Peptide - Restore Health Clinic

What is a peptide?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Typically peptides contain less than 50 amino acids. Anything larger is considered a protein. Peptides play various important roles in the human body.

Key facts about peptides:

• Peptides are assembled from amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids link together via peptide bonds to form peptide chains.
• Peptides can act like hormones in the body to regulate critical biological processes like blood pressure, glucose levels, and nerve signaling. Some well-known peptide hormones are insulin and oxytocin.
• Special peptides help transport metals like copper and iron to enable key metabolic functions.
• Some peptides act as neurotransmitters that relay signals between nerve cells. Examples are endorphins for pain regulation and enkephalins that affect mood.
• The immune system uses various antimicrobial peptides to defend the body from pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Bioactive peptides in foods like dairy and meat can positively impact health. For instance, antihypertensive peptides may help reduce high blood pressure.

What are some key functions of peptides?

• Signaling - Peptides act as chemical messengers to coordinate many physiological activities like hormone secretion, nerve transmission, and immune defense.
• Catalytic - Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the body. Many enzymes are peptides with catalytic capabilities to support metabolism.
• Structural - Peptides provide structure and support. For example, oligopeptides in the brain may organize nerve cells during development.
• Nutrient transport - Special metal-binding peptides carry essential minerals like iron, copper, and zinc to support metabolic processes.
• Antimicrobial activity - Cationic antimicrobial peptides directly attack the membranes of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogens. This fights infection.

In summary, peptides are versatile, multifunctional molecules critical to health. From chemical messaging to metabolic support to immune protection, peptides influence practically every body system. Understanding the diverse biology of peptides may lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Manipulating peptide pathways holds exciting potential for tackling disease in the future.