Preclinical Evaluation of Kardin: Pharmacological Properties and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Peptides Derived from the Hearts of Neonatal Lambs

Bioactive peptides derived from animal tissues have gained increasing attention for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Kardin is a novel peptide preparation obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of cardiac proteins from neonatal lambs. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antiexudative, and immunomodulatory effects of Kardin in preclinical models and to explore its potential molecular mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in Wistar rats using carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw edema models as well as cotton pellet-induced granuloma. Kardin was administered orally at ultra-low doses (10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁴ mg/kg) and compared with acetylsalicylic acid and prednisolone. Serum biochemical parameters (CRP, ASO, ALT, AST) were analyzed. In silico molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to investigate peptide interaction with the CysLT1 receptor. Kardin significantly reduced acute and chronic inflammation, exhibiting superior antiexudative activity compared to reference drugs even at ultra-low doses. Treatment markedly decreased ASO levels without altering liver or kidney function markers. In silico analyses revealed stable binding of Kardin peptides to CysLT1, suggesting allosteric modulation of inflammatory signaling. These findings indicate that Kardin possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects with a favorable safety profile, supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammatory disorders.