Overview on milk protein-derived peptides

Milk protein-derived bioactive peptides include a variety of substances which are potential modulators of various regulatory processes in the body; many peptides reveal multifunctional bioactivities. Opioid peptides are opioid receptor ligands with agonistic or antagonistic activities. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides can exert an antihypertensive effect. Immunomodulating casein peptides stimulate proliferation of human lymphocytes and phagocytic activities of macrophages. Antimicrobial peptides kill sensitive microorganisms. Antithrombotic peptides inhibit frbrinogen binding to a specific receptor region on the platelet surface and also inhibit aggregation of platelets. Caseinophosphopeptides can form soluble organophosphate salts and may function as carriers for different minerals, especially calcium. In relation to their mode of action, bioactive peptides may reach target sites (e.g., receptors and enzymes) at the luminal side of the intestinal tract or, after absorption, in peripheral organs. Milk-derived peptides can be produced on an industrial scale and as a consequence these peptides have already been considered for application both as dietary supplements in 'functional foods' and as drugs. Hence, these peptides are claimed to be health enhancing nutraceuticals for food and pharmaceutical preparations. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.