VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) regulates smooth muscle relaxation by binding to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors on target cells, activating adenylate cyclase. This increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, initiating signalling pathways that relax smooth muscle fibres.
In the gastrointestinal tract system, this relaxation ensures proper motility, aiding in the efficient movement of food and digestion.
Within the vascular system, VIP promotes vasodilation, improving blood flow and maintaining healthy blood pressure. These actions support gastrointestinal and vascular health, ensuring essential nutrients and oxygen are delivered throughout the body. [5]
Helps lower blood pressure
By inducing muscle relaxation, VIP Peptide widens the blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing resistance. By enhancing circulation, VIP ensures efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, supporting overall cellular function [6]. Additionally, vivo studies have found it helps lower blood pressure, reducing strain on the heart and minimizing cardiovascular risks. VIP’s vasodilatory effects are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and optimizing the body’s physiological balance.
Reduces inflammation
VIP reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, while simultaneously boosting anti-inflammatory pathways. By binding to receptors on immune cells, VIP suppresses the activity of inflammatory signalling molecules and modulates immune cell behaviour, including T cells and macrophages [7]. This dual action helps control excessive inflammatory responses, preventing chronic inflammation and tissue damage. VIP’s ability to maintain immune balance makes it a promising therapeutic tool for treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, and respiratory disorders. By reducing inflammation, VIP supports overall health and helps restore tissue homeostasis [2].
Modulates the immune response
Singapore Research has shown that VIP modulates the immune system by balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. It achieves this through its interaction with receptors on immune cells, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha while boosting anti-inflammatory mediators. VIP also regulates the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, promoting a more controlled immune response. These actions play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive inflammation, which can damage tissues. Its immune-modulatory effects make VIP a promising therapeutic candidate for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, helping to restore balance and support overall immune health [2].
Enhances respiratory function
Scientists have suggest that VIP peptide can improve respiratory function by relaxing airway smooth muscles and reducing inflammation in the lungs. By binding to specific receptors, VIP promotes bronchodilation, which expands the airways and decreases resistance, allowing for better airflow [8]. It also modulates immune responses in the respiratory tract, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviating inflammation. These actions make VIP a promising option for treating conditions like asthma and pulmonary hypertension, where restricted airflow and inflammation are common issues.
Potential treatment for selected neurological disorders
By interacting with receptors in the nervous system, VIP supports neuronal survival, reduces oxidative stress, and mitigates neuroinflammation, which are key factors in the progression of disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis [9]. It helps maintain neural health by regulating immune responses in the brain and protecting against cell damage. These actions contribute to improved cognitive function, reduced disease progression, and enhanced brain health.
