The potential of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory peptides in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

• Oxidative stress and inflammation are essential in CVD.
• Oxidative stress interacts with inflammation.
• Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory peptides are applied against CVD.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The major modifiable risk factors include hypertension, raised blood glucose, cholesterol/lipids in addition to overweight/obesity and unhealthy life style. The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathophysiology of these risk factors are well recognized. Given the adverse side effects associated with pharmacological therapy, and well-established link between diet and risk of CVD, food-derived peptides have become an alternative strategy in the prevention and management of CVD. This review discusses the roles of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of major CVD risk factors and the potential application of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory peptides against CVD.