Hepatoprotective peptides purified from Corbicula fluminea and its effect against ethanol‐induced LO2 cells injury

Summary This study was focused on the purification, identification and mechanism of hepatoprotective peptides from Corbicula fluminea by using Sephadex G‐15 chromatography, UPLC–MS/MS, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, cell experiment and molecular docking. Six identified peptides were synthesised chemically and subjected to evaluate hepatoprotective effect. ORAC value and hepaprotective effect against ethanol‐induced LO2 cell injury in vitro were determined. The results showed that Tyr‐Phe‐Leu‐Pro (YP‐4) and Leu‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro (LP‐4) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity and significantly increased the viability of ethanol‐injured LO2 cells. These two peptides significantly reduced ROS levels and efficiently inhibited the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential in ethanol‐injured LO2 cells. Molecular docking revealed that YP‐4 and LP‐4 possess potential inhibitory activity on CYP2E1 and thus reduce ethanol‐induced oxidative stress. It is suggested that YP‐4 and LP‐4 have good hepatoprotective effect against alcoholic liver injury.