The alteration of gut microbiota by bioactive peptides: a review

Evidences suggest that the homeostasis of gut microbiota is among the most important factors for maintaining the physical and mental health of the host. Among the multiple factors affecting the homeostasis of gut microbiota, diet is one of the decisive factors. Bioactive peptides derived from protein hydrolyzed by protease or fermented by microorganism have many physiological activities that their parent proteins do not have. Currently, bioactive peptides attract more and more attention due to their bidirectional interaction with gut microbes. It has been reported that some bioactive peptides could alter the composition of gut microbiota by influencing the intestinal microenvironment. Meanwhile, quite a few bioactive peptides that are released by gut microbes or intestinal cells could resist the pathogenic bacteria to sustain the homeostasis of gut microbiota. In this review, some exogenous bioactive peptides derived from food and some endogenous bioactive peptides released from intestinal cells or microbes were discussed to summary their effects on the modulation of gut microbiota. This review is expected to provide new ideas for related research, and as well to promote the application of bioactive peptides in the fields of food and medicine.