptides (ACEIPs) from tuna muscle taking two-steps enzymatic hydrolysis (Neutrase and Alkaline). Following isolation and purification by ultrafiltration, the Sephadex G-15 gel chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography based on active-guide, the amino acid sequence was identified using Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Five peptides were chose synthesized based on the in silico screening methods. Among these, the two novel ACEIPs LTGCP and YPKP showed better inhibitory ability, and their corresponding IC50 values were 64.3 μM and 139.6 μM. Subsequently, the interaction mechanism of the best active peptide (LTGCP) against ACE was investigated by inhibitory pattern, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. The result displayed that LTGCP was a mix-type inhibitor against ACE from the Lineweaver-Burk plots. LTGCP formed seven hydrogen bonds based on the molecular docking and the binding energy was -7.29 kcal/mol. LTGCP formed a stability complex with ACE based on the molecular dynamic simulation. Besides, LTGCP exhibited good stability in various temperature, pH and gastrointestinal digestion. Finally, the 0.125 mM ∼ 1.0 mM LTGCP exhibited no-toxic for Caco-2 cell. In summary, these findings showed that tuna was a good material to prepare ACEIPs and LTGCP may be the good potential antihypertensive drug or nutraceuticals.

From Sea to Lab: Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibition by Marine Peptides-Mechanisms and Applications

To reveal potent ACE inhibitors, researchers screen various bioactive peptides from several sources, and more attention has been given to aquatic sources. This review summarizes the recent research achievements on marine peptides with ACE-inhibitory action and application. Marine peptides are considered excellent bioactives due to their large structural diversity and unusual bioactivities. The mechanisms by which these marine peptides inhibit ACE include competitive binding to ACEs' active site, interfering with ACE conformational changes, and avoiding the identification of substrates. The unique 3D attributes of marine peptides confer inhibition advantages toward ACE activity. Because IC50 values of marine peptides' interaction with ACE are low, structure-based research assumes that the interaction between ACE and peptides increased the therapeutic application. Numerous studies on marine peptides focused on the sustainable extraction of ACE-inhibitory peptides produced from several fish, mollusks, algae, and sponges. Meanwhile, their potential applications and medical benefits are worth investigating and considering. Due to these peptides exhibiting antioxidant, antihypertensive, and even antimicrobial properties simultaneously, their therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease and other illnesses only increases. In addition, as marine peptides show better pharmacological benefits, they have increased absorption rates and low toxicity and could perhaps be modified for better stability and bioefficacy. Biotechnological advances in peptide synthesis and formulation have greatly facilitated the generation of peptide-based ACE inhibitors from marine sources, which subsequently offer new treatment models. This article gives a complete assessment of the present state of knowledge about marine organism peptides as ACE inhibitors. In addition, it emphasizes the relevance of additional investigation into their mechanisms of action, the optimization of manufacturing processes, and assessment in in vivo, preclinical, and clinical settings, underlining the urgency and value of this study. Using marine peptides for ACE inhibition not only broadens the repertory of bioactive compounds but also shows promise for tackling the global health burden caused by cardiovascular diseases.

Two Novel Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory and ACE2 Upregulating Peptides from the Hydrolysate of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Meal

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seed meal (PSM), the major byproduct of pumpkin seed oil industry, was used to prepare angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) upregulating peptides. These peptides were isolated and purified from the PSM hydrolysate prepared using Neutrase 5.0 BG by ultrafiltration, Sephadex G-15 column chromatography, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Two peptides with significant ACE inhibition activity were identified as SNHANQLDFHP and PVQVLASAYR with IC50 values of 172.07 and 90.69 μM, respectively. The C-terminal tripeptides of the two peptides contained Pro, Phe, and Tyr, respectively, and PVQVLASAYR also had Val in its N-terminal tripeptide, which was a favorable structure for ACE inhibition. Molecular docking results declared that the two peptides could interact with ACE through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, the two peptides performed protective function on EA.hy926 cells by decreasing the secretion of endothelin-1, increasing the release of nitric oxide, and regulating the ACE2 activity. In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion showed the two peptides exhibited good stability against gastrointestinal enzyme digestion. In conclusion, PSM is a promising material for preparing antihypertensive peptides.

