Metabolomics as a tool to study the mechanism of action of bioactive protein hydrolysates and peptides: A review of current literature

Background: Metabolomics deals with the study of low molecular weight compounds and metabolites in biological fluids, tissues and organs. It is a relatively new and evolving field that is useful in the prediction of several biomarkers of food intake, diseases and drug toxicity at the cellular level. It has been applied to study chronic health conditions such as hypertension, cancer, oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes as well as food composition, nutritional assessment and food quality. However, very limited studies have been reported on the application of metabolomics profiling of the physiological effects of food bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates. Scope and approach: This review discusses the importance of metabolite profiling of the physiological effects of food bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates and associated regulatory mechanisms. Food bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates are important because of the numerous vital physiological roles they play in human health and diseases. Metabolite profiling of in vivo changes will provide better understanding of the pathogenesis of disease conditions and the regulatory mechanisms of action of bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates involved in the attenuation of these conditions. Key findings and conclusions: The study provides information on several metabolite changes and potential mechanisms of action associated with the consumption of bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates. It also offered an understanding of the regulatory pathways involved in the attenuation of several disease conditions by food bioactive peptides and protein hydrolysates as well as assisting in the development of biomarkers.