EFFECT OF BIOACTIVE PEPTIDES DERIVED FROM WHEY PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE ON INTESTINAL METABOLIC SIGNALING AND ENTEROENDOCRINE ACTIVITY

Abstract

Annotation. This article analyzes the mechanisms of interaction between bioactive peptides formed during the enzymatic hydrolysis of whey proteins and the intestinal epithelium, enteroendocrine system and gut microbiota. Scientific sources highlight how whey peptides stimulate the secretion of enterohormones such as GLP-1, GIP, PYY and CCK, influence glucose homeostasis, fat and energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammation processes and enterocyte regeneration. Activation of GPCR receptors in the intestine, Ca²⁺ signaling, AMPK and MAPK/ERK cascades, as well as alterations in the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), are discussed as molecular pathways of peptide effects. The results indicate that whey-derived peptides possess high nutraceutical and therapeutic potential.