A diet containing cod backbone proteins attenuated the development of mesangial sclerosis and tubular dysfunction in male obese BTBR ob/ob mice

Eur J Nutr. 2023 Dec;62(8):3227-3240. doi: 10.1007/s00394-023-03227-4. Epub 2023 Aug 7.

Abstract

Purpose: The obese black and tan, brachyuric (BTBR) ob/ob mouse spontaneously develops features comparable to human diabetic nephropathy. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if a diet containing fish proteins would attenuate or delay the development of glomerular hypertrophy (glomerulomegaly), mesangial sclerosis and albuminuria in obese BTBR ob/ob mice.

Methods: Obese BTBR.CgLepob/WiscJ male mice were fed diets containing 25% of protein from Atlantic cod backbones and 75% of protein from casein (Cod-BB group), or casein as the sole protein source (control group). Kidneys were analysed morphologically, and markers for renal dysfunction were analysed biochemically in urine and serum.

Results: The Cod-BB diet attenuated the development of mesangial sclerosis (P 0.040) without affecting the development of glomerular hypertrophy and albuminuria. The urine concentration of cystatin C (relative to creatinine) was lower in mice fed the Cod-BB diet (P 0.0044).

Conclusion: A diet containing cod backbone protein powder attenuated the development of mesangial sclerosis and tubular dysfunction in obese BTBR ob/ob mice, but did not prevent the development of glomerular hypertrophy and albuminuria in these mice.

Keywords: Atlantic cod; Fish proteins; Glomerulomegaly; Obesity.

MeSH terms

  • Albuminuria* / prevention & control
  • Animals
  • Caseins
  • Diabetic Nephropathies* / prevention & control
  • Diet
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Obese
  • Obesity
  • Sclerosis

Substances

  • Caseins

Supplementary concepts

  • Mesangial sclerosis, diffuse