Milk Protein-Derived Antioxidant Tetrapeptides as Potential Hypopigmenting Agents

Abstract

Excessive accumulation of melanin can cause skin pigmentation disorders, which may be accompanied by significant psychological stress. Although many natural and synthetic products have been developed for the regulation of melanogenesis biochemistry, the management of unwanted skin pigmentation remains challenging. Herein, we investigated the potential hypopigmenting properties of peptide sequences that originated from milk proteins such as ĸ-casein and β-lactoglobulin. These proteins are known to inhibit melanogenesis and their hydrolysates are reported as antioxidant peptides. We synthesize tetrapeptide fragments of the milk protein hydrolysates and investigate the amino acids that are essential for designing peptides with tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. We found that the peptide methionine-histidine-isoleucine-arginine amide sufficiently inhibits mushroom tyrosinase activity, shows potent antioxidant activity and effectively impedes melanogenesis in cultured melanocytes via cooperative biological activities. Our findings demonstrate the potential utility of the bioactive tetrapeptide from milk proteins as a chemical alternative to hypopigmenting agents.

Naturally occurring and synthetic peptides: Efficient tyrosinase inhibitors

“…The results demonstrated up to 57% reduction in Mel‐Ab cells and 70% in B16F10 cells. Also, no toxic effects was reported at this concentration on the above mentioned cell lines 76 …”

“…Also, no toxic effects was reported at this concentration on the above mentioned cell lines. 76 Stefanucci et al synthesized and evaluated the tyrosinase inhibitory effects of two plant-derived opioid peptides, soymorphin-6…”

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial and Fungal Spoilage Organisms in Branded and Unbranded Milk; Consumer Perception of Safety Hazard for Milk

“…With adequately constructed cans, a shelf life in excess of 5 years is realistic, particularly when FMP products have been gas flushed with N 2 to minimize the amount of available O 2 . However, national food safety authorities often adopt a conservative approach by reducing the nominated shelf life [42]. Furthermore, the use of sachets (Nylon) is well positioned to exploit the opportunities for convenience food markets.…”

Whey protein‐derived peptides improve blood profile and enhance muscular endurance in mice

“…To decelerate cellular senescence, it is crucial to introduce external sources of substances such as antioxidants (Varesi et al 2022;Liao et al 2019). Polyphenolic compounds, various natural substances and milk proteins are notable components that can help combat cellular senescence (Gra żyna et al 2017;Khan et al 2019;Bian et al 2020;Kong et al 2020;Csekes and Rackova 2021;Stobiecka et al 2022). Polyphenolic compounds are found in a diverse range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, tea and grains, and they possess potent antioxidant properties.…”

“…Natural substances derived from plants or herbs contain diverse bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant capabilities, safeguard cells against oxidative stress and impede cellular senescence (Yin et al 2019). Milk proteins contain a rich assortment of amino acids and peptides that contribute to the maintenance of cellular health (Kong et al 2020). Specific components found in milk proteins, such as casein, lactoferrin and beta-lactoglobulin, exhibit antioxidant and immune-modulating properties, which aid in alleviating the detrimental effects associated with cellular senescence.…”