“MARINE ANIMAL-DERIVED BIOACTIVE PEPTIDES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF MECHANISMS IN OXIDATIVE STRESS AND HYPERGLYCEMIA MANAGEMENT”

Abstract

Bioactive peptides derived from marine animals have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for managing metabolic disorders, particularly oxidative stress and hyperglycemia associated with diabetes. Specifically, this review synthesizes evidence from preclinical and in vitro studies on peptides extracted from sponges, mollusks, and fish. These peptides show multiple biological activities: they inhibit lipid peroxidation, enhance insulin sensitivity, and exert antioxidant effects by upregulating enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In experimental models induced by diabetogenic factors, peptide-treated groups show improvements compared to controls, including reduced fasting blood glucose, less oxidative damage, and preserved tissue architecture in the pancreas and liver. Furthermore, mechanistic insights reveal interactions with key pathways like Nrf2/Keap1 and AMPK, supporting their hypoglycemic and cytoprotective roles. Collectively, these findings position marine bioactive peptides as a natural alternative to synthetic antidiabetic drugs, highlighting the need for their clinical application in diabetes management.