Value-Added Products from Marine Fishes

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine-Derived Ingredients for Drugs, Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 10847

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: fish; marine; food chemistry; food control; seafood

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Guest Editor
IPMA-Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: marine biotoxins; seafood poisoning; toxicity; detection and quantification techniques; screening seafood safety; exposure assessment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The biodiversity of the marine environment and the associated chemical variety of marine organisms contribute to an enormous range of biological effects. Marine fishes are considered important sources of bioactive compounds with several biological activities, including anti-Alzheimer, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, among others. Furthermore, the growing incidence of human chronic diseases increases the demand for new and safe therapeutics, in order to treat and prevent these health issues. Moreover, the inclusion of compounds from marine fishes can add value by incorporating environmental, social, cultural, or ethical values based on the use of sustainable resource.

This Special Issue aims to gather research on the potential use of natural compounds from marine fishes for applications in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, original research articles, as well as reviews, focused on value-added products and/or ingredients from marine fish with potential health benefits are welcome.

Dr. Helena Maria Lourenço
Dr. Sónia Pedro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • marine fishes
  • bioactivity
  • health benefits
  • blue economy
  • chronic diseases

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4887 KiB  
Article
Screening of Potential Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-Inhibitory Peptides in Squid (Todarodes pacificus) Skin Hydrolysates: Preliminary Study of Its Mechanism of Inhibition
by Mingyuan Li, Qianqian Liang, Yurui Zhang, Xin Jiang, Yuan Gu, Xin Song, Xichang Wang and Wenzheng Shi
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(2), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23020081 - 13 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 808
Abstract
Background: Hypertension has been identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Given the prevalence of the adverse effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory (ACEI) drugs, natural and effective alternatives to these medications need to be identified. Methods: An investigative study was conducted to [...] Read more.
Background: Hypertension has been identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Given the prevalence of the adverse effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory (ACEI) drugs, natural and effective alternatives to these medications need to be identified. Methods: An investigative study was conducted to assess the ACEI capacity and structural characteristics of enzymatic hydrolysates with varying molecular weights derived from squid skin. The amino acid sequences of the enzymatic digests were analyzed via Nano LC-MS/MS and screened for peptides with ACEI activity using an in silico analysis. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to investigate the interaction between potential ACEI peptides and ACE. Results: TPSH-V (MW < 1 kDa) exhibited the highest rate of ACEI, a property attributable to its substantial hydrophobic amino acid content. Additionally, TPSH-V exhibited high temperature and pH stability, indicative of regular ordering in its secondary structure. The binding modes of four potential novel ACEI peptides to ACE were predicted via molecular docking with the sequences of FHGLPAK, IIAPPERKY, RGLPAYE, and VPSDVEF, all of which can bind to the ACE active site via hydrogen bonding, with FHGLPAK, RGLPAYE, and VPSDVEF being able to coordinate with Zn2+. Conclusions: Squid skin constitutes a viable resource for the production of ACEI peptides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Value-Added Products from Marine Fishes)
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24 pages, 1381 KiB  
Article
Enzymatic Hydrolysis Systems Enhance the Efficiency and Biological Properties of Hydrolysates from Frozen Fish Processing Co-Products
by Maria Sapatinha, Carolina Camacho, Antónia Juliana Pais-Costa, Ana Luísa Fernando, António Marques and Carla Pires
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23010014 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1354
Abstract
Co-products from the frozen fish processing industry often lead to financial losses. Therefore, it is essential to transform these co-products into profitable goods. This study explores the production of fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) from three co-products: the heads and bones of black scabbardfish [...] Read more.
Co-products from the frozen fish processing industry often lead to financial losses. Therefore, it is essential to transform these co-products into profitable goods. This study explores the production of fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) from three co-products: the heads and bones of black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo), the carcasses of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), and the trimmings of Nile perch (Lates niloticus). Four enzymatic hydrolysis systems were tested: an endopeptidase (Alcalase, A), an exopeptidase (Protana, P), two-stage hydrolysis with an endopeptidase followed by an exopeptidase (A + P), and a single stage with endo- and exopeptidase (AP). The results show that combined enzymatic treatments, especially single-stage Alcalase and Protana (AP), achieved high protein yields (80%) and enhanced degrees of hydrolysis (34 to 49%), producing peptides with lower molecular weights. FPH exhibited significant antioxidant activity, in 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, with EC50 values below 5 mg/mL. Additionally, AP hydrolysates demonstrated over 60% angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition at 5 mg/mL, indicating potential antihypertensive applications. Antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer activities were present, but at relatively low levels. AP hydrolysates, especially from gilthead seabream, proved to be the most promising. This study highlights the value of fish co-products as sources of functional peptides, contributing to waste reduction, and their potential applications in food, agriculture, and nutraceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Value-Added Products from Marine Fishes)
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16 pages, 5773 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Takifugu bimaculatus Skin Peptides in Alleviating Hyperglycemia in Rats with Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Based on Microbiome and Metabolome Analyses
by Min Xu, Bei Chen, Kun Qiao, Shuji Liu, Yongchang Su, Shuilin Cai, Zhiyu Liu, Lijun Li and Qingbiao Li
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(8), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22080377 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1373
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore the hypoglycemic effects of a hydrolysate on Takifugu bimaculatus skin (TBSH). The effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities from different TBSH fractions was investigated on basic indexes, gut hormones, blood lipid indexes, viscera, and [...] Read more.
In this study, we aimed to explore the hypoglycemic effects of a hydrolysate on Takifugu bimaculatus skin (TBSH). The effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities from different TBSH fractions was investigated on basic indexes, gut hormones, blood lipid indexes, viscera, and the gut microbiota and its metabolites in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The results showed that the <1 kDa peptide fraction from TBSH (TBP) exhibited a more potent DPP-IV inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.45 ± 0.01 mg/mL). T2DM rats were induced with streptozocin, followed by the administration of TBP. The 200 mg/kg TBP mitigated weight loss, lowered fasting blood glucose levels, and increased insulin secretion by 20.47%, 25.23%, and 34.55%, respectively, rectified irregular hormonal fluctuations, lipid metabolism, and tissue injuries, and effectively remedied gut microbiota imbalance. In conclusion, TBP exerts a hypoglycemic effect in rats with T2DM. This study offers the potential to develop nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from T. bimaculatus. It will provide information for developing nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from T. bimaculatus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Value-Added Products from Marine Fishes)
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Review

