Peptides from Fish – Pharmacological Properties and Methods of Production

Organisms adapted to aquatic environments, including fish, are rich in various biologically active compounds. Peptides, molecules composed of two or more amino acid residues, hold particular value among these compounds. They exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, such as antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, antitumor, and antimicrobial effects. Peptides derived from fish serve as the basis for both pharmaceutical drugs and dietary supplements.

Source of Fish Peptides

The world’s oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes are inhabited by over 300,000 species, with approximately 15,000 predominantly being fish. Historically, fish were primarily viewed as a food resource. Incorporating fish into one’s diet provides the human body with essential components for life, including proteins, complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, micronutrients, macronutrients, and both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.

In recent times, fish-derived peptides have garnered special interest within the pharmaceutical industry. These organic compounds regulate cellular activity and are found in various parts of fish, including soft tissues, scales, bones, cartilage, and gills. To obtain peptides, not only fish tissues but also the remains left after fish processing, which constitute approximately 20-50% of the total raw material, are utilized. Using these byproducts helps address ecological and economic challenges related to waste disposal.

Therapeutic Action of Peptides

Fish have developed various sensory organs to survive in aquatic environments, including a well-functioning immune system to inhibit and eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. This immune response is mediated by specific peptides with pronounced antimicrobial properties. These peptides are present in the saliva, mucus, and blood of fish—environments into which pathogenic agents primarily infiltrate.

Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which may interact with healthy cells of the human body, fish-derived peptides do not exhibit the aggressiveness typically associated with chemical substances. They promote proper cellular function, stimulate regenerative processes, and do not induce adverse side effects. Peptides can facilitate tissue restoration, enhancing the activity of the immune system.

Scope of Peptide Applications

Bioactive peptides derived from fish vary in amino acid composition and sequence, leading to a wide range of therapeutic properties. These properties encompass immunomodulation, anti-tumor activity, anti-inflammatory effects, cytoprotection, antiviral activity, antimicrobial action, tissue regeneration, and analgesia. The therapeutic effects of peptides are determined by their chemical structure, charge, and other physicochemical characteristics.