In silico evaluation of marine fish proteins as nutritional supplement for COVID-2019 patients

To date, there is no specific drug for the novel coronavirus COVID-19, moreover, many patients are in a state of anxiety. There is an urgent need to search various possible strategies including nutritional supplementation. This study tried to provide reference for protein supplementation. Specifically, 20 marine fish proteins were subjected to in silico hydrolysis by gastrointestinal enzymes, and a large number of active peptides were generated. Then, the binding abilities of these peptides to COVID-19 main protease and monoamine oxidase A were assessed. The results showed that NADH dehydrogenase could be good protein source in generating potent binders to the two enzymes, followed by cytochrome b. In addition, some high-affinity oligopeptides (VIQY, ICIY, PISQF, VISAW, AIPAW and PVSQF) were identified as dual binders to the two enzymes. In summary, some fish proteins could be helpful for COVID-19 patients when supplemented with these proteins, the identified oligopeptides could be used as lead compounds to design potential inhibitors against COVID-19 and anxiety.