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46 pages, 1892 KiB  
Review
Unraveling the Omega-3 Puzzle: Navigating Challenges and Innovations for Bone Health and Healthy Aging
by Zayana Ali, Mohammad Ahmed Al-Ghouti, Haissam Abou-Saleh and Md Mizanur Rahman
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(10), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100446 - 28 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3701
Abstract
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), are essential polyunsaturated fats primarily obtained from fatty fish and plant-based sources. Compelling evidence from preclinical and epidemiological studies consistently suggests beneficial effects of [...] Read more.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), are essential polyunsaturated fats primarily obtained from fatty fish and plant-based sources. Compelling evidence from preclinical and epidemiological studies consistently suggests beneficial effects of ω-3 PUFAs on bone health and healthy aging processes. However, clinical trials have yielded mixed results, with some failing to replicate these benefits seen in preclinical models. This contraindication is mainly due to challenges such as low bioavailability, potential adverse effects with higher doses, and susceptibility to oxidation of ω-3 fatty acids, hindering their clinical effectiveness. This review comprehensively discusses recent findings from a clinical perspective, along with preclinical and epidemiological studies, emphasizing the role of ω-3 PUFAs in promoting bone health and supporting healthy aging. Additionally, it explores strategies to improve ω-3 PUFA efficacy, including nanoparticle encapsulation and incorporation of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) derived from DHA and EPA, to mitigate oxidation and enhance solubility, thereby improving therapeutic potential. By consolidating evidence from various studies, this review underscores current insights and future directions in leveraging ω-3 PUFAs for therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Value-Added Products from Marine Fishes)
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24 pages, 5396 KiB  
Review
Revolutionizing Cardiovascular Health with Nano Encapsulated Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Nano-Solution Approach
by Richa Gill, Mashael Al-Badr, Mohammad Alghouti, Nura Adam Mohamed, Haissam Abou-Saleh and Md Mizanur Rahman
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(6), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22060256 - 30 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3021
Abstract
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) offer diverse health benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular health, improving cognitive function, promoting joint and musculoskeletal health, and contributing to healthy aging. Despite their advantages, challenges like oxidation susceptibility, low bioavailability, and potential adverse effects at high [...] Read more.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) offer diverse health benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular health, improving cognitive function, promoting joint and musculoskeletal health, and contributing to healthy aging. Despite their advantages, challenges like oxidation susceptibility, low bioavailability, and potential adverse effects at high doses persist. Nanoparticle encapsulation emerges as a promising avenue to address these limitations while preserving stability, enhanced bioavailability, and controlled release. This comprehensive review explores the therapeutic roles of omega-3 fatty acids, critically appraising their shortcomings and delving into modern encapsulation strategies. Furthermore, it explores the potential advantages of metal–organic framework nanoparticles (MOF NPs) compared to other commonly utilized nanoparticles in improving the therapeutic effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids within drug delivery systems (DDSs). Additionally, it outlines future research directions to fully exploit the therapeutic benefits of these encapsulated omega-3 formulations for cardiovascular disease treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Value-Added Products from Marine Fishes)
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