Molecular targets of antihypertensive peptides: understanding the mechanisms of action based on the pathophysiology of hypertension

Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Dec 24;16(1):256-83. doi: 10.3390/ijms16010256.

Abstract

There is growing interest in using functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Although numerous preventive and therapeutic pharmacological interventions are available on the market, unfortunately, many patients still suffer from poorly controlled hypertension. Furthermore, most pharmacological drugs, such as inhibitors of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), are often associated with significant adverse effects. Many bioactive food compounds have been characterized over the past decades that may contribute to the management of hypertension; for example, bioactive peptides derived from various food proteins with antihypertensive properties have gained a great deal of attention. Some of these peptides have exhibited potent in vivo antihypertensive activity in both animal models and human clinical trials. This review provides an overview about the complex pathophysiology of hypertension and demonstrates the potential roles of food derived bioactive peptides as viable interventions targeting specific pathways involved in this disease process. This review offers a comprehensive guide for understanding and utilizing the molecular mechanisms of antihypertensive actions of food protein derived peptides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Caseins / pharmacology
  • Caseins / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Proteins / pharmacology
  • Dietary Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Caseins
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Peptide Fragments