Hormone‐like Peptides Obtained by Marine‐protein Hydrolysis and Their Bioactivities

Ó. Martínez-Álvarez • 3/27/2013

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the hormone-like effects of different protein hydrolysates derived from marine sources, as well as of the occurrence of potential hormone-like and hormone-releasing fragments encrypted within the sequences of different proteins from commercial species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. The potential use of these peptides as ingredients in functional foods or in fish feeds is also contemplated, as well as their physiological properties, both beneficial and detrimental. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is one of the most potent vasodilators among endogenous substances known to date, active throughout the cardiovascular system, although the most noticeable vasodilation effects occur in the microcirculation. Clinical studies showing scientific evidence of relevant effects in humans will be necessary before the use of hormone-like peptides as nutraceuticals can be considered.

Citations: 10