Chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer are now the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammatory processes and oxidative stress underlie the pathogenesis of these pathological conditions. Bioactive peptides derived from food proteins have been evaluated for various beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this review, we summarize the roles of various food-derived bioactive peptides in inflammation and oxidative stress and discuss the potential benefits and limitations of using these compounds against the burden of chronic diseases.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from egg have demonstrated reduction of blood pressure (BP) in vivo. In this study we evaluated the effects of egg white hydrolysate (EWH) prepared by thermolysin and pepsin in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Fourteen to sixteen week old SHRs were implanted with telemetry devices. After recovery, the rats were divided randomly into three groups: untreated, EWH low dose (250 mg/kg BW), and EWH high dose (1000 mg/kg BW) for 12 days. BP showed a significant reduction in the EWH high dose group compared to untreated controls. BP reduction was associated with enhanced ex vivo vasodilation reduced oxidative/nitrosative stress, reduced angiotensin converting enzyme and angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression, while enhanced angiotensin II type 2 receptor expression. Circulating level of angiotensin II was unaffected. Thus, EWH exerted anti-hypertensive effects in SHRs through multiple mechanisms of vascular relaxation and RAS modulation.