Algae as a source of peptides inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme: a systematic review

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2022 Mar 18;94(2):e20201636. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202220201636. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Hypertension is a factor that contributes to the risk of chronic diseases. The inhibition of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is a useful therapeutic approach to the hypertension treatment. The algae have been an alternative for the production of ACE inhibitory (ACEi) peptides from enzymatic hydrolysis due to their protein-rich biomass. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the production, composition and activity of ACEi peptides derived from algae proteins. Systematic database searches identified 648 related articles. Among these, only 14 were selected according to the eligibility criteria to this review. Macroalgae are more studied than microalgae as sources of ACEi peptides. Furthermore, hydrolysates by thermolysin or bromelain exhibited the highest ACEi activity compared to other enzymes. The main features of the peptides with high ACE inhibition are low molecular weight, short amino acids sequence and non-competitive inhibition pattern. In vivo studies using hydrolysates and peptides derived from algae proteins showed antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thus, it is suggested that ACEi peptides derived from algae can be considered as potential antihypertensive.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors* / chemistry
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Angiotensins / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antihypertensive Agents / chemistry
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hypertension* / drug therapy
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Rats

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Angiotensins
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Peptides