Antioxidant Efficacy of Protein Hydrolysates from Large Yellow Croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) in D-galactose-Induced Aging Mice

The antioxidant efficacy of protein hydrolysates prepared from large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) by enzymatic hydrolysis using neutral protease was evaluated in D-galactose-induced aging mice. Animals were divided into normal and model control groups, and low-, middle-, and high-dose groups (50, 100, and 300 mg/kg; LYCHs), as well as tocopherol (VE) and antagonistic (LYCHs + VE) groups. The study was carried out for 30 days. Administration of D-galactose induced oxidative damage with a significant rise (p < 0.01) in malondialdehyde and a reduction in several endogenous antioxidant enzymes and glutathione (GSH). Treatment with large yellow croaker protein hydrolysates stimulated an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, increased levels of reduced glutathione, and decreased malondialdehyde, compared with the model control group. Additionally, hepatocellular damage was evaluated by measuring aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. These results demonstrate the protective role of large yellow croaker protein hydrolysates in D-galactose-induced oxidative stress, as well as their potential as nutraceuticals or adjuvant agents for disease prevention.