Matís' final report on the project "Isolation, purification and research on blood pressure-lowering peptides from fish proteins" has been published.
Cardiovascular disease is common in Iceland and has been one of the most common causes of death, and high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors. Recent research suggests that the effects of protein on health are greater than providing the necessary energy and nutrients. Digestive proteins during digestion or other degradation produce smaller substances, peptides. In addition, amino acid sequences that were inactive within the protein chain become active when the peptides are "released". These peptides have many functions as physiological factors such as the effect on blood pressure, digestion, oxidative processes and more in the body and are called bioactive substances. It is therefore possible to use peptides in health foods and even medicines.
The aim of the project was to study the activity of fish peptides and to isolate, purify and define peptides that have an antihypertensive effect. The project set up facilities and knowledge acquired so far by Matis. This includes a method for measuring the activity of substances that inhibit Angiotensin Converting enzyme (ACE), which is important in the control of blood pressure as well as peptide isolation and purification equipment. In collaboration with the University of Iceland, HPLC and Maldi-Tof equipment were used to analyze which peptides were in the active components. Among other things, peptides that have not previously been defined as ACE inhibitors were found.
The results of the project show that Icelandic fish protein could be an important source of peptides with antihypertensive properties. With the knowledge and facilities that have been acquired in the project, there are much greater opportunities to develop valuable fish products and health foods.
The project was funded by AVS research fund in the fisheries sector.
For further information, please contact Margrét Geirsdóttir, food scientist at Matís, mg@matis.is