Peptides affecting coagulation

Based on amino acid sequence similarities that exist between the fibrinogen gamma -chain and kappa -casein, and also functional similarities between m ilk and blood coagulation, considerable effort has been made to investigate the effects of milk proteins and peptides on platelet function and thrombo sis. In particular, a number of peptides derived from the glycomacropeptide segment of kappa -casein, have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis. KRDS, a peptide from lactoferrin has also been shown to inh ibit platelet aggregation but to a lesser extent than its fibrinogen analog ue RGDS. Despite their functional and structural similarities they do not a ct in the same way on platelet function and are thought to affect thrombus formation differently. Further investigation is needed to determine if thes e milk-derived bioactive peptides are released naturally following ingestio n and might therefore be useful as the basis for milk-based products with a nti-thrombotic properties.