Food-derived bioactive peptides: Mechanisms of action underlying inflammation and oxidative stress in the central nervous system

There is a great interest in neuroprotective molecules capable of inhibiting the signaling, transduction and amplification of inflammatory and oxidative pathways to reverse or prevent brain cell damage and neurodegeneration. Peptides derived from food proteins represent a potential natural source for this action. Although there are several food sources and amino acid sequences that have shown promising effects, the mechanism of action on brain cells is not fully understood. Food peptides must resist digestion and be absorbed by the gastrointestinal and brain barriers. Its intact form or its metabolites must reach the brain tissue to exert action on a cellular level. It remains unknown which are the main receptors and intracellular pathways through which peptides act in inflammatory and oxidative conditions, and structure-activity relationships. This article reviews the main findings on food-derived peptides with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactivity on brain cell culture and in vivo models of neurotoxicity. We highlight the main oxidative and inflammatory pathways by which food peptides interact at cellular level. The evaluation of the interaction/affinity of these food peptides with different brain cellular compounds may provide insight of possible therapeutic use or food supplement development.