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Inhibition Mechanism, Multi-Target Regulation, and Protective Effects of Camel Casein ACE-Inhibitory Peptide on
Fei Zhang1,2, Hao Miao1,2, Chenkun Huo1,2
1College of Smart Agriculture (Research Institute), Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China.
Nutrients
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Camel milk peptides show potential for managing hypertension. Researchers identified three ACE-inhibitory peptides from camel casein that protect endothelial cells and may regulate blood pressure through multiple pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Hypertension is a major global health concern, driving research into natural alternatives to synthetic drugs.
- Food-derived peptides, particularly from camel milk casein, are recognized for their potential antihypertensive properties.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a key therapeutic target for managing blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen and characterize ACE-inhibitory peptides from hydrolyzed camel casein.
- To elucidate the inhibitory mechanisms and endothelial protective effects of these peptides in vitro.
- To explore their potential antihypertensive pathways using network pharmacology.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic hydrolysis of camel casein and screening of ACE-inhibitory peptides.
- Enzyme kinetics, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to determine inhibition patterns and binding interactions.
- Network pharmacology analysis to predict antihypertensive pathways and targets.
- In vitro cell experiments using an Ang II-induced HUVEC injury model to assess endothelial protection.
Main Results:
- Three peptides (MVPFLQPK, VPFLQPKVM, QKWKFL) with significant ACE inhibitory activity were identified.
- Kinetic analysis revealed competitive, non-competitive, and mixed inhibition patterns for the peptides.
- Molecular simulations confirmed stable peptide-ACE complexes, highlighting key binding interactions.
- Network pharmacology indicated regulation of the renin-angiotensin system and other pathways.
- Peptides demonstrated no cytotoxicity and offered endothelial protection by promoting NO release and inhibiting ET-1.
Conclusions:
- Camel milk-derived peptides exhibit potent in vitro ACE inhibition and endothelial protective effects.
- These peptides may offer a natural strategy for blood pressure regulation via multiple molecular targets.
- The findings provide a basis for developing functional camel milk products for hypertension management.
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