Identification and Characterization of Novel ACE Inhibitory and Antioxidant Peptides from Sardina pilchardus Hydrolysate

Sardina pilchardus is a valuable source of bioactive peptides with potential applications in functional foods. In this study, we investigated the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of Sardina pilchardus protein hydrolysate (SPH) produced using dispase and alkaline protease. Our results showed that the low molecular mass fractions (<3 kDa) obtained through ultrafiltration exhibited more effective ACE inhibition, as indicated by screening with ACE inhibitory activity. We further identified the low molecular mass fractions (<3 kDa) using an LC-MS/MS rapid screening strategy. A total of 37 peptides with potential ACE inhibitory activity were identified based on high biological activity scores, non-toxicity, good solubility, and novelty. Molecular docking was used to screen for peptides with ACE inhibitory activity, resulting in the identification of 11 peptides with higher -CDOCKER ENERGY and -CDOCKER INTERACTION ENERGY scores than lisinopril. The sequences FIGR, FILR, FQRL, FRAL, KFL, and KLF were obtained by synthesizing and validating these 11 peptides in vitro, all of which had ACE inhibitory activity, as well as zinc-chelating capacity. All six peptides were found to bind to the three active pockets (S1, S2, and S1') of ACE during molecular docking, indicating that their inhibition patterns were competitive. Further analysis of the structural characteristics of these peptides indicated that all six peptides contain phenylalanine, which suggests that they may possess antioxidant activities. After experimental verification, it was found that all six of these peptides have antioxidant activities, and we also found that the SPH and ultrafiltration fractions of SPH had antioxidant activities. These findings suggest that Sardina pilchardus may be a potential source of natural antioxidants and ACE inhibitors for the development of functional foods, and using LC-MS/MS in combination with an online database and molecular docking represents a promising, effective, and accurate approach for the discovery of novel ACE inhibitory peptides.

Two Novel Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Peptides from Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Bran Protein

To realize the high-value utilization of rice byproducts, the rice bran protein hydrolysate was separated and purified by ultrafiltration and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), then the sequences of peptides were identified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and their molecular docking analysis and activities in vitro and in the cell were carried out. Two novel peptides FDGSPVGY (840.3654 Da) and VFDGVLRPGQ (1086.582 Da) were obtained with IC₅₀ values of 0.079 mg/mL (94.05 μM) and 0.093 mg/mL (85.59 μM) on angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in vitro, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that two peptides interacted with ACE receptor protein through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, etc. Through the EA.hy926 cells, it was found that FDGSPVGY and VFDGVLRPGQ could promote the release of nitric oxide (NO) and reduce the content of ET-1 to achieve the effect of antihypertension. In conclusion, the peptides from rice bran protein exhibited significant antihypertension activity and may be expected to realize the high-value utilization of rice byproducts.

Research progress in lipid metabolic regulation of bioactive peptides

Hyperlipidemia poses a serious threat to human health and evaluating the ability of natural active substances to regulate disorders of lipid metabolism is the focus of food functionality research in recent years. Bioactive peptides are distinguished by their broad range of sources, high nutritional content, ease of absorption and use by the body, and ease of determining their sequences. Bioactive peptides have a wide range of potential applications in the area of medicines and food. The regulation of lipid metabolism disorder caused by bioactive peptides from different sources provides a reference for the development and research of bioactive peptides for lipid reduction.

Graphical Abstract

Macroalgal Proteins: A Review

Population growth is the driving change in the search for new, alternative sources of protein. Macroalgae (otherwise known as seaweeds) do not compete with other food sources for space and resources as they can be sustainably cultivated without the need for arable land. Macroalgae are significantly rich in protein and amino acid content compared to other plant-derived proteins. Herein, physical and chemical protein extraction methods as well as novel techniques including enzyme hydrolysis, microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound sonication are discussed as strategies for protein extraction with this resource. The generation of high-value, economically important ingredients such as bioactive peptides is explored as well as the application of macroalgal proteins in human foods and animal feed. These bioactive peptides that have been shown to inhibit enzymes such as renin, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE-1), cyclooxygenases (COX), α-amylase and α-glucosidase associated with hypertensive, diabetic, and inflammation-related activities are explored. This paper discusses the significant uses of seaweeds, which range from utilising their anthelmintic and anti-methane properties in feed additives, to food techno-functional ingredients in the formulation of human foods such as ice creams, to utilising their health beneficial ingredients to reduce high blood pressure and prevent inflammation. This information was collated following a review of 206 publications on the use of seaweeds as foods and feeds and processing methods to extract seaweed proteins.

