Potential of Food Protein-Derived Bioactive Peptides against Sarcopenia: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Sarcopenia is an age-related progressive muscle disorder characterized by accelerated loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, which are important causes of physiological dysfunctions in the elderly. At present, the main alleviating method includes protein supplements to stimulate synthesis of muscle proteins. Food protein-derived peptides containing abundant branched-chain amino acids have a remarkable effect on the improvement of sarcopenia. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanism and clarifying the structure–activity relationship is essential for the mitigation of sarcopenia. This present review recaps the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia, which facilitates a comprehensive understanding of sarcopenia. Moreover, the latest research progress on food-derived antisarcopenic peptides is reviewed, including their antisarcopenic activity, molecular mechanism as well as structural characteristics. Food-derived bioactive peptides can indeed alleviate/mitigate sarcopenia. These antisarcopenic peptides play a pivotal role mainly by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways and inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system and AMPK pathway, thus promoting the synthesis of muscle proteins and inhibiting their degradation. Antisarcopenic peptides alleviate sarcopenia via specific peptides, which may be absorbed into the circulation and exhibit their bioactivity in intact forms. The present review provides a theoretical reference for mitigation and prevention of sarcopenia by food protein-derived bioactive peptides.

Unveiling the Potential of Nelumbo nucifera-Derived Liensinine to Target The Myostatin Protein and to Counteract Muscle Atrophy

“…Drugs that target MSTN have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of muscle atrophy. − However, no pharmaceuticals targeting this protein have been introduced into clinical practice. Natural compounds derived from food sources represent a treasure trove of nature; they contain numerous small molecules with unknown effects that hold great potential for pharmaceutical development. − While traditional screening methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive when it comes to screening a vast number of compounds, computer-aided drug design (CADD) can significantly shorten the time and process of drug screening. Moreover, utilizing computer simulations for molecular docking enables proactive assessment of the interactions between drugs and targets, facilitating a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action. , This endeavor provides a solid foundation for drug research and application.…”

Zein-Derived Peptides from Corn Promote the Proliferation of C2C12 Myoblasts via Crosstalk of mTORC1 and mTORC2 Signaling Pathways

“…This regulatory effect on protein synthesis and degradation suggests the potential of WP-S to effectively alleviate sarcopenia. Collagen dipeptide (Hyp-Gly) has been reported to promote myogenic differentiation and myotube hypertrophy in C 2 C 12 myoblasts, increasing myotube size and specific protein expression [ 11 ]. Consequently, bioactive peptides are promising as dietary supplements for alleviating sarcopenia.…”