Protective effect of antioxidant peptides from bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) on oxidative stress injury in Caco-2 cells

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce oxidative damage to cell membranes and biomolecules, leading to various chronic diseases. Therefore, the exploration of effective natural antioxidants that can replace traditional synthetic antioxidants to reduce excess free radicals without side effects is important. Herein, the antioxidant peptide (Lateolabrax japonicus protein hydrolysates; LPH) was obtained from bass (L. japonicus) by an optimal enzymatic hydrolysis process. The protective effect of LPH on the Caco-2 cell oxidative stress model and the potential antioxidant signaling pathways were explored. The results showed that LPH was rich in hydrophobic amino acids, and the IC50 for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was 0.9667 mg/mL. Furthermore, the LPH treatment reduced cellular ROS levels and lipid peroxidation while increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner (p < .05). LPH also upregulated the expression of mRNAs related to antioxidant enzymes in the Nrf2 signaling pathway (p < .05), demonstrating the efficacy of LPH on the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. These results suggested that LPH could be used as a potential food-derived antioxidant in the food and healthcare industries.