Bioactive Milk Peptides: A Prospectus

Abstract

Bioactive peptides have been identified within the amino acid sequences of native milk proteins. Hydrolytic reactions, such as those catalyzed by digestive enzymes, result in their release. These peptides directly influence numerous biological processes evoking behavioral, gastrointestinal, hormonal, immunological, neurological, and nutritional responses. The specific bioreactions associated with each physiological class have been well characterized. Herein, we review the scientific literature and attempt to stimulate consideration of the continued use of bioactive peptides and their expanded development as a commercial product. Several applications have already evolved. For example, phosphopeptides derived from casein fractions are currently used as both dietary and pharmaceutical supplements. Potentially, the addition of bioactive peptides to food products could improve consumer safety as a result of their antimicrobial properties. Lastly, bioactive peptides may function as health care products, providing therapeutic value for either treatment of infection or prevention of disease.

Tryptophan-containing milk protein-derived dipeptides inhibit xanthine oxidase

“…LF has been described as a multifunctional milk protein displaying a range of bioactivities. Intact and hydrolyzed lactoferrin have mainly been reported as antimicrobial [7,9,12,28,35,52], anti-inflammatory [14,28,36] opioid antagonist [12] and antioxidant agents [71]. Intact LF did not inhibit XO (Table 3).…”

“…These include the management of cardiovascular disease with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, mineral binding and 4 anti-oxidant peptide activities [6,12,23,49]. Milk proteins, peptide sequences encrypted within the primary structures of the milk proteins and amino acids have also been associated with the regulation of postprandial glycaemia and insulin secretion in normoglycaemic and type 2 diabetic subjects [24,26,56,57,61,72].…”

Efficacy of αs1-casein hydrolysate on stress-related symptoms in women

“…Numerous bioactive peptides which are identified in milk protein may be released after enzymatic digestion (Meisel, 1997;Clare and Swaisgood, 2000). The functional peptides from milk showed many physiological effects, such as calcium biotransfer activity (Lee et al, 1979), opiate activity (Meisel and FitzGerald, 2000), immunomodulating activity (Pitt et al 1974;Totima et al, 1994), anti-hypertensive activity (Maruyama et al, 1987), and anti-thrombotic activity (Chabance et al, 1995).…”

PA-PG-PL System in Dairy Animals and its Significance: A Review

“…Milk synthesis starts in the epithelial cells of the mammary gland at the end of pregnancy to support the nutrition and promote the health of the off-spring. Milk contain vital nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins, together with bioactive substances including immunoglobulins, peptides, antimicrobial factors, hormones, growth factors and enzymes (Clare and Swaisgood, 2000).…”