Supplementation with low molecular weight peptides from fish protein hydrolysate reduces acute mild stress-induced corticosterone secretion and modulates stress responsive gene expression in mice

Abstract

First evidence started to demonstrate the anxiolytic effects of low molecular weight peptides extracted from natural products, such as fish hydrolysate, but their underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a chronic administration of fish hydrolysate on stress reactivity and to understand the mechanisms involved. Stress response (corticosterone secretion, expression of stress-responsive genes) was measured in Balb/c mice supplemented with fish hydrolysate (300 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle daily for 7 days before being submitted to an acute mild stress protocol. Our results demonstrated that 30 min after stress induction, fish hydrolysate decreased corticosterone level compared to control mice. Moreover, fish hydrolysate supplementation modulated expression of stress responsive genes involved in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis regulation, circadian rhythm and aging process. These findings suggest that fish hydrolysate represents an innovative strategy to prevent stress-induced aversive effects and participate in stress management.