Seaweed-Derived Proteins and Peptides: Promising Marine Bioactives

Seaweeds are a typical food of East-Asian cuisine, to which are alleged several beneficial health effects have been attributed. Their availability and their nutritional and chemical composition have favored the increase in its consumption worldwide, as well as a focus of research due to their bioactive properties. In this regard, seaweed proteins are nutritionally valuable and comprise several specific enzymes, glycoproteins, cell wall-attached proteins, red algae phycobiliproteins, lectins, peptides, or mycosporine-like amino acids. This great extent of molecules has been reported to exert significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, or antitumoral properties. Hence, knowledge on algae proteins and derived compounds have gained special interest for the potential nutraceutical, cosmetic or pharmaceutical industries based on these bioactivities. Although several molecular mechanisms of action on how these proteins and peptides exert biological activities have been described, many gaps in knowledge still need to be filled. Updating the current knowledge related to seaweed proteins and peptides is of interest to further asses their potential health benefits. This review addresses the characteristics of seaweed protein and protein-derived molecules, their natural occurrence, their studied bioactive properties, and their described potential mechanisms of action.

Avdović E, Radulović M, Xiao J, A. Prieto M, Simal-Gandara J. Seaweed Protein Hydrolysates and Bioactive Peptides: Extraction, Purification, and Applications

Seaweeds are industrially exploited for obtaining pigments, polysaccharides, or phenolic compounds with application in diverse fields. Nevertheless, their rich composition in fiber, minerals, and proteins, has pointed them as a useful source of these components. Seaweed proteins are nutritionally valuable and include several specific enzymes, glycoproteins, cell wall-attached proteins, phycobiliproteins, lectins, or peptides. Extraction of seaweed proteins requires the application of disruptive methods due to the heterogeneous cell wall composition of each macroalgae group. Hence, non-protein molecules like phenolics or polysaccharides may also be co-extracted, affecting the extraction yield. Therefore, depending on the macroalgae and target protein characteristics, the sample pretreatment, extraction and purification techniques must be carefully chosen. Traditional methods like solid-liquid or enzyme-assisted extraction (SLE or EAE) have proven successful. However, alternative techniques as ultrasound- or microwave-assisted extraction (UAE or MAE) can be more efficient. To obtain protein hydrolysates, these proteins are subjected to hydrolyzation reactions, whether with proteases or physical or chemical treatments that disrupt the proteins native folding. These hydrolysates and derived peptides are accounted for bioactive properties, like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or antihypertensive activities, which can be applied to different sectors. In this work, current methods and challenges for protein extraction and purification from seaweeds are addressed, focusing on their potential industrial applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Identification, Characterization and Antihypertensive Effect In Vivo of a Novel ACE-Inhibitory Heptapeptide from Defatted Areca Nut Kernel Globulin Hydrolysates

The areca (Areca catechu L.) nut kernel (ANK) is a good potential protein source for its high protein content of 9.89-14.62 g/100 g and a high yield of around 300,000 tons per year in China. However, utilization of the areca nut kernel is limited. To expand the usage of ANK in pharmaceutical or foods industries, areca nut kernel globulin was extracted and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition peptides were prepared and identified using gel chromatography, reversed phase HPLC separation, UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis and in silico screening. Finally, a novel ACE-inhibitory heptapeptide (Ala-Pro-Lys-Ile-Glu-Glu-Val) was identified and chemically synthesized. The combination pattern between APKIEEV and ACE, and the inhibition kinetics, antihypertensive effect and endothlein-1 inhibition activity of APKIEEV were studied. The results of the molecular docking demonstrated that APKIEEV could bind to four active sites (not the key active sites) of ACE via short hydrogen bonds and demonstrated high ACE-inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 550.41 μmol/L). Moreover, APKIEEV exhibited a significantly lowering effect on both the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats, and had considerable suppression ability on intracellular endothelin-1. These results highlight the potential usage of APKIEEV as ingredients of antihypertensive drugs or functional foods.

Bioactive peptides in the management of lifestyle-related diseases: Current trends and future perspectives

Lifestyle-related diseases constitute a major concern in the twenty-first century, with millions dying worldwide each year due to chosen lifestyles and associated complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Although synthetic drugs have been shown to be quite effective in the treatment of these conditions, safety of these compounds remains a concern. Natural alternatives to drugs include food-derived peptides are now being explored for the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related complications. Peptides are fragments nascent in the primary protein sequences and could impart health benefits beyond basic nutritional advantages. Evidence suggests that by controlling adipocyte differentiation and lipase activities, bioactive peptides may be able to prevent obesity. Bioactive peptides act as agents against type 2 diabetes because of their ability to inhibit enzymatic activities of DPP-IV, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Moreover, bioactive peptides can act as competitive inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, thus eliciting an antihypertensive effect. Bioactive peptides may have a hypocholesterolemic effect by inhibiting cholesterol metabolism pathways and cholesterol synthesis. This review addresses current knowledge of the impact of food-derived bioactive peptides on lifestyle diseases. In addition, future insights on the clinical trials, allergenicity, cytotoxicity, gastrointestinal stability, and regulatory approvals have also been considered.