Pea Peptides Modified by Steam Explosion Ameliorate H ₂ O ₂ ‐Induce

ABSTRACT

Steam explosion technology can effectively enhance the biological activity of protein or peptides, while the antioxidant activity of steam‐exploded pea peptides (SEPP) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the antioxidant effect and molecular mechanism of SEPP against oxidative stress in PC12 cells. A cell oxidative damage model induced by H ₂ O ₂ was established, and ultrafiltration was used to screen the optimal active fraction. The expression of key antioxidant‐related genes and proteins was detected to explore the molecular mechanism. LC–MS/MS combined with virtual screening and molecular docking was used to identify bioactive peptide sequences. Results showed that SEPP significantly reduced H ₂ O ₂ ‐induced intracellular ROS and malondialdehyde accumulation in PC12 cells. SEPP fraction obtained by ultrafiltration (SEPP3) enhanced the activity of key antioxidant enzymes, elevated the relative mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), while promoting p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Inhibition of p38 MAPK markedly reversed SEPP3‐mediated Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO‐1 upregulation. Five novel antioxidant peptides (VYPW, FPYW, WLFP, FGFF, FPEY) were identified, which could stably bind to the Keap1‐Kelch domain through hydrogen bonds. In conclusion, SEPP exhibits great potential as a functional ingredient to ameliorate oxidative stress via regulating the p38 MAPK/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.