(P15-024-24) Anti-obesity Effect of a Functional Food and Prevention of Obesity Related Glomerulopathy

Objectives: Obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Obesity related glomerulopathy (ORG) is characterized by albuminuria, loss of podocytes, and progressive glomerulosclerosis. Previously we identified functional foods such as amla, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper and their bioactive that prevented the progression of CKD. In this study, we tested a functional food mixture (FFM) consisting of these functional foods in a specific proportion for its effect on obesity and ORG in a spontaneous obese (WNIN/GR-Ob) rat model.

Methods: The FFM consists of powders of 1 g of Emblica officinalis, 0.25 g of Curcuma longa, 0.5 g of Piper nigrum, 1 g of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, 1.5 g of Zingiber officinale (4.25 g) as FF2 and also a 5 times lower-level composition (0.85g) as FF1 was mixed in 100 g of rodent diet. WNIN-GR/Ob rats and their lean littermates were randomized (n=6/group) and fed with FFM  at both levels (FF1 and FF2). Food intake, body weight, and fasting blood glucose were monitored for 6 months. At the end of the experiment, body composition was analyzed using DEXA. Lipid profile, proteinuria, and energy-regulating hormones leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin were analyzed. Insulin resistance, plasma advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and malondialdehyde were also determined. Histology of the kidney and collagen deposition were visualized with H&E and Massons trichome staining. Markers of oxidative stress, podocyte, AGEs, and inflammation were assessed by western blotting and qRT-PCR.

Results: Supplementation of FFM to obese rats exerted an antihyperlipidemic effect, and reduced fat accumulation, and proteinuria. Treatment also improved leptin, insulin resistance, and plasma adiponectin levels. Accumulation of plasma AGEs and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced in the obese animals that were fed with FFM. Histology revealed glomerular hypertrophy and excessive collagen accumulation in the obese rats compared to lean while there was a decreased collagen accumulation in treated animals. FFM improved oxidative stress markers, lowered AGEs accumulation (CML/RAGE), and attenuated inflammation (NFκB pathway) thereby preventing the loss of podocyte proteins in obese animals.

Conclusions: Functional food mix improved the outcomes of ORG through its multiple actions in obese rats.

Funding Sources: MOFPI, UGC, and ICMR, India