Use of kefir peptide (Kef-1) as an emerging approach for the treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation in 2K1C mice
†*a
Fernanda
Gobbi Amorim,
†b
Larissa Zambom
Côco,
c
Amanda Pompermayer
da Conceição,
c
Tadeu Ériton Caliman
Zanardo,
de
Gabriel Henrique
Taufner,
de
Breno Valentim
Nogueira,
de
Elisardo Corral
Vasquez,
c
Thiago
Melo Costa Pereira,
cf
Bianca Prandi
Campagnaro
c
and
Silvana
dos Santos Meyrelles
a
Abstract
The benefits of kefir consumption are partially due to the rich composition of bioactive molecules released from its fermentation. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are bioactive molecules with potential use in the treatment or prevention of hypertension, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Here, the in vivo actions of the Kef-1 peptide, an ACE inhibitor derived from kefir, were evaluated in an angiotensin II-dependent hypertension model. The Kef-1 peptide showed a potential anti-hypertensive effect. Additionally, Kef-1 exhibited systemic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the Kef-1 peptide decreased ROS production through the reduced participation of NADPH oxidase and mitochondria. The aorta of 2K1C mice treated with Kef-1 showed lesser wall-thickening and partial restoration of the endothelial structure. In conclusion, these novel findings highlight the in vivo biological potential of this peptide demonstrating that Kef-1 may be a relevant nutraceutical treatment for cardiovascular diseases.
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