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Preclinical Evidence on the Anticancer Properties of Food Peptides
Subin R C K Rajendran, Chukwunonso E C C Ejike, Min Gong
1University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Natural, synthetic and analogues of peptides have shown prospects for application in cancer chemotherapy. Notably, some food protein-derived peptides are known to possess anticancer activities in cultured cancer cells, and also in animal cancer models via different mechanisms including induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, cellular membrane disruption, inhibition of intracellular signalling, topoisomerases and proteases, and antiangiogenic activity. Although the mechanism of several anticancer food peptides is yet to be clearly elucidated, there is potential for practical applications of the peptides as functional food and nutraceutical ingredients, especially in adjuvant cancer therapy. This review describes the aetiological mechanisms of cancers and the production, structures, mechanisms of action, availability, and cellular and physiological anticancer activities of the food peptides.
Insights
Food peptides show promise for cancer treatment, acting through various mechanisms like apoptosis induction and antiangiogenesis. These natural compounds offer potential as functional foods and in adjuvant cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Peptides, both natural and synthetic, are explored for cancer chemotherapy.
- Food protein-derived peptides exhibit anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo.
- Mechanisms include apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and antiangiogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticancer properties of food peptides.
- To discuss their production, structure, and mechanisms of action.
- To explore their potential in functional foods and adjuvant cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on food peptides and cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and antiangiogenesis.
- Examination of cellular and physiological anticancer activities.
Main Results:
- Food peptides demonstrate diverse anticancer activities.
- Mechanisms of action are varied and include direct cellular effects and pathway inhibition.
- Potential applications in functional foods and adjuvant cancer therapy are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Food-derived peptides represent a promising area for cancer research and therapy.
- Further elucidation of mechanisms can optimize their use in adjuvant cancer treatment.
- These peptides hold potential as nutraceutical ingredients for cancer management.
