Bioactive peptides as a novel strategy to prevent alcoholic liver injury
Chuqiao Xiao1, Xiang-Guang Li1, Mouming Zhao2
1School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Alcohol intake has become one of the leading risks to human health and wellness, among which acute and/or chronic alcohol-induced liver injury is a leading threaten, with few therapeutic options other than abstinence. In recent years, studies suggested that certain bioactive peptides from food sources could represent natural and safe alternatives for the prevention of alcoholic liver injury. Hence, this chapter focus on the advanced research on bioactive peptides exerting hepatoprotective activity against alcoholic liver injury. The main sources of protein, strategies for the preparation of hepatoprotective hydrolysates and peptides, underlying mechanisms of peptides on hepatoprotection, and possible structure-activity relationship between peptides and hepatoprotective activity were summarized and discussed, aiming to give a systematic insight into the research progress of hepatoprotective peptides. However, more efforts would be needed to give a clearer insight into the underlying mechanisms and structure-activity relationship before using hepatoprotective peptides as functional food ingredients or dietary supplements.
Insights
Bioactive peptides from food show promise in preventing alcohol-induced liver injury. Further research into their mechanisms and structure-activity relationships is needed for dietary applications.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a major health risk, leading to significant liver damage with limited treatment options beyond abstinence.
- Alcohol-induced liver injury (AILI) represents a critical global health concern.
- Dietary bioactive peptides are emerging as potential natural therapeutic agents for AILI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current research on bioactive peptides with hepatoprotective effects against alcoholic liver injury.
- To explore protein sources, preparation methods, and mechanisms of action for these peptides.
- To discuss the structure-activity relationships of hepatoprotective peptides.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on bioactive peptides and hepatoprotection.
- Analysis of protein sources and enzymatic hydrolysis techniques for peptide generation.
- Examination of proposed molecular mechanisms underlying peptide-mediated liver protection.
- Discussion of structure-activity relationship studies.
Main Results:
- Identified various food protein sources and effective strategies for preparing hepatoprotective peptides.
- Summarized key mechanisms by which bioactive peptides exert liver protection, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Highlighted the importance of peptide structure in determining hepatoprotective activity.
Conclusions:
- Bioactive peptides derived from food sources demonstrate significant potential for preventing and treating alcoholic liver injury.
- Further investigation into the precise mechanisms and structure-activity relationships is crucial for their development as functional foods or supplements.
- Hepatoprotective peptides offer a promising avenue for natural interventions against AILI.
