Caseinophosphopeptides exert partial and site-specific cytoprotection against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells

Caseinophosphopeptides can sequester prooxidant metals and scavenge free radicals, and may thus be used as functional food ingredients. The total antioxidant capacity (TEAC and ORAC) of two pools of caseinophosphopeptides (1–3 mg/ml), obtained from casein subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (at two different pH values) and selective precipitation, was evaluated to determine dose–response activity. Pool B (which showed the highest antioxidant capacity due to the presence of more antioxidant amino acids) was used to test its cytoprotective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. Caseinophosphopeptides protected the cells against oxidative damage by preserving cell viability, increasing GSH content, inducing catalase enzyme activity, diminishing lipid peroxidation and maintaining a correct cell cycle progression. However, they failed to exert protection at a mitochondrial level (ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential), implying a partial and site-specific effect. Thus, their mechanism of action is not only related to free radical scavenging activity, but also to metal chelation and the modulation of intracellular signaling cascades.